EN Practice Questions - 1 Flashcards
The administration of 1 litre of 0.9% NaCl to a normonatremic patient will increase the intravascular and interstitial fluid compartments by how much? Why?
250 ml intravascular
750 ml interstitial
-0.9% solution is isotonic, thus does not contribute to an osmotic gradient.
-100% of isotonic solution will go to the ECF, where the ECF consists of the interstitial and intravascular spaces
The intravascular volume accounts for ___ of the ECF
25%
The interstitial volume accounts for ____ of the ECF
75%
What is the equation for calculating free water deficit?
FWD = TBW - (1-(140/Serum Sodium))
Assuming the same weight and serum sodium concentration, which of the following patients have the greatest free water deficit? A) 35-year old man B) 75 year old man C) 35-year old woman D) 75-year old man
A
When we calculate FWD knowing weight and serum sodium is the same, thus knowing that TBW increases as LBM increases and LBM is the highest in younger males we know that they would have the greatest TBW.
The percentage of TBW increases as the proportion of LBM to _____ increases
adipose tissue
When does TBW decrease? In what gender is it usually higher?
- Decreases with age
- Higher in males
A patient with severe intractable nausea and vomiting is at risk for what acid base disorder?
- Hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis
- Losing a lot of gastric fluids means that we lose a lot of Cl-, which means that we lose acid and are left with more alkali,
How many mEq of chloride is estimated to be contained per litre of gastric fluid?
130
Which of the following is an example of a patient condition anticipated to manifest with severe systemic inflammatory losses?
A) Anorexia nervosa with a BMI of 15
B) Major depression with compromised dietary intake and 5% loss of body weight
C) Homebound older adult with restricted access to food and 10% loss of body weight
D) Thermal burn injury of second and third degree burns covering 15% surface area
D
- Burns can sometimes double metabolic demands, and will be confirmed throughout the assessment
- Others are rather cases of starvation, thus do not indicate severe systemic inflammatory losses
A physician informs you that a patient has a serum albumin of 2.8 g/dL and prealbumin of 14 mg/dL and asks whether these findings are indicative of malnutrition. What is your impression?
- Consideration of medical history, clinical diagnosis and laboratory signs of the inflammatory response would help us further interpret these signs.
- Lack of specificity and sensitivity where these lab markers must be confirmed by past food intake history an presence of inflammation
Which of the following is one of the best validated screening for indicators of malnutrition risk?
A) Patient reports non-volitional weight loss
B) Patient reports following a low CHO-diet
C) Patient is 2-days S/P laparoscopic cholecystectomy
D) Patient report a recent febrile-flu like illness
A
A well validated indicator of malnutrition is involuntary weight-loss
According to the SGA, what severity of malnutrition best describes the a patient who presents with cirrhosis complicated by portal hypertension, ascites and edema? He has gained 10 lbs over the past two weeks, but reports eating <50% of normal intake with N/V. Severe muscle wasting is noted in the deltoids, triceps and chest. He is confined to bed/chair
SGA C - Severely malnourished As evidenced by: 1) Presence of GI symptoms >2 wks 2)Food intake <50% for 1 mo 3) Severe muscle wasting 4) Decreased functional capacity
(T/F) Cirrhosis is a serious condition but does not increase metabolic demands
F
What may be indicative of cirrhosis?
Ascites and lower extremity edema
What is the cause of weight-gain although a patient is severely malnourished?
Ascites and edema will falsely inflate weight
According to ASPEN and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, what etiology and severity of malnutrition best describes a patient who is diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa? This patient:
- 500 kcal/day, with excessive exercising
- PMHx of restrictive eating
- High CRP
- 97.9 lbs 4 weeks ago, now 92.6
- Severe SC fat loss and muscle loss
- Lanugo and dry mucus membranes
- Weight loss of 18.9 kg over 6 mo
- The etiology of this patients malnutrition is rooted in social/behavioural/environmental circumstances.
- Other etiology options would be acute illness/injury or chronic illness
- Her energy intake, muscle and fat wasting and significant weight loss without inflammation alongside PMHx also supports this
According to ASPEN and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, what etiology and severity best describes a multiple trauma victim early in the course of recovery? The patient:
- Has muscle wasting, but fat loss hard to assess due to edema
- Has sub-optimal nutrition support as feeds were stopped to prioritize medical procedures
Acute/illness related and indicated by the inadequate nutrition intake and muscular wasting.
Many trauma patients are well-nourished at baseline, why are they at a severe risk of becoming malnourished?
Due to acute metabolic dysregulation and associated catabolism and compromised nutrient intake
Why will trauma patients show a negative nitrogen balance despite aggressive nutrition support?
Due to the marked pro-inflammatory response
According to ESPEN consensus, would an elderly patient who presents in a clinic with obesity and frailty be considered malnourished? This patients
- Is obese, 70 y/o
- Has knee pain and swelling
- Low-grade fever for the past week
- Low albumin, high CRP
- Complains of N/V, disinterest in food, early satiety, 4.5-9 kg loss over the past 6 months
- Difficulty ambulating
- Mild muscle loss observed, low fat-free mass of 12
The patient is malnourished based on her low FFM and weight loss.
