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

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Prepare for the AACN Certification Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question comes with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

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What is the rule for nutritional support if the gastrointestinal tract is usable?

Use intravenous nutrition
If you can use the gut, use the gut
Avoid enteral feeding
Use peripheral nutrition

The correct answer is: If you can use the gut, use the gut

The guideline that states "If you can use the gut, use the gut" emphasizes the principle of utilizing the gastrointestinal (GI) tract for feeding whenever possible. This approach takes advantage of the body’s natural processes for digestion and absorption, which are generally more efficient and beneficial than parenteral nutrition. Enteral feeding is preferred because it helps maintain gut integrity, promotes secretion of digestive enzymes, and reduces the risk of infections associated with intravenous nutrition. Using the gut also supports the microbiome and overall health. If the GI tract is functional and safe for nutritional intake, it is usually the best route for providing nutrition. Intravenous nutrition may be necessary in certain circumstances, such as when the GI tract is non-functional or in cases of bowel obstruction, but these are exceptions rather than the rule. The preference is to prioritize enteral nutrition as a means of supporting optimal patient outcomes in nutritional therapy.