Critically ill patients: nursing practices on Enteral feeding

Introduction: Acute critical illness is characterized by catabolism exceeding anabolism. Nutritional support has now recognized as sine qua non in management of critically ill. Timely initiation of optimal nutritional support is important to limit the catabolic process. The awareness among nursing staff about nutritional therapy is important for the overall management of patients in the ICU. Aim and Objectives: This research project aimed to assess the Nursing care practices on enteral feeding in critically ill patients. Material and methods: This study adopted prospective observational design to collect the data regarding feeding practices in critically ill patients. The study was conducted in a tertiary care center Intensive care units of South India. Sample of this study comprised of 1000 feeding observations from 121 critically ill patients on enteral nutrition. Results: The data reveals that, before administering naso gastric feeds the nurses washed the hands in 43 % of the observations. The head end of the bed was elevated less than 30 degree angle in 12% observation .The placement of the enteral tube was not checked in 73% of the observation. The gastric residual volume was not checked in 73% of the observations. The medications were mixed with the enteral feeds in 48% of the observation. The motility agents were not used in 99.3% of the observations. Conclusion: Inconsistency in nursing practice to be improved with continuing education and practice surveillance