Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with refeeding syndrome?
Hypermagnesemia
Hypercalcemia
Hypophosphatemia
Hyponatremia
The Correct Answer is C
Rationale:
A. Magnesium levels may actually drop, not rise, during refeeding syndrome due to intracellular shifts.
B. Calcium levels are typically not elevated as a direct result of refeeding syndrome.
C. Refeeding syndrome occurs when malnourished patients receive rapid carbohydrate reintroduction, triggering insulin release. This drives phosphate, potassium, and magnesium into cells, with phosphate depletion being the hallmark and most clinically significant electrolyte disturbance. Hypophosphatemia can cause muscle weakness, respiratory failure, and cardiac dysfunction.
D. Sodium levels may fluctuate, but hyponatremia is not the primary concern in refeeding syndrome.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","E","F"]
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Large meals can increase nausea and discomfort postoperatively. Small, frequent meals are recommended.
B. Gradually advancing from clear liquids to solid foods helps prevent nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal complications while allowing the digestive system to adjust.
C. Skipping meals can lead to malnutrition and delayed recovery.
D. High-fat foods are harder to digest and can exacerbate nausea and abdominal discomfort.
E. Gum chewing promotes bowel motility and can reduce the risk of postoperative ileus.
F. Maintaining fluid balance prevents constipation, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances, supporting recovery.
G. While this may be important depending on the surgical site, it is not a dietary strategy.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Used to visualize the upper gastrointestinal tract (esophagus, stomach, duodenum). It does not provide information about bowel obstruction in the large intestine.
B. Allows direct visualization of the colon mucosa but is not typically used initially in suspected acute bowel obstruction due to the risk of perforation.
C. Useful for evaluating gallbladder, liver, kidneys, and sometimes bowel, but it is less sensitive for detecting large bowel obstruction.
D. A plain abdominal X-ray (KUB) is often the first-line diagnostic study for suspected large bowel obstruction. It can show dilated bowel loops, air-fluid levels, and fecal loading, which correlate with the patient’s symptoms of bloating, distention, and relief after flatulence.
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