Which of the following is a feature of the ebb response?

• A. Depressed resting energy expenditure
• B. Increased resting energy expenditure
• C. Elevated plasma insulin
• D. Anabolism

Answer: (A)

After injury or surgery, the body initially enters an ebb response marked by a drop in metabolic activity. This is why depressed resting energy expenditure is the hallmark: the body's immediate aim is to conserve energy and reduce demand as perfusion and oxygen delivery are not yet optimized. In contrast, the flow phase that follows features increased energy expenditure and a predominantly catabolic state driven by stress hormones. Elevated plasma insulin would align more with the later stress response and insulin resistance seen in the flow phase, not the ebb. Anabolism is not characteristic of the ebb period, which is focused on energy conservation rather than tissue building.