Measuring intraabdominal pressure in the semi-recumbent position and supine position.

Each set of measurements of intraabdominal pressure included intra bladder and intragastric pressure in the supine position followed by the semi-recumbent position at head of bed 30. All four measurements were taken over a period of 5 to 10 min or less to reduce the possibility of changes in intraabdominal pressure over time. Three sets of readings were taken at least 4 h apart over a 24-h period.

Inclusion Criteria:

older than 18 years of age. to be sedated mechanically ventilated and to have both a nasogastric tube and indwelling urine catheter in place

Exclusion Criteria:

• recent oesophageal, gastric or bladder surgery; patients who were moribund and unlikely to survive 24 h; patients who were pregnant and patients who were unable to lay flat for any reason.

adult mechanically ventilated patients

the patient's assessment sheet will be used to collect the data by the researcher