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 B
Explanation
A. Fecal output from a new colostomy typically begins within 2 to 4 days, not within 24 hours. This is due to the time needed for bowel function to resume after surgery.
B. A small amount of bleeding around the stoma can occur as part of normal healing, especially in the first few days after surgery. It should not be excessive or prolonged.
C. Raw vegetables and high-fiber foods should be avoided immediately after surgery as they can irritate the digestive tract and cause blockages in the stoma. A low-fiber diet is recommended initially.
D. The stoma should initially be red or pink in color, not purplish. A purplish color could indicate impaired circulation, which would require medical attention.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Total loss of gastric enzymes is not a primary cause of dumping syndrome. While gastric enzymes may be reduced following gastric surgery, the syndrome is primarily related to the way food moves through the digestive tract.
B. Excess secretion of digestive enzymes in the intestines does not directly cause dumping syndrome. Although enzyme levels can be affected by surgery, dumping syndrome is more about the timing and volume of food delivery to the intestines.
C. Rapid emptying of stomach contents into the small intestine is the primary cause of dumping syndrome. This occurs because the normal regulatory mechanisms of the stomach are bypassed or disrupted after gastric resection, leading to a quick shift of food into the small intestine, which causes symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, and dizziness.
D. Excess glycogen production by the liver is not related to dumping syndrome. This would be more relevant to conditions affecting glucose metabolism, not gastrointestinal emptying.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
