Refeeding syndrome.

Refeeding syndrome can occur when nutrition is reinstituted in a starved patient and, if abnormalities are not corrected, can be lethal. This article describes metabolic adaptations to starvation, risk factors for the development of refeeding syndrome, and causes as well as symptoms of refeeding syndrome. Adverse consequences of hypophosphatemia, hypomagnesemia, and hypokalemia are described. Nursing implications to prevent refeeding syndrome are outlined.