The flow phase peaks between which days after burn injury?

The flow phase peaks between which days after burn injury?

• A. Day 1-2
• B. Day 3-5
• C. Day 11-14
• D. Day 6-10

Answer: (D)

After a burn, the body shifts from an initial ebb period with a relatively low metabolic rate into a prolonged flow period marked by a sustained hypermetabolic, catabolic state driven by stress hormones and inflammatory mediators. The peak of this flow phase—the time of maximum energy expenditure and protein breakdown—most commonly occurs around days 6 to 10 after injury. Earlier days reflect the transition into the flow response, and by days 11–14 the peak has typically passed, though the hypermetabolic state can persist. Therefore, the window of days 6–10 best represents the peak flow phase.

After a burn, the body shifts from an initial ebb period with a relatively low metabolic rate into a prolonged flow period marked by a sustained hypermetabolic, catabolic state driven by stress hormones and inflammatory mediators. The peak of this flow phase—the time of maximum energy expenditure and protein breakdown—most commonly occurs around days 6 to 10 after injury. Earlier days reflect the transition into the flow response, and by days 11–14 the peak has typically passed, though the hypermetabolic state can persist. Therefore, the window of days 6–10 best represents the peak flow phase.