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NCLEX calculation: continuous tube feeding rate
Basic Care and Comfort · Multiple choice · Clinical judgment step: Take action
Client record
Nutrition prescription
- Goal
- 1,800 kcal/day
- Formula
- 1.5 kcal/mL
- Delivery
- continuous over 24 hours
A client is prescribed continuous enteral feeding to meet a goal of 1,800 kcal per day using a formula with 1.5 kcal/mL. At what rate in mL/hr should the nurse set the pump?
- A. 38 mL/hr
- B. 50 mL/hr
- C. 75 mL/hr
- D. 100 mL/hr
Show the answer and rationales
Answer: B
Total volume = calories ÷ kcal/mL (1,800 ÷ 1.5 = 1,200 mL). Divide by 24 hours for continuous feeding: 50 mL/hr.
- A. Incorrect. This would deliver about 900 mL (1,350 kcal) a day.
- B. Correct. Correct. 1,800 kcal ÷ 1.5 kcal/mL = 1,200 mL per day; 1,200 mL ÷ 24 hours = 50 mL/hr.
- C. Incorrect. This is 1,800 mL a day, which uses kcal as if they were mL.
- D. Incorrect. This doubles the required volume.
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