Does enteral nutrition require continuity of management: a randomized controlled study.

Area of Science:

• Critical Care Medicine
• Gastroenterology
• Nursing Science

Background:

• Intensive care unit (ICU) patients often experience gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms after transitioning from tube feeding.
• Managing the continuity of enteral nutrition is crucial for patient recovery and comfort.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of an enteral nutrition continuity management program.
• To assess the program's impact on GI symptoms and patient satisfaction in ICU patients after tube feeding, based on circadian rhythm mechanisms.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study involving an experimental group (enteral nutrition continuity management) and a control group (routine nursing).
• The experimental group's eating behavior was adjusted 3 days prior to tube feeding cessation, including nighttime fasting.
• Outcomes measured included abdominal distension, appetite, use of gastric motility drugs, and patient satisfaction.

Main Results:

• The experimental group showed statistically significant improvements in abdominal distension, bowel sounds, and appetite post-tube feeding (P<0.05).
• Fewer gastric motility drugs were required in the experimental group compared to the control group.
• Patient satisfaction scores were higher for nursing intervention and psychological nursing in the experimental group.

Conclusions:

• The enteral nutrition continuity management program demonstrates a significant preventive effect on GI symptoms in ICU patients after tube feeding.
• This approach supports better patient recovery by mitigating common post-extubation GI complications.