Author Question: What are the common criteria used to assess readiness for the initiation of enteral nutrition in ... (Read 27 times)

piesebel · **on:** Aug 21, 2018

What are the common criteria used to assess readiness for the initiation of enteral nutrition in burn patients?

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Using evidence-based guidelines, describe the potential benefits of early enteral nutrition in burn patients.

What will be an ideal response?

ankilker · **Reply #1 on:** Aug 21, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Body surface area burned >20 (in adults)
Inhalation injury requiring mechanical ventilation
Elderly
Pre-existing malnutrition
Comorbidities
Prolonged, inadequate oral intake is expected

Answer to Question 2

Animal and human studies have demonstrated various beneficial effects from early enteral nutrition. There is no conclusive evidence that all these benefits will also be seen in burn patients, but the reported benefits include:
Supports functional and structural integrity of gut
Modulates the hypermetabolic response to injury
Reduces bacterial translocation, infection, organ failure, and length of stay
Improves protein retention, thereby facilitating earlier positive nitrogen balance and wound healing
Stress ulcer prophylaxis