When should early enteral nutrition ideally be initiated in burn patients to support healing and reduce complications?

• A. After 72 hours
• B. Not indicated
• C. Within 24-48 hours
• D. Only after wound closure

Answer: (C)

Starting enteral nutrition within 24 to 48 hours in burn patients is beneficial because it provides needed calories and protein during a period of intense metabolic stress, supporting wound healing and immune function. Early feeding helps preserve gut integrity and reduce bacterial translocation, which lowers infectious complications such as sepsis and pneumonia. Delaying nutrition beyond 72 hours loses these protective effects and can worsen outcomes, while waiting until wound closure misses the opportunity to support healing throughout the initial recovery. In practice, begin enteral nutrition as soon as the patient is hemodynamically stable and there are no contraindications.