Which metabolic response phase occurs immediately after an injury?

The metabolic response to injury is typically divided into distinct phases. The initial phase that occurs immediately after an injury is known as the ebb phase. During this period, the body experiences a reduction in metabolic rate and there is a focus on stabilizing the individual—this includes maintaining blood flow to vital organs and preventing shock.

The ebb phase is characterized by a decrease in cardiac output, which is the body's immediate response to injury or trauma, aiming to conserve energy and prioritize blood flow to important systems. This initial phase is crucial for establishing homeostasis before the body can effectively respond to the injury.

Following this ebb phase, the body transitions into the flow phase, which is marked by increased metabolic activity and the body's efforts to heal and recover from the injury. The other options, such as the anabolic and recovery phases, represent later stages of metabolic response when the body focuses on rebuilding and restoring after the immediate threat has passed. Thus, the ebb phase is the correct response as it is specifically the first phase of the metabolic reaction immediately following an injury.