In pediatric burn care, when TBSA is greater than 20%, oral intake cannot meet nutrient needs.

• A. Oral intake cannot meet nutrient needs
• B. Oral intake sufficient
• C. Oral only for hydration
• D. No nutrition support needed

Answer: (A)

When a burn involves a large body surface area, the body’s metabolism ramps up dramatically, increasing energy expenditure and protein breakdown. In children with TBSA exceeding 20%, ordinary oral intake usually can’t supply enough calories and protein to support healing, immune function, and tissue repair. That’s why the statement that oral intake cannot meet nutrient needs is the best answer: nutrition support becomes necessary to meet these heightened demands, with enteral feeding preferred early to preserve gut function and promote recovery; if the gut cannot meet needs, parenteral nutrition is added. The other options imply that oral intake is adequate, limited only to hydration, or unnecessary—situations that don’t align with the substantial metabolic stress of larger burns.