The nurse is caring for a patient who is comatose after a traumatic brain injury. Which of the following would be important for the nurse to include when planning for this patient's nutritional needs?
1. limit protein intake to encourage the body to utilize circulating blood glucose
2. ensure adequate protein intake to maintain a positive nitrogen balance
3. plan to implement hyperalimentation as soon as possible
4. provide adequate calories in the form of carbohydrates and fats
2
Rationale: In the patient with a traumatic brain injury, providing adequate energy and protein for a positive nitrogen balance is paramount to successful treatment, and aggressive nutrition support is recommended. The patient should not have a restricted intake of protein since this would cause a negative nitrogen balance and a poor outcome. Enteral feeding and hyperalimentation is the preferred method of choice for a patient recovering from a traumatic brain injury. Calories should be provided to support all nutritional needs and not focus on carbohydrates and fats. Restricting protein can lead to a negative nitrogen balance and a poor outcome.
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