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ENTERAL & PARENTERAL NUTRITION NURSING EXAM
PRACTICE EXAMINATION – 100 QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS
AND RATIONALES (2026-27 VERSION)
Exam Introduction
This examination evaluates the nurse’s knowledge and clinical competence in enteral and
parenteral nutrition therapy. Nutrition support is a critical component of patient care,
particularly for individuals who cannot meet their nutritional requirements through oral intake.
This exam assesses the nurse’s ability to:
• Understand the principles of enteral nutrition (EN) and parenteral nutrition (PN)
• Identify appropriate indications and contraindications
• Demonstrate knowledge of tube feeding methods and management
• Recognize complications and nursing interventions
• Apply patient safety principles
• Interpret clinical scenarios related to nutrition therapy
The questions reflect the format used in nursing school exams, NCLEX-style assessments, and
clinical competency evaluations.
Exam Instructions
• Total Questions: 100
• Question Type: Multiple Choice
• Each question has four options (A–D)
• Select the best answer
• Each question includes a correct answer and detailed rationale
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Question 1
A patient is unable to swallow due to a neurological condition
but has a functioning gastrointestinal tract. Which nutrition
support method is most appropriate?
A. Total parenteral nutrition
B. Enteral nutrition via feeding tube
C. Intravenous glucose infusion
D. Peripheral parenteral nutrition
Correct Answer: B. Enteral nutrition via feeding tube
Rationale:
Enteral nutrition is preferred when the gastrointestinal tract is
functioning but oral intake is not possible. Tube feeding allows
nutrients to be delivered directly to the stomach or small
intestine.
Question 2
Which tube is commonly used for short-term enteral feeding?
A. PEG tube
B. Nasogastric tube
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C. Jejunostomy tube
D. Gastrostomy tube
Correct Answer: B. Nasogastric tube
Rationale:
Nasogastric (NG) tubes are typically used for short-term feeding
(less than 4–6 weeks). Long-term feeding usually requires PEG
or gastrostomy tubes.
Question 3
A nurse checks gastric residual volume before administering
enteral feeding. This action helps prevent which complication?
A. Hyperglycemia
B. Aspiration
C. Hypokalemia
D. Dehydration
Correct Answer: B. Aspiration
Rationale:
Monitoring gastric residual volume helps determine gastric
emptying. Large residuals may indicate delayed gastric
emptying and increase the risk of aspiration.
Question 4
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Which patient condition is an indication for total parenteral
nutrition (TPN)?
A. Functional gastrointestinal tract
B. Severe pancreatitis preventing oral intake
C. Mild nausea
D. Temporary loss of appetite
Correct Answer: B. Severe pancreatitis preventing oral intake
Rationale:
TPN is indicated when the gastrointestinal tract cannot be used
for nutrition, such as severe pancreatitis, bowel obstruction, or
major GI surgery.
Question 5
A nurse is administering TPN through a central line. Which
complication should the nurse monitor closely?
A. Aspiration pneumonia
B. Fluid overload
C. Infection or sepsis
D. Constipation
Correct Answer: C. Infection or sepsis
ENTERAL & PARENTERAL NUTRITION NURSING EXAM
PRACTICE EXAMINATION – 100 QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS
AND RATIONALES (2026-27 VERSION)
Exam Introduction
This examination evaluates the nurse’s knowledge and clinical competence in enteral and
parenteral nutrition therapy. Nutrition support is a critical component of patient care,
particularly for individuals who cannot meet their nutritional requirements through oral intake.
This exam assesses the nurse’s ability to:
• Understand the principles of enteral nutrition (EN) and parenteral nutrition (PN)
• Identify appropriate indications and contraindications
• Demonstrate knowledge of tube feeding methods and management
• Recognize complications and nursing interventions
• Apply patient safety principles
• Interpret clinical scenarios related to nutrition therapy
The questions reflect the format used in nursing school exams, NCLEX-style assessments, and
clinical competency evaluations.
Exam Instructions
• Total Questions: 100
• Question Type: Multiple Choice
• Each question has four options (A–D)
• Select the best answer
• Each question includes a correct answer and detailed rationale
,2
Question 1
A patient is unable to swallow due to a neurological condition
but has a functioning gastrointestinal tract. Which nutrition
support method is most appropriate?
A. Total parenteral nutrition
B. Enteral nutrition via feeding tube
C. Intravenous glucose infusion
D. Peripheral parenteral nutrition
Correct Answer: B. Enteral nutrition via feeding tube
Rationale:
Enteral nutrition is preferred when the gastrointestinal tract is
functioning but oral intake is not possible. Tube feeding allows
nutrients to be delivered directly to the stomach or small
intestine.
Question 2
Which tube is commonly used for short-term enteral feeding?
A. PEG tube
B. Nasogastric tube
,3
C. Jejunostomy tube
D. Gastrostomy tube
Correct Answer: B. Nasogastric tube
Rationale:
Nasogastric (NG) tubes are typically used for short-term feeding
(less than 4–6 weeks). Long-term feeding usually requires PEG
or gastrostomy tubes.
Question 3
A nurse checks gastric residual volume before administering
enteral feeding. This action helps prevent which complication?
A. Hyperglycemia
B. Aspiration
C. Hypokalemia
D. Dehydration
Correct Answer: B. Aspiration
Rationale:
Monitoring gastric residual volume helps determine gastric
emptying. Large residuals may indicate delayed gastric
emptying and increase the risk of aspiration.
Question 4
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Which patient condition is an indication for total parenteral
nutrition (TPN)?
A. Functional gastrointestinal tract
B. Severe pancreatitis preventing oral intake
C. Mild nausea
D. Temporary loss of appetite
Correct Answer: B. Severe pancreatitis preventing oral intake
Rationale:
TPN is indicated when the gastrointestinal tract cannot be used
for nutrition, such as severe pancreatitis, bowel obstruction, or
major GI surgery.
Question 5
A nurse is administering TPN through a central line. Which
complication should the nurse monitor closely?
A. Aspiration pneumonia
B. Fluid overload
C. Infection or sepsis
D. Constipation
Correct Answer: C. Infection or sepsis
