In patients who have experienced major full-thickness burns, what nutritional approach is common?

In the case of patients who have experienced major full-thickness burns, enteral nutrition is often the preferred nutritional approach. This preference is due to several critical factors related to the patient's condition and recovery needs.

Burn injuries significantly increase metabolic demands and disrupt normal physiological processes. These patients require an adequate intake of calories and nutrients to support healing, maintain energy levels, and prevent malnutrition. Enteral nutrition is advantageous because it helps deliver the necessary nutrients directly to the gastrointestinal tract, which can promote gut integrity and support immune function.

Additionally, enteral feeding allows for the provision of a high-calorie, high-protein diet, essential for healing and tissue repair. It is generally more physiological than parenteral feeding and tends to be associated with fewer complications, such as infections and metabolic disturbances. Nutritional support via the enteral route is beneficial in reducing the length of hospital stays and improving overall outcomes for burn patients.

In summary, enteral nutrition is the most suitable approach in managing the nutritional needs of patients with major full-thickness burns, as it effectively addresses their increased nutritional requirements while supporting overall recovery.