American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Certification Practice Test

What complementary therapy has been shown to reduce the length of stay in the ICU when added to parenteral nutrition?

1. Vitamin D

2. Fish oil

3. Probiotics

4. Magnesium

The correct answer is: Fish oil

Fish oil has shown to be effective in reducing the length of stay in the ICU when added to parenteral nutrition. This is largely due to the rich content of omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil, which have anti-inflammatory properties and play a crucial role in modulating the immune response. In critically ill patients, inflammation can lead to complications and prolonged recovery times; therefore, incorporating fish oil may help improve nutritional status and support better clinical outcomes. Research indicates that fish oil can enhance the overall immune function and metabolic response in patients who are receiving parenteral nutrition. Specifically, the therapeutic effects of omega-3 fatty acids can contribute to improved lung function, decreased infection rates, and a reduction in the duration of mechanical ventilation, all of which can correlate with a shorter ICU stay. The other therapies listed, while beneficial in various contexts, do not demonstrate the same level of evidence in reducing ICU length of stay in conjunction with parenteral nutrition as fish oil does. For example, vitamin D is primarily recognized for its role in bone health and immune function but lacks direct evidence related to ICU stay length. Probiotics are associated with gastrointestinal health and may prevent infections; however, their effects specific to ICU length of stay when combined with parenter