Which is a potential complication of tube feeding syndrome?

Which is a potential complication of tube feeding syndrome?

• A. Hyponatremia
• B. Azotemia
• C. Hypokalemia
• D. Hyperglycemia

Answer: (B)

When starting tube feeding in a malnourished patient, the body shifts from a catabolic to an anabolic state, which can place a greater burden on the kidneys and how nitrogen is processed. Azotemia refers to elevated nitrogenous wastes in the blood (such as an increased BUN) and can arise from a higher protein load in the feed and/or reduced renal perfusion in volume-depleted patients. This makes azotemia a plausible complication of tube feeding because it directly reflects how the body’s kidneys handle the added protein and nitrogen load introduced with the nutrition support. While electrolyte disturbances like hyponatremia, low potassium, or high glucose can occur during refeeding, they reflect different aspects of the metabolic response and are not as specifically tied to the nitrogen waste handling that azotemia represents. In practice, monitoring renal function and adjusting protein and hydration help manage this risk.

When starting tube feeding in a malnourished patient, the body shifts from a catabolic to an anabolic state, which can place a greater burden on the kidneys and how nitrogen is processed. Azotemia refers to elevated nitrogenous wastes in the blood (such as an increased BUN) and can arise from a higher protein load in the feed and/or reduced renal perfusion in volume-depleted patients. This makes azotemia a plausible complication of tube feeding because it directly reflects how the body’s kidneys handle the added protein and nitrogen load introduced with the nutrition support.

While electrolyte disturbances like hyponatremia, low potassium, or high glucose can occur during refeeding, they reflect different aspects of the metabolic response and are not as specifically tied to the nitrogen waste handling that azotemia represents. In practice, monitoring renal function and adjusting protein and hydration help manage this risk.