CONSTIPATION IN CRITICALLY ILL PATIENTS UNDERGOING ENTERAL NUTRITIONAL THERAPY: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW AND DEVELOPMENT OF A CARE PROTOCOL
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56238/arev8n5-065Keywords:
Constipation, Critical Patient, Protocol, Enteral Nutritional TherapyAbstract
Constipation is a frequent complication in critically ill patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs), especially those on enteral nutritional therapy (ENT), and can compromise gastrointestinal tolerance and negatively impact clinical outcomes. This study is justified by the need to highlight effective strategies, based on updated evidence, aimed at improving clinical outcomes and patient safety. The main objective is to develop a care protocol for the management of constipation in critically ill patients on ENT. The methodological approach was based on an integrative literature review in the PubMed/Medline, LILACS, and SCIELO databases (2019-2025) and on the search for protocols from Brazilian university hospitals through electronic means. The results were categorized into three themes: "Non-pharmacological interventions" addressing nutritional management and mobilization; "Pharmacological interventions" which includes first-line treatment for constipation, laxatives; and "Protocols," containing an analysis of institutional protocols found. It is concluded that the development of a protocol for constipation should include a phased management approach, integrating daily monitoring, non-pharmacological measures, and the judicious use of pharmacotherapy, aiming to standardize and improve the quality of care for critically ill patients requiring enteral nutrition.
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