Determining the refeeding syndrome awareness levels of nurses working in intensive care units

Aim: This study was conducted to determine the refeeding syndrome (RFS) awareness levels of nurses working in the intensive care unit. Methods: A descriptive research design was employed. The study was conducted with nurses working in adult ICUs at Çukurova University Balcalı Hospital. Results: A total of 73 nurses participated in the study. There was a high-level, statistically significant relationship between participants’ education level and giving correct answers to the statement “Only the dietician is responsible for patient nutrition” (p<0.05). A statistically significant relationship was found between the level of education and giving correct answers to the questions about “the most common vitamin deficiency” (p=0.003) and “the risk of RFS in stroke patients” (p=0.004), compared to giving incorrect responses to these items. A statistically significant relationship was detected between the total work experience and giving correct answers to the following questions: “Individuals with low body mass index (BMI) have a risk of developing RFS,” “Individuals who develop RFS have normal blood potassium levels,” “Only the dietician is responsible for patient nutrition,” “The patient’s weight is monitored before feeding,” and “RFS is an apparent abnormality” (p<0.05). Conclusion: It was determined that nurses who worked in intensive care units and had an undergraduate or above education had better knowledge of RFS than those with an associate degree or below education.