Heat Application on Gastrointestinal System Functions

The Effect of Heat Application on Gastrointestinal System Functions in Patients Receiving Continuous Enteral Nutrition

Complications related to the gastrointestinal system can occur in patients receiving enteral nutrition. These complications may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, decreased bowel sounds, abdominal distension, increased gastric residual volume, and abdominal pain. To prevent and treat food intolerance, as well as to increase gastric emptying, the use of prokinetic agents is often preferred. However, these drugs have various side effects, such as abdominal cramps, allergies, bronchospasm, cardiac issues, and pancreatic disorders. One non-pharmacological method that can be applied to increase bowel motility and reduce abdominal distension and constipation is heat application. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of heat application to the abdominal and lumbar regions, using a hot water bag, on gastrointestinal system functions in patients receiving continuous enteral nutrition.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Intensive care unit patients
• Individuals aged 18 and above
• Patients receiving enteral nutrition via nasogastric tube
• Patients on the first day of enteral nutrition
• Those receiving standard enteral nutrition solution
• Patients without wounds in the abdominal region
• Individuals who have not undergone abdominal surgery in the last 6 months
• Patients not undergoing radiation/chemotherapy
• Those with a high-output fistula without ileus problems
• Patients without diarrhea and constipation
• Patients with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GKS) > 3
• Those with an APACHE II score > 16
• Patients not taking prokinetic agents
• Patients not taking laxative medications
• Patients without any contraindications for the application of heat, such as neuropathy (to be determined in consultation with the primary doctor).

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients in whom enteral nutrition is discontinued during the study
• Patients transitioning to a product other than the standard one in enteral nutrition
• Patients who temporarily pause enteral nutrition
• Patients who have started prokinetic agents
• The study will be terminated in patients who have started taking laxative medications.