Unit 7: GI/Endocrine Nutrition and Patient Care Exam: In-Depth Exploration of Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition, Nutritional Composition and Indications, Caloric Requirements, Complications such as Refeeding Syndrome, Predisposing Conditions, and Nursing C

Unit 7: GI/Endocrine Nutrition and Patient Care Exam: In-Depth Exploration of Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition, Nutritional Composition and Indications, Caloric Requirements, Complications such as Refeeding Syndrome, Predisposing Conditions, and Nursing Care Protocols for Nutritional Support, Fluid Retention and Electrolyte Imbalances, Nutrient Administration Techniques, and Advanced Patient Management Strategies Exam Questions Verified and Provided with Complete A+ Graded Rationales Latest Updated 2026 What is enteral nutrition? •Nutrition provided through GI tract via tube, catheter or stoma that delivers nutrients distal to the oral cavity •May be indicated for patient with functioning GI tract but unable to any oral nourishment or when it is unsafe What is parenteral nutrition? •Administration of nutrients by route other than GI tract (bloodstream) •Used when GI tract cannot be used for ingestion, digestion, and absorption of essential nutrients What is the composition of parenteral nutrition? -Base solutions contain dextrose and protein in the form of amino acids -Prescribed electrolytes, vitamins, and trace elements are added to customize -IV fat emulsion is added to complete the nutrients What are the indications for parenteral nutrition? -Chronic severe diarrhea and vomiting -Complicated surgery or trauma -GI obstruction -Intractable diarrhea -Severe anorexia nervosa -Severe malabsorption -Short bowel syndrome -GI tract anomalies and fistulae What is the normal daily amount of calories required for adults? Minimum of 1200 to 1500 cals/day What is a major complication of parenteral nutrition? Refeeding syndrome What is refeeding syndrome? Refeeding syndrome is characterized by fluid retention and electrolyte imbalances (hypophosphatemia, hypokalemia, and hypomagnesemia) What conditions predispose a patient to refeeding syndrome? Long-standing malnutrition states, such as chronic alcoholism, vomiting and diarrhea, chemotherapy, and major surgery Nursing care for a patient on parenteral nutrition –Vital signs every 4 to 8 hours –Daily weights –Blood glucose (Check initially every 4 to 6 hours) –Electrolytes, CBC –Monitor for infection –Transitioning to oral nutrition What are the common causes of an upper GI bleed? •Medications (NSAIDS, corticosteroids) •Stress related mucosal disease •Esophageal varices, esophagitis •Stomach cancer •Gastritis •PUD •Renal failure What is hematemesis? -Fresh, bright red blood (arterial source-not in contact with gastric HCl secretion) -"coffee ground" (has been in stomach for awhile)