To meet the nutritional needs of a patient with extensive burns in the CCU,why should the nurse primarily suggest enteral feedings?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Enteral feedings, which provide nutrition via the gastrointestinal tract, help maintain gut integrity and prevent translocation of bacteria. This is especially important for patients with extensive burns, as they are at a higher risk for infections due to compromised skin barriers. Parenteral nutrition, which provides nutrition via the veins, does not offer this protective benefit and has a higher risk for complications such as infections and thrombosis. While enteral feedings may not necessarily be less expensive than parenteral nutrition, and the patient's limited vascular access may be a consideration, the primary reason for suggesting enteral feedings in this case is to maintain gut integrity and prevent infection.

To Meet the Nutritional Needs of a Patient with Extensive