What it means
After days of little or no food, restarting nutrition (by mouth, tube or IV) makes the body release insulin, which pulls phosphate, potassium and magnesium into the cells. Blood levels can fall fast (hypophosphatemiahy-poh-fos-fuh-TEE-mee-uhA blood phosphate (phosphorus) level below normal.hypo- belowphosphat phosphate-emia in the bloodFull entry is the hallmark), thiamine runs out and fluid is retained. This can lead to heart rhythm problems, heart failure, breathing failure and death. People at risk include those with anorexia nervosaan-uh-REK-see-uh ner-VOH-suhAn eating disorder in which a person limits food intake out of an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted view of their own body.Full entry , heavy alcohol use, long periods without eating and severe illness.
For the nurse
Restart feeding slowly as ordered, give thiamine before feeding if prescribed, and check phosphate, potassium and magnesium often in the first days. Watch the heart rhythm, weight, swelling and breathing, and report falling levels.
Related terms
total parenteral nutrition
Complete nutrition given as a liquid straight into a vein instead of through the digestive tract.
malnutrition
Poor nutrition from too little, too much or the wrong balance of nutrients.
anorexia nervosa
An eating disorder in which a person limits food intake out of an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted view of their own body.
thiamine
Vitamin B1, which the body needs to use glucose for energy, especially in the brain, nerves and heart.
hypophosphatemia
A blood phosphate (phosphorus) level below normal.