Question

Explain why intravenous dextrose solutions are not sufficient to fulfill nutritional requirements after surgery?

Answer 1

Answer:

Dextrose solution doesn't have a suitable amount of proteins, fats (lipids) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals)

Explanation:

Dextrose is a type of simple carbohydrate (monosaccharide), which is prescribed and administrated intravenously in cases of dehydration and low blood sugar levels. Dextrose forms part of nutrition in the normal diet, but it is insufficient to obtain all the required nutrients in patients following surgery. Intravenous nutrition must include proteins, lipids and micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals (especially zinc in order to synthesize collagen which acts to accelerate wound healing). For this purpose, a protein-dextrose solution supplemented with lipid emulsion is well-suited for providing short-term nutritional support for patients following surgery.