The nursing diagnosis of aspiration risk in critical patients *

摘要

Objective: To analyze the nursing diagnosis of risk of aspiration and the relationship with its risk factors in the patient hospitalized in the intensive care unit. Methods: A transversal study undertaken in the adult intensive care unit of a teaching hospital in the Northeast of Brazil, with a sample of 86 patients. The data were collected through the use of an interview questionnaire and physical examination in October 2013 - May 2014. Results: The diagnosis was present in 43 patients (50%). A total of 17 risk factors was identified: related mainly to swallowing, enteral nutrition, gastrointestinal motility, gastric emptying, neurological standard, ventilation interfaces, events which were secondary to the treatment, and surgical procedures. Conclusion: The diagnosis of risk of aspiration and its risk factors are present in the critical patients, making the planning of care in this context fundamental.