Word parts
What it means
Too little phosphate in the blood, usually below 2.5 mg/dL [0.81 mmol/L]. Phosphate helps cells make energy, so a low level can cause muscle weakness, including the breathing muscles, and confusion. Common causes are refeeding syndromeree-FEE-ding SIN-drohmDangerous shifts in fluids and minerals that can happen when a starved or severely malnourished person starts eating or being fed again.Full entry after starvation, alcohol use disorder, treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis, and antacids that bind phosphate. Its opposite is hyperphosphatemiahy-per-fos-fuh-TEE-mee-uhA blood phosphate (phosphorus) level above normal.hyper- abovephosphat phosphate-emia in the bloodFull entry .
For the nurse
When a malnourished client starts eating or tube feeding, check phosphate, potassium and magnesium as ordered, and report muscle weakness or slowed breathing.
At a glance
| Also written | hypophosphataemia, hypophosphatemic |
|---|
Easy to confuse with
hyperphosphatemia
A blood phosphate (phosphorus) level above normal.
Related terms
hypo-
A word beginning that means under, below or less than normal.
-emia
A word ending that means a condition of the blood, or something in the blood.
phosphorus
A mineral in the blood and bones, measured as phosphate, that works with calcium to build bone and supply energy to cells.
hyperphosphatemia
A blood phosphate (phosphorus) level above normal.
refeeding syndrome
Dangerous shifts in fluids and minerals that can happen when a starved or severely malnourished person starts eating or being fed again.