NMC CBT Nutrition and Fluid Balance 3

Question 1

When re-checking nasogastric tube position during ongoing feeding, what is the recommended first-line method according to NPSA guidelines?

Accepted Answer

pH testing of gastric aspirate

Answer

NPSA guidelines recommend pH testing of aspirate as the first-line method for ongoing tube position checks, with pH ≤5.5 confirming gastric placement.

Question 2

A patient is prescribed a 500 mL bag of 0.9% sodium chloride to infuse over 4 hours. Using a standard giving set (20 drops/mL), what is the correct drip rate in drops per minute?

Accepted Answer

42 drops/min

Answer

Drip rate = (500 mL × 20 drops/mL) ÷ (4 hours × 60 minutes) = 10000 ÷ 240 = 41.67, rounding to 42 drops per minute.

Question 3

Which body fluid compartment contains approximately two-thirds of the body's total water content?

Accepted Answer

Intracellular compartment

Answer

Approximately 67% (two-thirds) of total body water is located within cells in the intracellular compartment, with the remaining third in extracellular spaces.

Question 4

A patient with chronic heart failure has been prescribed furosemide. Which electrolyte imbalance is the nurse MOST likely to monitor for as a side effect?

Accepted Answer

Hypokalaemia

Answer

Furosemide is a loop diuretic that promotes potassium excretion in the urine, commonly leading to hypokalaemia which requires regular monitoring and possible supplementation.

Question 5

A patient is identified as at HIGH risk of malnutrition using the MUST tool. Which action is MOST appropriate as an immediate step?

Accepted Answer

Refer to the dietitian and implement a nutritional care plan

Answer

A MUST score of 2 or above (high risk) requires immediate referral to the dietitian and implementation of an individualised nutritional care plan per NICE guidelines.

(NMC CBT) Nursing and Midwifery Council Computer-Based Test Practice Test

(NMC CBT) Nursing and Midwifery Council Computer-Based Test Practice Test

NMC CBT Nutrition and Fluid Balance 3