When a starved patient begins to eat, they might expect which outcome?

When a starved patient begins to eat, an increased workload on the heart is a common outcome due to a phenomenon known as refeeding syndrome. This occurs because the body has adapted to a state of starvation, where metabolic processes are slowed down and energy sources are significantly reduced. As food intake resumes, particularly carbohydrates, the reintroduction of nutrients stimulates insulin secretion and shifts electrolytes, leading to increased demands on the cardiovascular system. This can result in changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and overall cardiac function, thereby increasing the workload on the heart.

It's also important to recognize that while the other choices may reflect potential aspects of the patient's experience as they begin to eat again, they do not accurately represent the physiological responses associated with the immediate aftermath of refeeding after a period of starvation. For instance, an improved mental state may take time as nutritional needs are met and stabilizing the body's systems occurs. Similarly, a decrease in hunger pangs may happen as the body adjusts, but initially, hunger signals may remain active due to the prolonged period of inadequate intake. Lastly, rapid weight gain is not a typical or immediate expected outcome; rather, there may be initial fluid weight shifts, but significant gains in body mass would not usually occur until a more