A patient with a history of stomach ulcers is diagnosed with hypophosphatemia. What intervention should the nurse include in this patient's plan of care?

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Hypophosphatemia is a condition characterized by low levels of phosphorus in the blood. Phosphorus is an essential mineral that plays an important role in bone health and many other physiological processes in the body. Some common causes of hypophosphatemia include malnutrition, alcoholism, and certain medications, such as antacids. In this case, the patient has a history of stomach ulcers, which likely indicates that they have been taking antacids. Aluminum hydroxide antacids can interfere with the absorption of phosphorus, leading to hypophosphatemia. Therefore, the nurse should provide a dietitian consult for selecting foods high in phosphorus to help the patient increase their levels of this essential mineral. Foods high in phosphorus include meats, dairy products, fish, nuts, and seeds.

A Patient with a History of Stomach Ulcers Is Diagnosed