Nursing knowledge and professional practice in enteral nutrition by nasogastric tube in hospitalized adults

Abstract

Introduction: The critically ill patient presents a deterioration of nutritional status that requires life support for recovery. Enteral nutrition (EN) is considered the first choice for nutritional support due to its ability to maintain the physiological processes of digestive function and preserve the intestinal barrier. This study focused on assessing the level of knowledge and performance of procedures related to the administration of EN by nasogastric tube (NGT) in nurses in an intensive care unit (ICU).
Methods: An analysis was conducted on a population of 27 nurses working in an ICU. The sample was characterized by a female majority at the technical level, with an average age slightly over 36 years. Professional seniority averaged more than 10 years, while ICU seniority averaged more than 6 years. General knowledge of EN administered by NGLS was assessed, as well as the procedures performed before, during and after administration. Previous training in EN and willingness to undertake future training were also considered.
Results: Almost 60% of the nurses had received some type of education or training in EN, and 100% expressed interest in continuing to participate in this type of activity. The general level of knowledge about the administration of EN by NGUS was 41.85% of correct answers. As for the appropriate mode of administration, the overall level reached 46.67%. The procedures performed before administration obtained a better performance (52.31%) compared to those observed during administration (39.51%) and at the end of administration (40.74%). Strengths in knowledge were evident in four key items: recommendations on medication administration, knowledge of the economic benefits of nutritional intervention, prevention of NE-drug incompatibilities, and benefits of NE in the hospitalized patient. Procedures highlighted included proper feeding bottle height and correct patient positioning prior to administration.
Conclusions: The study revealed that although nurses showed interest in improving their knowledge and skills, the overall level of knowledge and execution of procedures related to NE administration by NGNS was low. The identified strengths and highlighted procedures prior to administration reflect areas of opportunity for improvement through ongoing training. Specific education and training in NE are essential to optimize nutritional care of critically ill patients.