What it means
Giving nutrition by mouth, tube or IV after a long time with little or no food, such as in anorexia nervosa, alcohol use disorder or a long illness. Refeeding too fast can cause refeeding syndrome: as insulin rises, phosphate, potassium and magnesium shift into the cells and their blood levels can fall dangerously, affecting the heart and breathing.
For the nurse
Start feeding slowly as ordered, check phosphate, potassium, magnesium and glucose often in the first days, and watch for swelling, heart rhythm changes and weakness.
At a glance
| Also written | re-feeding |
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Related terms
hypokalemia
A blood potassium level below normal, under 3.5 mEq/L.
total parenteral nutrition
Complete nutrition given as a liquid straight into a vein instead of through the digestive tract.
nutritional rehabilitation
A planned, step-by-step return to healthy eating and body weight for a person who is malnourished.