Enteral nutrition questions from Dr. C

1. Which patient would the use of enteral nutrition be most indicated in?

• 1. A malnourished cancer patient with severe chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.

• 1. A critically ill patient with a functioning GI tract.

• 1. A previously well-nourished patient with a post-operative ileus.

• 1. A malnourished patient with short bowel syndrome (< 100 cm small intestine).

• 1. A patient with mild acute pancreatitis who is expected to resume a normal diet within 2-4 days.

Assuming the previous patient is hemodynamically stable, when should enteral nutrition be started?

• Within 48 hours

• Within 5 days

• Within 7 days

• Within 14 days

Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding the most appropriate use of fiber in enteral nutrition formulas?

• Pre-mixed fiber-containing enteral formulas should be used in all patients to prevent diarrhea.

• Pre-mixed fiber-containing formulas should be avoided in all critically-ill adults.

• Prebiotic soluble fiber supplements should be considered in all hemodynamically stable, critically ill adults.

• Pre-mixed fiber-containing formulas are preferred over prebiotic soluble fiber supplements for prevention of diarrhea.

True or False. Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) area preferred in enteral formulas due to their ease of absorption.  

• True

• False

1. An enteral formula comprised of which of the following components would be expected to have the highest osmolality?

• 1. Fructose

• 1. Lactose

• 1. Soybean oil

• 1. Whey protein

Match the complication to the appropriate management strategy.

1. Nausea and vomiting

• 1. Slow the rate of feeding

• 1. Raise the head of the bed

• 3. Stop enteral feeding

• 4. Add fiber

Match the complication to the appropriate management strategy.

1. Abdominal distension

• 1. Slow the rate of feeding

• 1. Raise the head of the bed

• 3. Stop enteral feeding

• 4. Add fiber

Match the complication to the appropriate management strategy.

1. Diarrhea

• 1. Slow the rate of feeding

• 1. Raise the head of the bed

• 3. Stop enteral feeding

• 4. Add fiber

Match the complication to the appropriate management strategy.

1. Aspiration

• 1. Slow the rate of feeding

• 1. Raise the head of the bed

• 3. Stop enteral feeding

• 4. Add fiber

When initiating enteral feeds, how often would you want to monitor a basic metabolic panel (BMP)?

• Daily

• Twice weekly

• Weekly

• Monthly