Effect of Abdominal Massage on Gastrointestinal Function among Enterally Fed Critically Ill Patients

Abstract

Background: Critically ill patient need a nursing practice that can enhance getting all benefits of enteralfeeding and improving the gastrointestinal function. Gastrointestinal function was gastric residual volume, abdominal distension, vomiting and constipation. Aim: This study aimed to explore the effect of abdominal massage on gastrointestinal function of enteral-feed critical ill patients. Research Design: A Quasi experimental design was used. Setting: the study was conducted at General Intensive Care Units in El Demerdash Hospital Affiliated from Ain Shams University Hospital. Subjects: A purposive sample of 60 Patients who distributed randomly to equal intervention and control groups from the previous mentioned setting. Results: there were statically significant difference between the study group and control group subjects regarding Gastric Residual Volume (GRV)was statistically significant in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th days indicating higher GRV among control group. The abdominal circumference between the five days was significantly in the two groups. None of patients in the study group were vomited along the study period (5days) in compared to 5% of control patients without statistical significant differences. Conclusions: The abdominal massage was significantly effective in lowering GRV, preventing distension and avoiding vomiting. Recommendations: the current study recommended that this practice can be applied as a caring procedure in the daily ICU care program.