Mrs. White is in the ICU for complications following surgery. She has been diagnosed with sepsis and is on a ventilator. In order to most accurately estimate her energy needs, the nurse recognizes that the preferred method to use is _____.

Question

Mrs. White is in the ICU for complications following surgery. She has been diagnosed with sepsis and is on a ventilator. In order to most accurately estimate her energy needs, the nurse recognizes that the preferred method to use is _____.​

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Penn State equation is the preferred method for estimating energy needs in critically ill patients, including those with sepsis and who are on a ventilator, as it takes into account factors such as injury, infection, and mechanical ventilation that can affect energy expenditure. Other equations, such as the Harris-Benedict and Mifflin-St. Jeor, may not be as accurate in this population. Direct calorimetry is not a practical option in the ICU setting, and the permissive protein balance method is not directly related to estimating energy needs.

Mrs White Is in the ICU for Complications Following Surgery