Enteral feeding for nutritional support in critically ill patients

摘要

Enteral feeding is a useful means of providing nutrients to critically ill patients who have functional guts, but are often unable to meet their nutritional requirements through oral intake (Bourgault et al, 2007; Ojo and Brooke, 2016). Enteral feeding in critically ill patients can promote nutritional status and health outcomes, including reduced morbidity, mortality, reduced length of hospital stay, fewer infections and better quality of life (Dhaliwal et al, 2014). In addition, enteral tubes may be used for gastric decompression and the delivery of medication to these patients (Williams and Leslie, 2005). Patients who are critically ill often have or may be susceptible to life-threatening illnesses or injuries, unstable, and may have complex needs that require regular and intensive nursing care (Cutler and Cutler, 2010).