What are some key metabolic considerations for patients on mechanical ventilation?

On mechanical ventilation, patients often experience various metabolic changes that necessitate careful monitoring to ensure optimal outcomes. Monitoring blood glucose levels and nutritional status is crucial because mechanical ventilation can impact metabolic rates and alter energy expenditure. Patients may require adjusted caloric intake to meet their nutritional needs, especially considering the stress response associated with critical illness, which can lead to increased catabolism and altered glucose metabolism.

Additionally, hyperglycemia can occur due to stress and the use of certain medications, making regular blood glucose checks essential. Assessing nutritional status also involves evaluating protein needs, as respiratory failure patients might need more protein to support healing and muscle mass maintenance.

Other options focus too narrowly on specifics such as blood oxygen levels, renal function, or bone density without considering the broader metabolic needs of the patient. These aspects, while important, do not encompass the comprehensive metabolic monitoring required for patients receiving mechanical ventilation, which includes maintaining optimal nutrition and managing blood glucose levels effectively.