Nutritional requirements of mechanically ventilated, critically ill trauma patients are to estimate because of the variety of injuries and many variables that must be considered in making an accurate nutrition assessment. The Harris‐Benedict predictive equation is often cited in the literature as an overestimation of caloric requirements in the critically ill when compared with indirect calorimetry, and, additionally, studies examining critically ill populations are inconsistent with the application of two important variables: physical activity and fasting. For this study, measurements of resting energy expenditure were compared with the predicted basal energy expenditure (BEE) using the Harris‐Benedict equation with the addition of a selected injury correction factor (ICF), and potential relationships were evaluated for their agreement. When the elements of routine intensive care unit physical activity (which increases energy expenditure by approximately 10%) and the patient's fasting state (the specific dynamic action of food which increased energy expenditure by 10%) are accounted for by the addition of 20% to the measured resting energy expenditure (MREE), the predicted BEE with ICF was in moderate significant agreement with MREE.

Life-changing events unfold quickly as trauma nurses provide care for patients during the most vulnerable time of their lives. Nurses also bear the weight of simultaneously caring and providing emotional support for the families of trauma victims. Trauma nurses have a profound responsibility to assist patients and families through this process, as well as having a unique opportunity to encourage families to share their personal stories and experiences. On occasion, some high-profile traumas make their way to the local news and inquiries from the media soon follow. The public has an interest in stories related to trauma and a fascination in the reactions of individuals immediately impacted. These stories have value to the public, as they create opportunities for others to learn, examine personal values and social norms, develop new perspectives, and reflect on the fragility and meaning of life. Personal accounts of traumatic life events can be shared privately or publicly, and nurses should be prepared to provide effective interventions and, on occasion, support families faced with weighing the potential risks and benefits of sharing their story with the media.

assessment techniques and to change the intake if necessary. The best approach is to measure the RME of the patient. If done, the question still remains, do we adjust the measured RME with a 10% or 20% activity factor? The body, even during a critical illness, is fairly resilient to fluctuations in intake. Being close to the energy needs of the patient, as in the game of horseshoes, also counts.