Nutritional Assessment

Consider nutritional status prior to admission for both the caloric and protein requirements. Supplementation protocols (see Appendix - Table 2), especially with regard to previous alcohol consumption or substance abuse should also be considered. Equations/formulas for estimation of Ideal Body Weight and Basal Energy expenditures are as follows:

• Ideal Body Weight (IBW)
  • 5ft = 100 lbs = 45 kg
  • plus 2.2 kg/inch or 2.5 cm over 5 ft.
  • +/- 10% depending on age, sex, and body type
• Basal Energy Expenditure (BEE)
  • (males) 66.5 + 13.75(wt. in kg) + 5(ht. in cm) - 6.78(age in yrs)
  • (females) 66.5 + 9.56(wt. in kg) + 1.85(ht. in em) - 4.68 (age)
  • For estimation of increased needs due to burns see Appendix 2.

Monitor adequate nutrition through daily-weekly weights, calorie counts, and pre-albumins (if available). Note: Calorie requirements decrease once wound coverage is achieved, and patients can return to normal diets when healed.

Small children often refuse to eat and drink adequately and may require tube feeding to ensure optimum nutrition.

Next Page Previous Page Burn Info E-mail

The information contained in this section is copyright 1992 by Vancouver Hospital and Health Sciences Centre All rights reserved.

No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means graphic, electronic, or mechanical - without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review.