A severely malnourished patient is in the hospital to improve nutrition. On the second day, the patient reports palpitations and difficulty breathing. After placing the patient on a cardiac monitor, what action does the health care professional take next?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Refeeding syndrome occurs when patients are fed too quickly, causing rapid shifts of fluids and electrolytes, often leading to dysrhythmias. After placing the patient on a cardiac monitor, the professional should next ensure that serum electrolytes are measured. The patient's temperature is not relevant to this situation. The patient should continue to eat although calories should be decreased. There may or may not be a need for a chest x-ray.

A Severely Malnourished Patient Is in the Hospital to Improve