Question

A severely malnourished patient is placed on a high-carbohydrate diet.
After several days, the patient experiences severe fluid retention with a
drastic drop in serum phosphorus levels. What does the nurse suspect the
patient is experiencing?
Crohn disease
Cirrhosis
Pancreatitis
Refeeding syndrome

Answer 1

Answer:

Refeeding syndrome

Explanation:

If a severely malnourished patient is put on a high-carbohydrate diet, their body may release insulin, which can store electrolytes like phosphorus and water in the cells. This can cause fluid retention and a drop in serum phosphorus levels. This is called refeeding syndrome. If a patient shows these symptoms after being put on a high-carbohydrate diet, the nurse may suspect that they have refeeding syndrome.