What is the nutrition therapy for pediatric patients with small burns (< 20% TBSA) not complicated by facial injury, psychologic problems, inhalation injury or pre-burn malnutrition?

• A. Oral high protein, high calorie diet
• B. Enteral nutrition
• C. Parenteral nutrition
• D. Oral hydration only

Answer: (A)

Small burns in children still drive a higher energy and protein need for healing, even when the injury is limited and there are no additional complications. If the child can take food by mouth, starting with an oral, high-protein, high-calorie diet provides the calories and amino acids required for tissue repair and helps preserve lean mass without the risks associated with IV or tube feeding. Enteral nutrition is reserved for cases where oral intake cannot meet needs, and parenteral nutrition is for when the gut can’t be used or in severe malnutrition. Relying on oral hydration alone does not supply enough energy and protein for healing. Therefore, the best approach is an oral high-protein, high-calorie diet.