It is day 3 post-admission and you are commencing Freda’s nasogastric feeding regimen. However, she may be at risk of refeeding syndrome.
Freda is assessed to be at LOW risk of refeeding syndrome as she was eating normally pre-admission, she has been nil by mouth for 3 days since admission, she has not lost significant weight, her BMI is >18.5kg/m2 and her electrolytes are within range.
1. Refeeding syndrome is the term used to refer to fluid and electrolyte shifts that are associated with initiating nutritional support in undernourished patients.
2. Freda is at risk of refeeding syndrome if she has had little or no food intake for more than 5 days.
3. All parameters.
Additional Information
Refeeding syndrome
Refeeding syndrome describes a potentially fatal condition that may affect undernourished or ill patients in response to a sudden recommencement of protein and calories. The pathophysiology of refeeding syndrome relates to the rapid rise in insulin production following the high carbohydrate or protein intake. This insulin release can lead to increased cellular uptake of glucose, fluids and electrolytes, causing metabolic changes:
