Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Enteral & Parenteral Nutrition Support

Question 1

What is the primary indication for initiating enteral nutrition support?

Accepted Answer

Patient has a functioning GI tract but cannot meet needs orally

Answer

Patient requires immediate caloric repletion via intravenous route

Answer

Patient has complete intestinal failure with no GI function

Answer

Patient has severe mechanical bowel obstruction

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Nasogastric (NG) tube

Answer

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG)

Answer

Jejunostomy tube (J-tube)

Answer

Gastrostomy tube (G-tube)

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

1.0 kcal/mL

Answer

0.5 kcal/mL

Answer

1.5 kcal/mL

Answer

2.0 kcal/mL

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Mechanical bowel obstruction

Answer

Mild-to-moderate acute pancreatitis

Answer

Dysphagia with aspiration risk

Answer

Short bowel syndrome with residual small intestine

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

30–45 degrees

Answer

0–15 degrees

Answer

15–25 degrees

Answer

60–90 degrees

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Impaired digestion or absorption such as short bowel syndrome or pancreatitis

Answer

Normal GI function and high caloric demands

Answer

Diabetes mellitus requiring carbohydrate restriction

Answer

Renal failure with fluid volume restrictions

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

Hypophosphatemia

Answer

Hypernatremia

Answer

Hyperkalemia

Answer

Hypercalcemia