What will nutrition labs look like post-burn?

• A. High protein and albumin.
• B. Normal protein levels.
• C. Low protein, low albumin, and low sodium.
• D. Elevated liver enzymes.

Answer: (C)

After a major burn, the body shifts into a hypermetabolic, highly catabolic state with massive protein breakdown and losses from wounds. This catabolic response means proteins are used up for energy and tissue repair, and proteins leaking into damaged tissues or wound exudate reduce the amount circulating in the blood. Albumin, a major blood protein, falls because it’s produced less efficiently during inflammation and is lost with capillary leak and wound drainage. The result is low protein and low albumin on labs. Sodium can also be low in this phase due to fluid shifts into the injured areas and losses through wounds, along with dilution from resuscitation fluids. Elevated liver enzymes aren’t the typical nutrition-related pattern you’d expect in the post-burn period, and high protein and albumin would not reflect the ongoing catabolism.