ESPEN low-fat free mass women?
<15
ESPEN low-fat free mass men?
<17
ESPEN reduced BMI if <70 years?
<20
ESPEN reduced BMI if >70 years old
<22
What are the two characteristics that ESPEN screens for in combination with unintentional weight loss to diagnose malnutrition?
- Low BMI
- Low fat-free mass
Having one of these in combination with unintentional weight-loss will indicate a diagnosis of malnutrition
Explain the starvation adaptation of nutrient utilization
Glycogen quickly depleted, where we will use amino acids. Then, we switch to fat oxidation as REE decreases to spare LBM
Explain the stress response adaptation of nutrient utlization
Storm of hormones and cell mediators are driven to repair tissues, however will derive much energy for this process by breaking down skeletal and LBM. They use the amino acids in gluconeogenesis for energy.
Which of the following is a benefit of EN compared to PN or no nutrition?
A) Maintenance of normal gallbladder function
B) Reduced GI bacterial translocation
C) More efficient nutrient metabolism
D) All of the above
D
- Provides the release of CCK, helps maintain normal gallbladder function
- Luminal nutrients provide GI structure support and maintain gut mucosa integral to immune function
- More closely mimic oral feeding, undergo “first pass” metabolism
What is secreted within the GI tract which prevents bacterial translocation?
IgA
High protein hypocaloric EN feeding provides 65-70% of energy needs as determined by indirect calorimetry. This is recommended for what kind of ICU patient? A) Malnutrition B) Obesity C) Liver failure D) Acute Respiratory Disorder (ARD)
B
-Patients with malnutrition should receive more than 80% of their nutrient needs within 48-72 hours after intubation
What are the consequences of not beginning EN feeds of 80% within 48-72 hours in a malnourished, ICU patient?
Greater protein and energy deficits which may lead to higher infection and mortality rates
What EN feeding may obese patients benefit from within the context of ICU? Why?
Low-kcal high protein feeding to minimize metabolic complications while preserving LBM and mobilizing fat stores
In patients with ARDS, should they be receiving trophic or eucaloric feedings in the ICU context?
No difference
Risk factors for aspiration include all of the following except: A) Malnutrition B) Use of naso/oro feeding tube C) Bolus EN feeding D) Supine position
A
-Despite malnutrition being associated with generalized weakness and potential less ability to swallow, malnutrition is not recognized on it’s own.
What increases the risk of aspiration?
Things that interfere with the function of the LES, such as the presence of a feeding tube as it will increase the risk of reflux and thus, aspiration.
Why do bolus feedings increase risk of aspiration?
As it increases the contents of the stomach
Why does EN preserve a normal gallbladder?
Nutrients in the SI stimulate CCK, which stimulates gallbladder contraction. This reduces the risk of cholecystisis.
4 key benefits of EN
- Gallbladder, GI architecture
- Immune system (IGA release, mucosal barrier and preventing bacterial translocation)
- Less infection than PN
- Less expensive than PN
How do we know we have passed into the duodenum? The jejunum?
- Passing the pyloric sphincter means we are in the duodenum
- Passing the ligament of treitz means we are in the jejunum
(T/F) In refeeding syndrome, hypoglycemia is observed
F, hyperglycemia.
(T/F) Even though most EN formulas provide 100% RDA of thiamine, we should still add additional supplementation if refeeding syndrome is expected
T, especially for those at a risk of deficiency such as alcoholics
What does post-pyloric feeding reduce? What may it not reduce?
Risk of aspiration, risk of pneumonia
When is EN indicated in well nourished patients? Critically ill?
- 7 to 14 days of inadequate intake
- Within 24 to 48 hours of admission
When is continuous feeding preferred?
- ICU, mechanically ventilated
- At risk of refeeding
- Poor glycemic control
- Jejunostomy tube in place q
When is cyclic feeding preferred?
- When on step-down unit or LTC
- May be permissive for oral/day feedings
- Allows disconnect during day, feeds often at nights
When is intermittent feeding preferred?
-Patients with feeding tubes that terminate in the stomach as they can accomodate higher volumes within a shorter period
When is bolus feeding preferred? (Delivered through syringes)
- Most “normal” to oral feeds
- Freedom of movement
- Administered in convenient settings
- Cheapest option
EN protocol rate for non-critically ill patients starts at ____ and advances ____ ml every ___ hours to reach goal
50 ml
15 ml
4 hours
EN protocol rate for critically ill patients starts at ____ and advances ____ ml every ___ hours to reach goal
10-40 ml
10-20 ml
8-12 hours
When should the goal rate be met in the critically ill?
Ideally within 24 to 48 hours
What is volume–based feeding?
When EN is prescribed by goal volume per day, rather per hour. May be more used in critically-ill
Define hemodynamically unstable
Those with BP <50 mmHg (Normal is 120/80) or beginning vasopressor medications
What is the goal of EN in the malnourished patient in terms of goal rate?
EN should be advanced to the goal rate, as tolerated, within 24-48 hours, with the goal of providing >80% of energy needs within 48-72 hours.
What is hypocaloric feeding? Who may benefit?
60-75% of energy needs
Obese
Patient with sepsis EN protocol?
60-70% first week
Progress to 80% next week