NHM 412 QUIZ 5: ENTERAL NUTRITION | EXAM QUESTIONS & VERIFIED ANSWER
KEY WITH RATIONALE | NUTRITION SUPPORT THERAPY LATEST (2026/2027)
NHM 412: Nutrition Support Therapy ⭐
Quiz 5 — Enteral Nutrition | ANSWER KEY Total: 60 Points
SECTION A: Multiple Choice (Questions 1–10 | 3 pts each = 30 pts)
1. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate indication for enteral nutrition
(EN)?
✔ A) A patient with a functional GI tract who is unable to
ANSWER meet nutritional needs orally
Rationale: EN is indicated when a patient cannot consume adequate nutrition
orally but has a functioning gastrointestinal tract. Intact GI function is the
primary prerequisite. Obstruction, hemodynamic instability, and active GI
bleeding are contraindications.
2. A nasogastric (NG) tube is considered a SHORT-TERM feeding access
because it is designed for use up to:
✔ B) 4–6 weeks
ANSWER
Rationale: Nasogastric tubes are intended for short-term use (generally up to
4–6 weeks). For patients requiring long-term EN (>4–6 weeks), a more
permanent access such as a PEG or PEJ is recommended to improve patient
comfort and reduce complications.
3. Which enteral access route bypasses the stomach and delivers formula
directly into the small intestine?
✔ C) Nasojejunal (NJ) tube
ANSWER
, Rationale: The nasojejunal (NJ) tube is placed so its tip lies in the jejunum,
bypassing the stomach entirely. This is used when gastric feeding is not
tolerated (e.g., gastroparesis, high aspiration risk, or pancreatitis requiring
post-pyloric feeds).
4. Gastric residual volume (GRV) monitoring is performed to assess:
✔ B) Risk of aspiration and gastric motility
ANSWER
Rationale: GRV monitoring helps evaluate how well the stomach is emptying.
High residuals may indicate delayed gastric emptying and increased risk of
regurgitation and aspiration. Current guidelines suggest GRVs up to 500 mL
should not automatically trigger cessation of feeds.
5. A standard polymeric enteral formula is MOST appropriate for a patient who:
✔ B) Has intact digestive and absorptive capacity
ANSWER
Rationale: Polymeric formulas contain intact macronutrients (whole proteins,
complex carbohydrates, long-chain triglycerides) and require normal digestion
and absorption. They are the standard first-line formula for most patients with
a functional GI tract.
6. Which of the following delivery methods provides the tube feeding
continuously over 16–24 hours?
✔ C) Continuous infusion
ANSWER
Rationale: Continuous infusion delivers formula at a constant rate over 16–24
hours via a pump. It is used in critically ill patients or those with poor GI
tolerance. Cyclic is continuous but over a shorter window (e.g., nocturnal);
bolus is rapid large-volume delivery; intermittent gravity drip is given over 20–
60 min several times daily.
7. Refeeding syndrome is characterized by a precipitous drop in which electrolyte
following initiation of nutrition support?
✔ C) Phosphorus
ANSWER
Rationale: Refeeding syndrome is characterized by severe
hypophosphatemia when nutrition is reintroduced after prolonged starvation.
Carbohydrate intake stimulates insulin release, driving phosphorus into cells
for ATP synthesis, causing a dangerous drop in serum phosphorus. It can also
involve hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia.
KEY WITH RATIONALE | NUTRITION SUPPORT THERAPY LATEST (2026/2027)
NHM 412: Nutrition Support Therapy ⭐
Quiz 5 — Enteral Nutrition | ANSWER KEY Total: 60 Points
SECTION A: Multiple Choice (Questions 1–10 | 3 pts each = 30 pts)
1. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate indication for enteral nutrition
(EN)?
✔ A) A patient with a functional GI tract who is unable to
ANSWER meet nutritional needs orally
Rationale: EN is indicated when a patient cannot consume adequate nutrition
orally but has a functioning gastrointestinal tract. Intact GI function is the
primary prerequisite. Obstruction, hemodynamic instability, and active GI
bleeding are contraindications.
2. A nasogastric (NG) tube is considered a SHORT-TERM feeding access
because it is designed for use up to:
✔ B) 4–6 weeks
ANSWER
Rationale: Nasogastric tubes are intended for short-term use (generally up to
4–6 weeks). For patients requiring long-term EN (>4–6 weeks), a more
permanent access such as a PEG or PEJ is recommended to improve patient
comfort and reduce complications.
3. Which enteral access route bypasses the stomach and delivers formula
directly into the small intestine?
✔ C) Nasojejunal (NJ) tube
ANSWER
, Rationale: The nasojejunal (NJ) tube is placed so its tip lies in the jejunum,
bypassing the stomach entirely. This is used when gastric feeding is not
tolerated (e.g., gastroparesis, high aspiration risk, or pancreatitis requiring
post-pyloric feeds).
4. Gastric residual volume (GRV) monitoring is performed to assess:
✔ B) Risk of aspiration and gastric motility
ANSWER
Rationale: GRV monitoring helps evaluate how well the stomach is emptying.
High residuals may indicate delayed gastric emptying and increased risk of
regurgitation and aspiration. Current guidelines suggest GRVs up to 500 mL
should not automatically trigger cessation of feeds.
5. A standard polymeric enteral formula is MOST appropriate for a patient who:
✔ B) Has intact digestive and absorptive capacity
ANSWER
Rationale: Polymeric formulas contain intact macronutrients (whole proteins,
complex carbohydrates, long-chain triglycerides) and require normal digestion
and absorption. They are the standard first-line formula for most patients with
a functional GI tract.
6. Which of the following delivery methods provides the tube feeding
continuously over 16–24 hours?
✔ C) Continuous infusion
ANSWER
Rationale: Continuous infusion delivers formula at a constant rate over 16–24
hours via a pump. It is used in critically ill patients or those with poor GI
tolerance. Cyclic is continuous but over a shorter window (e.g., nocturnal);
bolus is rapid large-volume delivery; intermittent gravity drip is given over 20–
60 min several times daily.
7. Refeeding syndrome is characterized by a precipitous drop in which electrolyte
following initiation of nutrition support?
✔ C) Phosphorus
ANSWER
Rationale: Refeeding syndrome is characterized by severe
hypophosphatemia when nutrition is reintroduced after prolonged starvation.
Carbohydrate intake stimulates insulin release, driving phosphorus into cells
for ATP synthesis, causing a dangerous drop in serum phosphorus. It can also
involve hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia.
