Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Practice Exam

For a patient with a functional GI tract and inadequate nutritional intake, which enteral access is most appropriate for short-term use?

1. Gastroscopy tube

2. Nasoenteric tube

3. Jejunostomy tube

4. Gastrostomy tube

The correct answer is: Nasoenteric tube

For a patient with a functional gastrointestinal tract but inadequate nutritional intake, the nasoenteric tube is the most appropriate choice for short-term enteral access. This type of tube is inserted through the nose and extends into the stomach or further into the small intestine, allowing for direct delivery of nutrition while minimizing the risk of complications compared to more invasive procedures. Nasoenteric tubes are advantageous for temporary use because they can be easily inserted and removed, making them ideal for patients who may only require nutritional support for a limited duration. It allows for a functional gastro intestinal tract to process food normally, supporting digestion while providing necessary nutritional supplementation. In contrast, options like gastrostomy and jejunostomy tubes are more suited for long-term use and involve surgical placement, making them less appropriate for a short-term situation. A gastrostomy tube requires an incision through the abdominal wall, while jejunostomy also necessitates a surgical procedure to access the jejunum. These options are typically reserved for patients who cannot achieve adequate nutrition for an extended period, rather than those who need transient enteral feeding.