Which medical condition is a reason for administering enteral nutrition?

Enteral nutrition is an important medical intervention used to provide essential nutrients to patients who are unable to consume food orally due to various health conditions. One of the primary reasons for administering enteral nutrition is the presence of burns. Patients with burns often experience increased nutritional needs due to the hypermetabolic state induced by the trauma. This condition can lead to increased catabolism of proteins and a higher overall energy expenditure, making it essential to supply adequate nutrition to support healing and recovery.

In cases of significant burns, patients may also have difficulty eating due to pain, changes in appetite, or gastrointestinal issues. Enteral nutrition can be tailored to meet their heightened caloric and protein requirements, facilitating wound healing and recovery while minimizing the risk of complications related to malnutrition.

In contrast, cardiac arrest, asthma, and hypertension do not inherently require enteral nutrition. While these conditions may affect a patient's overall health and nutritional status, they are not direct indications for initiating enteral nutrition.