Which of the following is a reason why critically ill and postoperative neonates have lower energy needs?

• A. Absence of growth
• B. Increased activity
• C. Increased insensible losses during stress
• D. Requirement for rapid weight gain

Answer: (A)

Energy needs in neonates are largely driven by growth. In critically ill or postoperative neonates, growth often slows or stops, so there isn’t the ongoing energy demand for tissue synthesis that a healthy growing neonate has. With growth paused, less energy is required for building new tissue, which lowers overall energy needs. In contrast, increased activity, higher insensible losses during stress, or a need for rapid weight gain would all raise energy requirements rather than reduce them.