Ch. 18 - Nutrition for Burns & Wound Healing

Nutrition Exam 2

Why do patients with severe burns have increased nutritional needs?

Burns cause a hypermetabolic and hyper catabolic state, meaning the body burns more calories and breaks down muscle protein rapidly to support healing

What is hyper metabolism?

A condition in which the body’s metabolic rate is greatly increases, resulting in higher calorie and nutrient nedse

What is catabolism?

The breakdown of body tissues (especially muscle) to provide energy and amino acids

When is nutrition support recommended for burn patients?

As early as possible, especially in patients with moderate to severe burns who cannot meet their nutritional needs by mouth

Early enteral nutrition is preferred when the gastrointestinal tract is functioning

Why is early enteral nutrition preferred after a major burn?

Helps maintain the intestinal lining

Supports immune function

Reduces infection risk

Improves wound healing

What is the primary nutrition goal after a severe burn?

Prevent muscle loss while providing enough calories and protein to promote healing

Why do burn patients require more calories?

The body needs extra energy for tissue repair, immune function, and increased metabolic demands

Which nutrient is most important for wound healing?

Protein

Why is protein essential after burns?

Builds new tissue

Supports collagen formation

Preserves lean muscle mass

Supports immune function

What can happen if a burn patient does not consume enough protein?

Delayed wound healing

Muscle wasting

Increased infection risk

Poor recovery

Why are calories important during wound healing?

Calories provide energy so protein can be used for tissue repair instead of being broken down for energy

Why is vitamin C important in wound healing?

Required for collagen synthesis

Supports immune function

Promotes tissue repair

What can vitamin C deficiency lead to during recovery?

Delayed wound healing and impaired collagen formation

Why is vitamin A important in wound healing?

Support epithelial tissue repair

Promotes immune function

Assists with new cell growth

Why is vitamin E sometimes discussed in wound healing?

It functions as an antioxidant, but routine supplementation is not always recommended because excessive amounts may interfere with healing in some situations

Why is zinc important in wound healing?

Supports protein synthesis

Helps with collagen formation

Promotes immune function

Assists tissue repair

What may happen if zinc intake is inadequate?

Wound healing may be delayed

Why is iron important for healing?

Iron helps transport oxygen to healing tissues and supports red blood cell production

Why are fluid needs increased after major burns?

Burn injuries cause significant fluid loss through damaged skin, increasing the risk of dehydration and shock

Why is hydration important for wound healing?

It supports circulation, oxygen delivery, nutrient transport, and tissue repair

What are the overall nutrition goals for burn patients?

Provide adequate calories

Increased protein intake

Maintain hydration

Replace vitamin and mineral losses

Promote wound healing

Which feeding route is preferred if the GI tract is functioning?

Enteral nutrition

When is parenteral nutrition considered?

When the GI tract cannot be used or enteral nutrition is not possible

A patient has extensive burns and cannot consume enough food. What nutrition support should be considered first if the GI tract is functioning?

Early enteral nutrition

A burn patient has poor wound healing and muscle loss. Which nutrient intake should be assessed first?

Protein

A patient asks why vitamin C is being prescribed after a burn injury. What is the best response?

Vitamin C is needed for collagen production and helps wounds heal properly

Which mineral is most closely associated with tissue repair and collagen formation?

Zinc

Why is providing enough calories important when increasing protein intake?

Adequate calories allow protein to be used for tissue repair instead of being used as an energy source