Answer Key for Enteral Nutrition Module Post Tests and Exam
(Since questions may be reordered with each usage, the question number in the answer key
... [Show More] may
not correspond to the number that the student reports for a particular quiz item).
Lesson 1 Post Test
1. A group of nursing students are studying together. They are discussing the differences between
parenteral and enteral nutrition. Which statement, if made by one of the students, indicates that
further instruction is needed?
a) “Parenteral nutrition is the administration of nutrients directly into the GI tract by way
of a feeding tube.”
b) “Enteral nutrition is preferred, because it is less expensive than parenteral nutrition and
maintains functioning of the gut.”
c) “An example of the parenteral route is either subcutaneous or IM injections or the IV
route.”
d) “Gastric feedings may be given to patients with a low risk of aspiration. If there is a
risk of aspiration, jejunal feeding is the preferred method. Parenteral nutrition is provided
if the patient’s GI tract is nonfunctional.”
Correct answer: a
Rationale: Enteral nutrition is the administration of nutrients directly into the gastrointestinal
(GI) tract by way of a feeding tube. Parenteral nutrition is a form of specialized nutrition support
in which nutrients are provided intravenously.
2. Which of the following accurately describes the greatest risk related to having a feeding tube?
a) Electrolyte imbalance
b) Fluid volume overload
c) Infection
d) Aspiration
Correct answer: d
Rationale: Although the risk of aspiration is lessened with a jejunal feeding tube, once a feeding
tube is placed, all patients remain at risk for aspiration and need careful nursing management to
avoid this complication.
3. Match the correct image of the type of feeding tube used to the patient situation.
Correct match:
Figure 1 Short-term management of an acute illness (e.g.,
sepsis)
Figure 2 Long-term therapy because of cerebral vascular
accident and impaired swallowing
Figure 3 High risk of aspiration because of a neuromuscular
disorder
Figure 1
(From deWit, SC: Fundamental concepts and skills for nursing, ed 2, Philadelphia, 2005,
Saunders.)
Figure 2
(From deWit, SC: Fundamental concepts and skills for nursing, ed 2, Philadelphia, 2005,
Saunders.)
Figure 3
(From deWit, SC: Fundamental concepts and skills for nursing, ed 2, Philadelphia, 2005,
Saunders.)
Rationale: An NG tube is inserted into the stomach to provide nutritional support during an
acute illness such as sepsis. A gastrostomy tube is surgically placed for long-term nutritional
therapy. A jejunostomy tube is surgically placed in the jejunum of the small intestine and is
preferred when there is a high risk of aspiration.
4. Which of the following patients may benefit from enteral nutrition? (Select all that apply.)
a) A patient who has a brain injury
b) A patient with oral cancer
c) A patient with paralytic ileus
d) A patient with burns of the lower extremities
Correct answer: a, b, d
Rationale: Patients with a brain injury or an altered or reduced level of consciousness and
patients with neuromuscular diseases who have a high incidence of aspiration may benefit from
long-term enteral therapy. Patients with head or neck cancer may be candidates for enteral
nutrition. A patient with paralytic ileus has a nonfunctional GI tract, and enteral nutrition is
inappropriate. Some patients have an increased metabolism as a result of sepsis or burns and are
unable to ingest enough calories to meet their bodies’ metabolic needs. These patients may also
benefit from enteral nutrition.
5. What is the difference between a PEG tube and a gastrostomy tube?
a) A PEG tube is inserted into the jejunum; a gastrostomy tube is located in the stomach.
b) A PEG tube exits from the upper right quadrant; a gastrostomy tube exits from the
upper left quadrant.
c) A PEG tube is inserted through the abdominal wall; a gastrostomy tube is inserted
through the nose.
d) A PEG tube is inserted by using endoscopic visualization of the stomach and is held in
place by its design; a gastrostomy tube is inserted surgically and is held in place by
sutures.
Correct answer: d
Rationale: A gastrostomy tube is inserted in the operating room or endoscopy suite. A large tube
is surgically placed in the stomach and exits through an incision in the upper left quadrant of the
abdomen, where it is sutured in place. A PEG tube is inserted with endoscopic visualization of
the stomach. Both a gastrostomy tube and a PEG tube are located in the stomach. Both tubes are
inserted through the abdominal wall (i.e., percutaneously, meaning through the skin) and exit
from the upper left quadrant, at the location of the stomach.
6. Which of the following is not an appropriate technique for administering enteral formulas?
a) Continuous feeding pump
b) Through a large vein
c) Intermittent gravity drip
d) Large-bore syringe (bolus)
Correct answer: b
Rationale: Enteral feedings may be administered continuously using a feeding pump,
intermittently by gravity drip, or by bolus through a large-bore syringe. Enteral feedings should
never be administered intraveno [Show Less]