What is refeeding syndrome, and how can it be prevented?


Severely malnourished patients who are aggressively fed may develop refeeding syndrome, characterized by electrolyte and fluid imbalances and hyperglycemia. These effects occur because dextrose infusions raise levels of circulating insulin, which promotes anabolic processes that quickly remove potassium, phosphate, and magnesium from the blood. The altered electrolyte levels can lead to fluid retention and life-threatening changes in various organ systems. To prevent refeeding syndrome, health practitioners start parenteral infusions slowly and carefully monitor electrolyte and glucose levels when malnourished patients begin receiving nutrition support.

Nutritional Science

You might also like to view...

Which supplement has been proven to decrease some athletes' perception of effort by stimulating the central nervous system?

A. protein shakes B. creatine C. growth hormone D. caffeine

Nutritional Science

Which of the following is not a resistant starch?

a. Milled grains b. Legumes c. Just-ripened bananas d. Cooked potatoes that have been chilled e. Green apples

Nutritional Science

Dark green leafy vegetables such as kale and bok choy are good sources of calcium.

Answer the following statement true (T) or false (F)

Nutritional Science

Which vitamin is least associated with the process of bone remodeling?

A) ?A B) ?K C) ?E D) ?D

Nutritional Science