CBRN CBRN Nutrition & Metabolic Support 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which formula is commonly used to estimate caloric needs in burn patients based on body weight and percent TBSA burned?
- Harris-Benedict equation
- Curreri formula (Correct answer)
- Mifflin-St Jeor equation
- Fick equation
Correct answer: Curreri formula
The Curreri formula estimates caloric needs by calculating 25 kcal/kg/day plus 40 kcal per percent TBSA burned.
Question 2: Which route of nutrition is preferred for burn patients when the gastrointestinal tract is functional?
- Total parenteral nutrition
- Peripheral IV glucose infusion
- Enteral nutrition via nasogastric tube (Correct answer)
- Oral supplementation alone
Correct answer: Enteral nutrition via nasogastric tube
Enteral nutrition is preferred in burn patients because it maintains gut integrity, reduces bacterial translocation, and carries fewer complications than parenteral nutrition.
Question 3: Which macronutrient has significantly increased requirements in burn patients due to catabolism and wound healing demands?
- Carbohydrates
- Fats
- Fiber
- Protein (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Protein
Burn patients require 1.5–3 g/kg/day of protein due to massive catabolism, wound healing demands, and nitrogen losses from wound exudate.
Question 4: Which micronutrient is commonly supplemented in burn patients to support collagen synthesis and immune function?
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin K
- Vitamin C (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Vitamin C
Vitamin C supports collagen synthesis, antioxidant defense, and immune function — all critical for wound healing in burn patients.
Question 5: What metabolic complication is most characteristic of the hypermetabolic stress response in severe burn patients?
- Hypothermia
- Hypoglycemia
- Metabolic alkalosis
- Hyperglycemia (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Hyperglycemia
Stress hormones (catecholamines, cortisol, glucagon) promote gluconeogenesis and insulin resistance, causing hyperglycemia in burn patients.
Question 6: When should enteral nutrition ideally be initiated in a major burn patient to reduce hypermetabolism?
- Within 24–48 hours of injury (Correct answer)
- After 72 hours when the patient is stabilized
- Only after surgery is completed
- When the patient refuses oral intake
Correct answer: Within 24–48 hours of injury
Early enteral nutrition within 24–48 hours reduces hypermetabolism, preserves gut mucosal integrity, and decreases infection risk.
CBRN CBRN Nutrition & Metabolic Support 1
Which formula is commonly used to estimate caloric needs in burn patients based on body weight and percent TBSA burned?