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

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

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!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

When using the gut for nutritional support with an anticipated time frame of less than six weeks, what is the recommended option if there is no risk of aspiration?

Central vein (TPN)
NG tube
Duodenal tube
Esterostomal tube (PEG)

The correct answer is: NG tube

The use of an NG (nasogastric) tube is a recommended option for providing nutritional support when it is anticipated that the tube will be in place for less than six weeks and there is no risk of aspiration. NG tubes are less invasive compared to other feeding methods and can be easily inserted and removed, making them ideal for short-term nutritional needs. In cases where the patient has a functioning gastrointestinal tract and can tolerate feeding through the stomach, an NG tube allows for direct delivery of nutrition into the stomach, promoting better utilization of nutrients while minimizing potential complications associated with more invasive procedures. Additionally, NG tubes are readily accessible and can be managed with relative ease by healthcare providers. They are typically used in clinical settings to support patients who might have temporarily reduced oral intake due to various reasons, such as surgeries or acute illnesses, thus allowing for effective nutritional therapy in a safe manner.