Nutrition Intervention and Recommended Food Lists for Burns

In the Nutrition Care Manual, I came across the nutrition interventions for patients with burns.

"Most individuals with burns covering less than 20% total body surface are able to consume a high-energy, high-protein nutrition intervention composed of snacks, enteral supplements, or nutrient-enriched shakes to meet nutrition needs. Individuals with larger burns or who are unable to consume sufficient energy and protein, meeting less than 75% of goal energy and protein intake for more than 3 days, should receive nocturnal feedings as a supplement to oral intake based on kilocalorie count results or, if oral intake is negligible, enteral nutrition to meet 100% of nutritional goals. Generally, feedings are initiated at 20 mL/hour to 40 mL/hour and increased to a goal rate over 24 to 48 hours."

"Special consideration should be given to the effects of dressing changes, hydrotherapy, burns to the hands and/or face, sedation, and pain medications that may interfere with food and nutrient intake. Individuals on prolonged ventilation should receive a dysphagia evaluation before initiation of oral feedings."

"General guidelines for increasing energy and protein in the meal plan are as follows:"

·         Provide smaller, more frequent meals rather than increasing the size of each meal

·         Encourage patient to eat on a time schedule and never skip meals

·         Keep snacks readily available

Also given is a recipe for a high-protein milkshake:

Ingredients:

·         1 package instant breakfast

·         1 cup ice cream

·         1 cup milk (whole milk or cream may be used for more calories)

·         2 tbsp. of your choice of butterscotch or chocolate syrup or peanut butter, or add fruit as banana, peach or berries

·         2 tbsp. of a protein modular powder

Directions: Blend all ingredients at low speed until smooth.

Provides: 600 kcal to 800 kcal and 25g to 30g protein.

I have attached a list of recommended foods for burns.

 

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Nutrition Care Manual. Burns: nutrition interventions. http://nutritioncaremanual.org/content.cfm?ncm_content_id=92067. Accessed March 31, 2013.

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Nutrition Care Manual. Burns: recommended foods. http://nutritioncaremanual.org/content.cfm?ncm_content_id=81176. Accessed March 31, 2013.

PG