Increased energy expenditure indicates:

• A. Burns
• B. Hypothermia
• C. Hypovolemia
• D. Anemia

Answer: (A)

Severe burns trigger a hypermetabolic state, so the body's resting energy expenditure climbs dramatically to support wound healing, immune response, and the stress response. This rise is driven by increased catecholamines and cortisol, inflammatory cytokines, and often fever, leading to sustained protein breakdown, fat mobilization, and glucose production. Because of these amplified metabolic demands, patients with major burns require substantially more calories to prevent muscle loss and aid recovery. In contrast, hypothermia tends to lower metabolic rate (with possible shivering responses that are not enough to sustain a high, ongoing energy demand), hypovolemia focuses on fluid and perfusion without creating a persistent increased energy need, and anemia prompts cardiovascular compensation rather than a primary rise in energy expenditure.