Refeeding syndrome

[Mdtrain]

Hey yall, do any of you know why refeeding syndrome leads to hyperglycemia and the electrolyte imbalances of P and K ?

[psu_213, BSN, RN]

At the risk of sounding like another AN member whose 'initials' may be MMJ is this a homework question?

I had to look up refeeding syndrome on Google--I had never heard of it--there were lots of articles that provided fairly detailed answers to your question.

[Mdtrain]

Haha no! Im actually preparing for the nclex and didn't get a very satisfying answer to it in my review

[smf0903]

Refeeding syndrome was a huge issue after WWII with concentration camp survivors and POWs. Here's a link to an article that discusses the electrolyte and fluid shifts along with hormonal changes.

Refeeding syndrome: what it is, and how to prevent and treat it

Good luck on nclex! :)

[cleback]

I've seen it a few times in my career with failure to thrive adults or those with severe gi issues getting started on tpn. I haven't seen hypoglycemia but the docs will frequently check and correct electrolyte imbalances as they increase nutritional intake. I unfortunately do not know the physiology behind it. Just wanted to add that it's not just a historical issue. :)

[Buckeye.nurse]

I've seen it a few times in my career with failure to thrive adults or those with severe gi issues getting started on tpn. I haven't seen hypoglycemia but the docs will frequently check and correct electrolyte imbalances as they increase nutritional intake. I unfortunately do not know the physiology behind it. Just wanted to add that it's not just a historical issue. :)

Another real life example is an adolescent psych floor which specializes in Anorexia Nervosa. Patients are generally on telemetry, and require close monitoring due to the potential for severe electrolyte imbalances.