The nurse caring for a malnourished patient with anorexia nervosa in the hospital knows to watch for which potentially fatal condition?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

3. Refeeding syndrome is a potentially fatal condition that occurs when severely malnourished patients begin eating again for weight restoration. Refeeding syndrome can cause fluid and electrolyte disorders and neurological, pulmonary, cardiac, neuromuscular, and hematologic complications. It is important for health care professionals to start with a low amount of kcal/kg/day and increase slowly. Vitamin deficiency may occur, but it is not a fatal condition. MAOI toxicity and SSRI-induced suicidality are pharmacology issues that may occur during treatment of patients with eating disorders, but refeeding syndrome is the primary concern when treating the patient with anorexia nervosa who is malnourished.

The Nurse Caring for a Malnourished Patient with Anorexia Nervosa