A patient with anorexia nervosa shows signs of malnutrition and is prescribed parenteral nutrition. If the client develops refeeding syndrome, what laboratory tests does the nurse expect the healthcare provider to order? (Select all that apply.)
Serum phosphorus
Serum blood glucose
Serum calcium
Serum potassium
Serum magnesium
Correct Answer : A,C,D,E
A. Serum phosphorus is crucial to monitor in patients at risk for refeeding syndrome. Hypophosphatemia is a key sign of the syndrome and can lead to severe complications, such as respiratory failure and cardiac arrhythmias.
B. Serum blood glucose levels are important to monitor, especially since refeeding syndrome can cause rapid shifts in glucose metabolism. However, it is not a primary test to diagnose refeeding syndrome. Blood glucose monitoring will be part of the overall management, but not the core test for the syndrome.
C. Serum calcium should be monitored because it can also decrease in refeeding syndrome due to shifts in phosphate and magnesium levels, which may affect calcium metabolism.
D. Serum potassium is essential to monitor because hypokalemia often occurs in refeeding syndrome as the body shifts electrolytes into cells. This can cause muscle weakness, arrhythmias, and other serious complications.
E. Serum magnesium is also important to check, as hypomagnesemia is commonly seen in refeeding syndrome and can contribute to neurological and cardiac symptoms.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. A fever following an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy can be a sign of a serious complication, such as perforation, which could cause peritonitis. The nurse should promptly assess the client for other signs of perforation, such as abdominal pain, rigidity, or changes in vital signs. This is a critical and potentially life-threatening situation that requires immediate attention.
B. While it is important to ensure accurate temperature readings, a fever of 101.8°F in a post-procedural patient is concerning and warrants further investigation rather than just retaking the temperature. It may indicate a complication such as infection or perforation.
C. Administering acetaminophen to reduce the fever is not the first step. The nurse should prioritize investigating the underlying cause of the fever, as it could indicate a more serious complication like perforation, which would not be resolved by medication alone.
D. Bathing the client with tap water is not appropriate. A fever after a procedure should be investigated thoroughly rather than treated symptomatically without understanding the cause. The nurse should focus on assessing for complications first.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. While this patient is scheduled for a physical therapy session, it is not an urgent concern that would require immediate attention.
B. A routine follow-up appointment for a non-urgent condition can be managed at a later time and does not take priority over more acute concerns.
C. A patient with altered mental status and confusion should be assessed first. This could indicate a serious underlying issue such as infection, hypoxia, or a neurological condition. Altered mental status in any patient warrants immediate attention to prevent further complications.
D. Although the patient with pleuritis is in pain, moderate pleuritis is typically not an urgent condition, and pain management can be provided after more pressing concerns are addressed.
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