AS is a 54-year-old business man who has a family history of lung cancer. AS started smoking at 15; years later, he got what he thought was a very bad cold that lasted for a week, started experiencing pain in his tongue, and was given ibuprofen for pain. He then noticed white sores that were getting bigger in his oral cavity near the tongue. He started feeling generally lousy and was unable to eat because of severe pain; he lost 30 lbs in a month. AS went to the clinic, where they did a biopsy that revealed squamous cell cancer of the tongue. AS has undergone radiation therapy (RT) and surgery to remove the cancer and a restorative surgery was scheduled. Because of the RT, AS has developed mucositis and xerostomia in his oral cavity. All his nodes that were sent to the laboratory tested negative for metastasis, and no further RT was needed. The surgeons felt confident that they had removed all the cancer.
HT: 5'11" UBW: 165 lbs WT: 135 lbs
Meds: Corticosteroids and antineoplastic (dexamethasone) to reduce inflammation, K depletion, Na retention; and morphine for pain.
-Approximately how many grams of protein does AS require according to his current body weight?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

AS's protein needs are increased due to his cancer, surgery, and radiation therapy. A general recommendation for protein intake in cancer patients is 1.2 to 1.5 grams per kilogram of body weight. Using the lower end of that range (1.2 g/kg), AS would require approximately 72 grams of protein (1.2 x 60 kg). However, because he has lost significant weight (30 lbs or 13.6 kg), it would be appropriate to base his protein needs on his current weight, which is 61.2 kg. At 1.2 grams per kilogram, this would be approximately 73.4 grams of protein, which rounded up to the nearest whole number is 93 grams (B).

AS Is a 54-Year-Old Business Man Who Has a Family