Which patient would be at risk for nutritional imbalances?

• A. Burns or Excessive Trauma
• B. Renal Failure
• C. Intubated and Sedated
• D. Stable Post-MI

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that a hypermetabolic, catabolic state greatly increases nutritional needs and the risk of imbalance. Burns or extensive trauma trigger a powerful stress response that raises energy expenditure and accelerates protein breakdown to support wound healing and immune function. Losses through wounds and fluid shifts mean the body uses amino acids and calories rapidly, so without aggressive, well-planned nutrition, negative nitrogen balance and malnutrition can occur, slowing healing and increasing infection risk.

In contrast, renal failure often requires careful dietary restrictions (protein, potassium, phosphorus) to protect kidney function, rather than a universal rise in caloric and protein needs. Being intubated and sedated or having a stable post-MI status do not inherently create the same sustained hypermetabolic drive; their nutritional risk depends more on specific illness management and feeding adequacy, but not as acutely as severe burns or trauma.