CRRT effluent protein losses should be considered when determining what?

• A. Fluid volume
• B. Electrolyte needs
• C. Total daily protein target
• D. Caloric intake

Answer: (C)

Protein lost in CRRT effluent reduces the patient’s nitrogen stores, so nutrition planning must account for that loss by adjusting the total daily protein target upward. Adding an amount of protein equivalent to the estimated effluent losses helps maintain positive nitrogen balance and prevents excessive catabolism during continuous renal replacement therapy. Fluid volume targets come from fluid balance and ultrafiltration goals, while electrolyte needs and overall caloric planning are guided by separate considerations; the specific adjustment driven by CRRT is increasing the total daily protein target to offset effluent protein losses.