BCNSP case studies
BCNSP · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The Board Certified Nutrition Support Pharmacist (BCNSP) credential is a specialty certification for pharmacists who manage enteral and parenteral nutrition as a substantial part of their practice. It signals to employers, interdisciplinary nutrition support teams, and credentialing committees that a pharmacist has demonstrated advanced knowledge beyond general pharmacy licensure in nutrient assessment, formulation, compounding, monitoring, and complication management. Candidates typically practice in hospitals, academic medical centers, home infusion, or long-term care, and often round with physicians, dietitians, and nurses. The exam is multiple choice and is organized around six content domains: nutrition assessment and nutrient requirements; indications, contraindications, and vascular access; enteral formulations, administration, and monitoring; parenteral formulations, compounding, and administration; complications and monitoring; and disease-specific support with transitions of care. The BCNSP case studies are 5 cases and about 3,118 words.
1Refeeding Risk After Prolonged Obstruction
A 54-year-old man is admitted with a small-bowel obstruction after 12 days of vomiting and minimal oral intake. He has no diabetes and no history of alcohol use.
562 words, about 3 min2Aspiration Risk and Route Selection in Stroke
A 71-year-old woman is 5 days post ischemic stroke with dysphagia confirmed on bedside swallow evaluation; she is not yet cleared for oral intake. She is alert, follows commands, and has a weak cough.
723 words, about 4 min3Electrolyte and Acid-Base Problem in a Short-Bowel Patient on Home PN
A 48-year-old woman with short bowel syndrome after multiple resections has been on home parenteral nutrition for 8 months. She has about 90 cm of remaining jejunum and no colon.
639 words, about 3 min4Transition From PN to Enteral Nutrition in Severe Acute Pancreatitis
A 39-year-old man with severe acute pancreatitis (lipase 1200 U/L, CRP 210 mg/L) is on day 6 of hospitalization. He has persistent vomiting and ileus, so parenteral nutrition was started on day 3.
608 words, about 3 min5Osmotic Diarrhea and Formula Selection in a Tube-Fed Older Adult
An 82-year-old woman in a rehabilitation facility has a nasogastric tube and receives a standard 1.0 kcal/mL polymeric formula at 80 mL/hour continuous, providing about 1900 kcal/day. Over 3 days she develops 6-8 liquid stools daily.
586 words, about 3 min