Mobilization of metabolic reserves occurs during which burn metabolic phase?

• A. Ebb
• B. Flow
• C. Adaptive
• D. Recovery

Answer: (B)

During the flow phase the body enters a sustained, hypermetabolic state and begins actively mobilizing its energy stores to meet the increased demands of healing, immune response, and maintaining vital function after the burn. Hormonal changes, including elevated catecholamines and cortisol, drive rapid catabolism of glycogen, fat, and muscle protein. This releases glucose, fatty acids, and amino acids into circulation to fuel wound repair and support immune activity.

In contrast, the ebb phase is a time of reduced perfusion and a lower metabolic rate, so there’s little mobilization of reserves. The later adaptive and recovery periods involve adjustments and rebuilding, with a shift toward anabolic processes, rather than the large-scale mobilization seen in the flow phase.