Misconceptions and truths for feeding patients in the intensive care unit: Case studies with practical nursing solutions

Refaat A.  Hegazi; Mary Ann  Cockram; Menghua  Luo

doi:10.4236/ojn.2012.223047

Refaat A. Hegazi^*, Mary Ann Cockram, Menghua Luo

Abstract: The Guidelines for the Provision and Assessment of Nutrition Support Therapy in the Adult Critically Ill Patient published in May 2009 (joint guidelines between the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) and the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (A.S.P.E.N.) have advanced our clinical practice for the nutritional management of critically ill patients. In the current article, we will review how to implement these guidelines using a case study model. Two mechanically ventilated and tube fed patients are discussed, one with pneumonia and the second with severe acute pancreatitis. We address the questions of the feeding timing, method of administration, and management of its complications for these two patients.

Keywords: Enteral Nutrition; Critically Ill Patients; Guidelines; Case Studies

Cite this paper: Hegazi, R. , Cockram, M. and Luo, M. (2012) Misconceptions and truths for feeding patients in the intensive care unit: Case studies with practical nursing solutions. Open Journal of Nursing, 2, 327-331. doi: 10.4236/ojn.2012.223047.

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