Application of bedside ultrasound monitoring of gastric residual volume in ICU patients complicated with enteral nutrition support via nasogastric tube

Objective To discuss the application of bedside ultrasound monitoring of gastric residual volume in ICU patients complicated with enteral nutrition support via nasogastric tube. Methods November 2017 to May 2018, 120 patients with enteral nutrition support via nasogastric tube who admitted in ICU of our hospital were randomly divided into the observation group and the control group. The observation group used bedside ultrasound monitoring to determine the gastric residual volume, while the control group was estimated by withdrawn with 50 ml syringe. Reflux, pulmonary aspiration and the time of enteral nutrition were observed in both groups. Results Reflux and pulmonary aspiration were present in 2, 3 in the observation group and 10, 11 in the control group, with significant difference between them (χ2=4.53, 3.96, P<0.05). The time of enteral nutrition in the observation group was (13.98±3.20) h, and (15.54±3.54) h in the control group, which had a statistically difference (t=-10.49, P<0.05). Conclusion The application of bedside ultrasound monitoring of gastric residual volume in ICU patients complicated with enteral nutrition support via nasogastric tube can significantly reduce the risk of reflux and pulmonary aspiration which can ensure the safety of enteral nutrition, and decrease time of enteral nutrition. Key words: Ultrasound; Gastric residual volume; Enteral nutrition