E - EARLY ACUTE CARE

In the acute phase after injury, the registered dietitian should assess energy needs by measuring energy expenditure. Individuals with SCI have reduced metabolic activity due to denervated muscle. Actual energy needs are at least 10% below predicted needs. Indirect calorimetry is more accurate than the estimation of energy needs in critically ill patients. (Adapted from NUTR 2009, p.14; Level A)