RN Exam Practice
Pharmacological and Parenteral TherapiesQuestion 1927 of 2368

A client with severe malnutrition from anorexia nervosa is starting total parenteral nutrition. What should the nurse monitor closely?

  1. Serum lithium levels, because the infusion increases the risk of toxicity
  2. White blood cell counts, because of the risk of agranulocytosis from the infusion
  3. Electrolytes, because refeeding syndrome can cause life-threatening imbalances
  4. Blood pressure after high-tyramine foods, because of hypertensive crisis
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Correct answer: Electrolytes, because refeeding syndrome can cause life-threatening imbalances

Refeeding syndrome in severe malnutrition can cause life-threatening electrolyte imbalances, so electrolytes are monitored with tube feeding or TPN.

Source: Nursing Health Promotion (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2025), Mental Health Conditions: Treatment of Eating Disorders. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026