What is a common nutritional intervention for children with large burn injuries?

Children with large burn injuries have increased metabolic demands due to the extensive tissue damage and the body's heightened efforts to heal. Enteral feeding is often recommended as it provides a means to deliver adequate nutrition, including essential calories and proteins, directly to the gastrointestinal tract. This approach is particularly beneficial in pediatric patients because it helps meet their nutritional needs more effectively, especially if oral intake is inadequate or impossible due to the extent of their injuries.

Supplementing with enteral feedings as needed ensures that children receive essential nutrients in a form that is easily digestible and absorbable. It supports their recovery by promoting healing, maintaining lean body mass, and preventing malnutrition, which can complicate recovery from burns. In severe cases, enteral nutrition can be delivered through a feeding tube, allowing for a higher caloric intake without the physical burden of eating.

The other options do not align as effectively with the nutritional needs in this context. For instance, maintaining a strictly liquid diet may not provide sufficient caloric density for recovery, prioritizing protein over calories alone may neglect overall energy needs, and restricting sugary foods lacks the understanding of the caloric needs for healing. Considering the specific requirement for high caloric intake in burn injuries, enteral feedings are often a critical component