Describe the ebb response following burn injury.

• A. The ebb response lasts 3-5 days and includes depressed energy expenditure, hyperglycemia, low plasma insulin, loss of plasma volume, decreased oxygen consumption, decreased blood pressure, reduced cardiac output and decreased body temperature
• B. The ebb response lasts 1-2 days with increased energy expenditure
• C. The ebb response involves increased insulin and high energy
• D. The ebb response is an anabolic phase with increased body temperature

Answer: (A)

The ebb response is the immediate, hypometabolic phase after a burn that reflects a period of reduced perfusion and energy demand. It typically spans a few days (often described as 3–5 days in many burn metabolism discussions) and features a drop in tissue perfusion with lower cardiac output and decreased oxygen consumption. Body temperature falls, and there is loss of plasma volume from capillary leak. The metabolic milieu includes hyperglycemia with relatively low plasma insulin, contributing to a suppressed energy state. These combined changes contrast with the later flow (or hypermetabolic) phase, where energy expenditure rises, perfusion improves, and the body enters an anabolic, higher-temperature state.