THE
BURN NUTRITION MODULE
PART I
What
Are the Basic Objectives of Nutritional Support After Burns ?
Now
that the metabolic response to a burn has been characterized, the
nutritional support can be more clearly defined. The nutritional
support is based on the metabolic response and the use of nutrients to
attenuate the complications in particular lean mass loss.
THE
BASIC PRINCIPLES ARE AS FOLLOW:
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1)
To
provide sufficient energy to keep up with the metabolic demands using
the appropriate nutrient mix. As will be seen, the type and amount of
nutrients are critical to success.
2)
Provide
the necessary protein intake sufficient to maintain adequate protein
synthesis for healing and repair while decreasing the lean mass loss.
Some lean mass loss is inevitable.
3)
Avoid
complications caused by excess or inadequate nutrient intake or
improper timing of delivery.
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BASIC
OBJECTIVES
- Provide
the energy required by the stress response, thru optimum
nutrient delivery
- Provide
the necessary protein intake to meet demands for protein
synthesis thereby decreasing lean mass loss
- Avoid
Complications
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First,
an assessment of energy and protein
needs must be determined so that the appropriate mix and amount of
nutrients can be provided. Since these needs, especially energy,
change during the course of injury, frequent assessments are
essential.
Second,
the
nutritional support needs to be initiated, the earlier the better.
Third,
the
appropriate route of delivery needs to be selected. The enteral
route is the preferred and safest route.
Fourth,
the
adequacy of the nutritional support needs to be determined as well
as maintaining the necessary electrolyte balance and avoidance of
nutrient induced complications.
Fifth,
one
must continually assess the status of hydration in order to
maintain optimal hydration
