Effectiveness Of Abdominal Massage On Gastric Residual Volume, Abdominal Distension, And Gastrointestinal Functioning Among Patients With Nasogastric Tube Feeding Admitted In The ICU’s At Selected Hospital-Pilot Study

Abdominal massage is a prevalent non pharmacological intervention for reliving high gastric residual volume, abdominal distension and other some gastro intestinal functioning. It helps to boost the nutritional transition through the gastro intestinal tract, induces peristaltic movement, and consequently lowers the intra abdominal pressure. Moreover, it has been shown to be safe, effective, no pharmacological and non-invasive methods with no side effects. The aim of the study was to determine the effectiveness of abdominal massage on gastric residual volume, abdominal distension and gastro intestinal functioning among patients with nasogastric tube feeding admitted in Intensive Care Units. Subjects: patients who are admitted in the ICU and have nasogastric tube for feeding during the period of data collection. They are divided randomly (cover slip method) in to two groups of 15 in each group (one experimental group and one control group). Setting: The study was conducted in the ICU’s of selected hospital. Results:  gastric residual volume, abdominal distension and gastro intestinal functioning were analysed for 2 groups and statistical significant improvement were found among the study group than their control group. The frequency of vomiting episode was significantly reduced among study groups than the control group. Conclusion: Abdominal massage should be considered as part of routine nursing care performed for all patients with nasogastric tube feeding for decreasing the gastric residual volume, abdominal distension and alleviating vomiting.