Effect of Abdominal Massage on the Occurrence of Constipation among Critically Ill Ventilated Patients at Intensive Care Unit

Younis, Gehan Abdelhakim; Ahmed, Safaa Eid Sayed; Abo Seada, Asmaa Ibrahem

doi:10.21608/tsnj.2023.291014

Effect of Abdominal Massage on the Occurrence of Constipation among Critically Ill Ventilated Patients at Intensive Care Unit

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Assistant professor of Critical Care Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Tanta University, Egypt

² Assistant professor of Critical Care Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Mansoura University, Egypt

10.21608/tsnj.2023.291014

Abstract

Constipation is a major gastrointestinal and poorly recognized problem among
critically ill patients. There are numerous problems associated with constipation for patients
admitted to Intensive Care Unit. These complications can increase mortality and delayed weaning
from mechanical ventilation. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of abdominal
massage on the occurrence of constipation among critically ill ventilated patients at Tanta
Intensive Care Unit. Setting: The study was conducted at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) affiliated
to Tanta Emergency Hospital at Tanta University Hospital. Study subjects: A purposive sample
of 60 critically ill patients with mechanical ventilation admitted to the ICU. Tools: 3 tools were
used. Tool I: Patients’ demographic characteristics and health related data. Tool II:
Gastrointestinal Outcomes Assessment Tool. It included five parts: Part (A): Enteral feeding
Assessment, Part (B): Gastric Residual Volume Assessment, Part (C): Abdominal
circumference assessment, Part (D): Bowel movement Assessment Part (E): Frequency of
defecation assessment. Tool III: Constipation assessment scale. Results: more than half
(53.33%) of control group had severe constipation at the 7th day of the study. While severe
constipation didn’t reported among any patients in intervention group at seventh day of study.
Statistical differences were observed between two groups throughout three times of assessment.
Conclusion: Abdominal massage is more efficient in decreasing constipation and its adverse
effect such as abdominal distension, circumference pressure and residual volume in the
intervention sample. Recommendations: abdominal massage should be applied as a routinely
care for all patients in ICU.

Keywords