A client presents with a possible bowel obstruction, and the nurse completes a detailed abdominal assessment. Which of the following clinical manifestations are consistent with a large bowel obstruction? (Select all that apply).

Choice A reason: Hypermagnesemia, or high levels of magnesium in the blood, is not typically associated with refeeding syndrome. Instead, refeeding syndrome can lead to hypomagnesemia, which is a low level of magnesium in the blood, due to shifts of magnesium into the cells during insulin secretion in the refeeding process.

Choice B reason: Hyponatremia, or low levels of sodium in the blood, is not a hallmark of refeeding syndrome. While fluid shifts can affect sodium levels, the key electrolyte disturbances in refeeding syndrome involve phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium.

Choice C reason: Hyperkalemia, or high levels of potassium in the blood, is not a common finding in refeeding syndrome. Similar to magnesium, potassium can shift into cells during refeeding, which can actually lead to hypokalemia, or low levels of potassium in the blood.

Choice D reason: Hypophosphatemia, or low levels of phosphorus in the blood, is the hallmark of refeeding syndrome. When a malnourished individual is refed, insulin secretion is stimulated by the increased carbohydrate intake. Insulin promotes cellular uptake of glucose, which is accompanied by phosphate, potassium, and magnesium, leading to a decrease in the serum levels of these electrolytes. Phosphorus is critical for cellular processes, and its deficiency can lead to muscle weakness, respiratory failure, hemolysis, and impaired cardiac function. During refeeding, careful monitoring of electrolytes is essential to prevent and manage refeeding syndrome. Hypophosphatemia is the most significant laboratory finding to anticipate in a patient with refeeding syndrome, and it requires prompt recognition and treatment to prevent serious complications.

Choice A reason:Placing a cool cloth on the forehead may provide comfort but does not address intracranial pressure, which could be causing the headache[^10^].

Choice B reason:Elevating the head of the bed 30 degrees helps to decrease intracranial pressure and can alleviate headache symptoms associated with a closed head injury[^10^].

Choice C reason:Administering morphine for pain relief should be done with caution, as it can depress respiration and mask changes in the level of consciousness, which are important indicators of neurological status[^10^].

Choice D reason:A lumbar puncture is contraindicated in the presence of increased intracranial pressure due to the risk of brain herniation[^10^].