Nutrition in ICU

Q: Which of the following is the preferred source of energy in critically ill patients? 

A) carbohydrates 
 B) fat (lipid) 
C) protein 
D) normal saline (0.9 NS) 
E) minerals 



 Answer: A

Lipid mobilization is impaired in critically ill patients and carbohydrates are the preferred source of energy during this time. Although the prescribed nutrition should be balanced and protein should be added to avoid negative nitrogen balance, as well as to utilize it as a substrate for gluconeogenesis.

#nutrition


Reference:


Nordenström J, Carpentier YA, Askanazi J, et al. Free fatty acid mobilization and oxidation during total parenteral nutrition in trauma and infection. Ann Surg 1983; 198:725. 

Plank LD, Connolly AB, Hill GL. Sequential changes in the metabolic response in severely septic patients during the first 23 days after the onset of peritonitis. Ann Surg 1998; 228:146.