For a postoperative client with poor nutritional intake, which action should be included in the plan to promote wound healing?

For a postoperative client with poor nutritional intake, which action should be included in the plan to promote wound healing?

• A. Limit the total caloric intake to 25 kcal/kg of body weight
• B. Provide an intake of 500 mg/day of vitamin E
• C. Limit fluid intake to 20 mL/kg of body weight per day
• D. Provide a protein intake of 1.5 g/kg of body weight per day

Answer: (D)

Wound healing depends on supplying enough protein to provide the amino acids needed for new tissue formation, collagen synthesis, and immune function. In a postoperative client with poor intake, emphasizing protein helps ensure there are building blocks available for repair rather than using protein for energy. A protein intake of about 1.5 g/kg of body weight per day provides sufficient amino acids to support tissue repair and immune readiness during healing. It’s also important that overall energy intake be adequate, because if calories are too low, the body may break down protein for energy instead of using it for wound repair. Options that limit calories or fluids or rely on high-dose vitamin supplements don’t support wound healing and can hinder recovery.

Wound healing depends on supplying enough protein to provide the amino acids needed for new tissue formation, collagen synthesis, and immune function. In a postoperative client with poor intake, emphasizing protein helps ensure there are building blocks available for repair rather than using protein for energy. A protein intake of about 1.5 g/kg of body weight per day provides sufficient amino acids to support tissue repair and immune readiness during healing. It’s also important that overall energy intake be adequate, because if calories are too low, the body may break down protein for energy instead of using it for wound repair. Options that limit calories or fluids or rely on high-dose vitamin supplements don’t support wound healing and can hinder recovery.