The nurse is caring for a patient who is comatose after a traumatic brain injury.What is important for the nurse to include when planning for this patient's nutritional needs?
A)Provide adequate calories in the form of carbohydrates and fats.
B)Ensure adequate protein intake to maintain a positive nitrogen balance.
C)Plan to implement parenteral nutrition as soon as possible.
D)Increase dietary supply of cortisol.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Adequate protein intake is essential for maintaining a positive nitrogen balance and promoting tissue repair and healing. Carbohydrates and fats are also important for providing energy, but protein is particularly crucial in the early stages of recovery after a traumatic brain injury. Parenteral nutrition may be necessary if the patient is unable to tolerate oral or enteral intake, but it is not necessarily the first-line choice. Increasing the dietary supply of cortisol is not indicated in this situation.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient Who Is Comatose