Enteral & Parenteral Nutrition Support Flashcards

What is the primary indication for initiating enteral nutrition support?

Answer: Patient has a functioning GI tract but cannot meet needs orally

Enteral nutrition is indicated when the GI tract is functional but oral intake is insufficient to meet nutritional needs — the 'if the gut works, use it' principle.

Which enteral feeding route is preferred for short-term nutrition support expected to last fewer than 4–6 weeks?

Answer: Nasogastric (NG) tube

Nasogastric tubes are preferred for short-term enteral access because they are easily placed without surgery or endoscopy.

What is the standard caloric density of most isotonic enteral formulas?

Answer: 1.0 kcal/mL

Standard isotonic enteral formulas provide 1.0 kcal/mL, suitable for patients with normal fluid and caloric requirements.

Which of the following is an absolute contraindication for enteral nutrition?

Answer: Mechanical bowel obstruction

Mechanical bowel obstruction prevents normal GI transit, making any enteral feeding contraindicated until the obstruction is resolved.

To reduce aspiration risk during continuous enteral feeding, the head of the bed should be elevated to at least:

Answer: 30–45 degrees

Elevating the head of the bed to 30–45 degrees uses gravity to reduce gastric reflux and lower aspiration risk during enteral feeding.

Elemental or semi-elemental enteral formulas are most appropriate for patients with:

Answer: Impaired digestion or absorption such as short bowel syndrome or pancreatitis

Elemental/semi-elemental formulas contain pre-digested (hydrolyzed) nutrients that require minimal digestive work, making them ideal for GI malabsorption states.

Which electrolyte imbalance is the hallmark metabolic abnormality of refeeding syndrome?

Answer: Hypophosphatemia

Refeeding syndrome is characterized by severe hypophosphatemia caused by rapid intracellular uptake of phosphate when anabolic metabolism resumes after prolonged starvation.