The intensive care nurse caring for a patient in shock is planning assessments and interventions related to the patients nutritional needs. What physiologic process contributes to these increased nutritional needs?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Nutritional support is an important aspect of care for patients in shock. Patients in shock may require 3,000 calories daily. This caloric need is directly related to the release of catecholamines and the resulting increase in metabolic rate and caloric requirements. Albumin is not primarily metabolized as an energy source. The special nutritional needs of shock are not related to increased parasympathetic activity, but are instead related to increased sympathetic activity. GI function does not increase during shock.

The Intensive Care Nurse Caring for a Patient in Shock