What is the primary cause of refeeding syndrome in TPN patients?

High fat content in the diet

Rapid reintroduction of carbohydrates

Excess protein intake

Vitamin deficiency

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Rationale:
A. High fat content does not directly cause refeeding syndrome; fat is less likely to trigger the electrolyte shifts seen in this condition.

B. Rapid reintroduction of carbohydrates in malnourished patients stimulates insulin release, which drives phosphate, potassium, and magnesium into cells, leading to potentially life-threatening electrolyte imbalances—the hallmark of refeeding syndrome.

C. Excess protein intake can strain kidney function but is not the primary cause of refeeding syndrome.

D. Vitamin deficiencies, such as thiamine, can worsen complications, but the immediate trigger is the rapid carbohydrate load.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Rationale:

A. Seizures are more commonly associated with severe electrolyte imbalances like hyponatremia, not mild hypokalemia.

B. Neurogenic shock is related to spinal cord injury, not potassium imbalance.

C. Hypokalemia (potassium 3.3 mEq/L; normal 3.5–5.0 mEq/L) increases the risk of ventricular arrhythmias, palpitations, and potentially life-threatening cardiac complications, especially in clients taking diuretics like furosemide.

D. Low potassium does not directly cause hypoglycemia.

A. Disinfect equipment in the client's room daily. B. Use alcohol hand sanitizer after completing tasks for the client. C. Place the client in a protective environment. D. Have the client wear a mask when out of the room.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Rationale:
A. Clostridium difficile spores are resistant to alcohol and can persist on surfaces. Daily disinfection with a sporicidal agent is essential to prevent transmission.

B. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are ineffective against C. difficile spores. Handwashing with soap and water is required after contact with the client or contaminated surfaces.

C. A protective environment is used for immunocompromised clients, not for those with C. difficile.

D. Masks are not necessary for routine C. difficile care because the bacteria are spread via the fecal-oral route, not airborne.

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What is the primary cause of refeeding syndrome in TPN patients?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse in a provider's office is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who takes furosemide for hypertension. The nurse notes that the client's potassium level is 3.3 mEq/L. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following complications?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is admitting a client who was prescribed antibiotic therapy and now has a Clostridium difficile infection. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

An older adult patient who is malnourished presents to the emergency department with a serum albumin that is low with total protein that is also low. Which clinical manifestation should the nurse expect?

Which complication is most commonly associated with paracentesis for ascites?

Which type of enema is typically used to relieve constipation by instilling and retaining fluid for a short period before expelling?

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Which of the following is a diagnostic lab test for a client with pancreatitis?