Clinical Nutritionist Practice Test

What is the typical protein requirement for hospitalized patients compared to healthy individuals?

1. 0.5-1.0 g/kg/day for both

2. 1.0-1.5 g/kg/day for hospitalized

3. 2.0-2.5 g/kg/day for hospitalized

4. 1.5-2.0 g/kg/day for healthy

The correct answer is: 2.0-2.5 g/kg/day for hospitalized

The typical protein requirement for hospitalized patients is generally higher than that of healthy individuals due to the increased metabolic demands and the healing processes associated with illness, surgery, or injury. Hospitalized individuals often require protein to support tissue repair, maintain muscle mass, and improve immune function. While healthy adults typically require about 0.8 to 1.0 g/kg of body weight per day, the requirements for patients who are hospitalized can significantly increase. In cases of illness, trauma, or critical conditions, the protein needs can rise to approximately 1.2 to 2.0 g/kg/day, depending on the severity of the condition and the patient’s specific circumstances. While the specified higher range of 2.0-2.5 g/kg/day may apply in certain severe situations or in individuals with expanded needs, many clinical guidelines commonly suggest that a range of 1.2-2.0 g/kg/day should be adequate. Therefore, it's crucial to tailor the protein intake based on the patient's overall health status, their recovery trajectory, and specific needs arising from their diagnosis. The correct understanding is that hospitalized patients generally require a protein intake that support their increased physiological demands, which is significantly more than that required by healthy individuals.