Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the CRRN Exam with practice quizzes that include flashcards, hints, and explanations. Ensure success by testing your rehabilitation nursing knowledge with confidence-building tools and resources.

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What is a common side effect of hyperosmotic tube feedings?

Constipation
Diarrhea
Dehydration
Nausea

The correct answer is: Diarrhea

Hyperosmotic tube feedings can draw excess water into the intestines, which can lead to increased stool fluidity and frequency. This change in osmotic balance often results in diarrhea. Hyperosmotic solutions have a higher concentration of solutes compared to the body's fluids, and when these solutions are fed into the gastrointestinal system, they can cause the intestines to retain water, effectively leading to the dilution of the stool, making it looser and more frequent. In contrast, other options like constipation may occur with improper fluid intake or fiber amount, dehydration can happen if fluids are not adequately balanced, and nausea might arise due to various factors but is not a direct result of hyperosmotic feeding. Understanding the dynamics of osmosis and its effects on gastrointestinal function can clarify how hyperosmotic tube feedings result in diarrhea as a common side effect.