Effectiveness of Heat Application on Gastric Variables Among Patients With Nasogastric Tube Feeding Admitted in the Intensive Care Units at a Selected Hospital: A Randomized Control Trial.

Background: Heat application, a nonpharmacological intervention, can relieve abdominal distension (AD), high stomach residual volume, and other specific gastrointestinal (GI) functions. It promotes peristaltic movement, which reduces intra-abdominal pressure and aids in the nutritional transition through the GI tract. It has also been demonstrated to be a noninvasive, safe, effective, and side-effect-free approach without needing medication.

Objectives: The objective of the study was to ascertain if heat application may improve stomach residual volume, AD, and GI functioning in patients who were hospitalized in intensive care units (ICUs) and were receiving nasogastric tube feeding.

Methods: The study used a quantitative research approach and experimental research design. Subjects were ICU patients hospitalized during data collection who were fed via nasogastric tubes. They were divided into two groups of 30 people each, with one group as the experimental group and the other as the control group. The groups were determined through random sampling using the coverslip method. A selected hospital ICU served as the study's setting.

Results: Analyses of stomach residual volume, AD, and GI performance revealed a statistically significant improvement in the study group compared to the control group. Research groups experienced significantly fewer vomiting episodes regularly compared to the control group.

Conclusion:  In conclusion, all patients receiving nasogastric tube feedings should have local heat application treatment administered as part of their usual nursing care to reduce stomach residual volume, relieve AD, and reduce vomiting.