What is the daily fluid requirement in parenteral or enteral nutrition?

• A. 20 ml/kg/day
• B. 25 ml/kg/day
• C. 30 ml/kg/day
• D. 35 ml/kg/day

Answer: (C)

Maintenance fluid needs for adults receiving parenteral or enteral nutrition are typically 30 ml/kg/day. This amount covers everyday losses (urine, stool, insensible losses from skin and respiration) plus metabolic water from the nutrients. It serves as the standard starting point for fluid in nutrition support, with adjustments made for individual factors. If there are higher losses (fever, diarrhea, wound drainage) you may increase the target; if there are limits on fluids (renal impairment, heart failure, edema) you decrease it. In general, 30 ml/kg/day provides a balanced baseline, whereas the other options would under- or over-estimate maintenance for most adults.