Which of the following may cause hypophosphatemia in enterally fed patients?

Hypophosphatemia, a condition characterized by low levels of phosphate in the blood, can indeed be associated with enterally fed patients due to various factors, including the use of certain medications. Each of the options listed plays a role in potentially causing this electrolyte imbalance.

Sucralfate, a medication often used to treat ulcers, can bind phosphate in the gastrointestinal tract. This binding reduces the absorption of phosphate from enteral nutrition, which can lead to decreased phosphate levels when patients are on a feeding regimen.

Corticosteroids can also be implicated in the development of hypophosphatemia. They may promote renal phosphate wasting, leading to lower serum phosphate levels. Additionally, corticosteroids can influence bone metabolism, further affecting phosphate levels in the body.

Diuretics, particularly certain types such as thiazide diuretics, can lead to electrolyte imbalances, including hypophosphatemia. They can increase renal excretion of phosphate, thus contributing to lowering serum phosphate concentrations.

Because each of these medications can contribute to hypophosphatemia in enterally fed patients through different mechanisms (reduced absorption or increased renal loss), the correct answer that sums up all these potential causes is the option that includes all of them. Understanding these interactions