Teaching Points

When educating a patient with hypophosphatemia, be sure to cover the following topics and then evaluate the patient's understanding:

• description of hypophosphatemia and its risk factors, prevention, and treatment
• medications ordered
• need to consult with a dietitian
• need for a high-phosphorus diet (1 qt of cow's milk per day provides the average amount of phosphate required)
• avoidance of phosphate-binding antacids
• warning signs and symptoms and when to report them
• need to maintain follow-up appointments.