The effect of abdominal massage on gastrointestinal complications in enterally fed pediatric intensive care patients
Journal of Pediatric Nursing, cilt.87, ss.424-432, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, SSCI, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 87
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.pedn.2026.01.041
- Dergi Adı: Journal of Pediatric Nursing
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest)
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.424-432
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Abdominal massage, Enteral nutrition, Pediatric intensive care nursing, Gastrointestinal system complications
- Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Background and purpose Although the physiological response to enteral nutrition is high in children, it also carries risks and complications. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of abdominal massage on gastrointestinal complications in mechanically ventilated, enterally fed children hospitalized in the pediatric intensive care unit. Materials and methods The sample of this controlled experimental study consisted of 38 patients in the experimental group and 38 in the control group, all of whom were receiving enteral nutrition via mechanical ventilation in a pediatric intensive care unit. The experimental group received abdominal massage once daily for three consecutive days. Results A significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of abdominal distension, defecation, development of constipation, daily caloric intake, and gastric residual volume. However, no significant difference was found between the groups regarding the occurrence and frequency of vomiting. A significant difference was identified in the experimental group concerning abdominal distension and frequency of defecation, whereas in the control group, significant differences were found in constipation, daily caloric intake, gastric residual volume, and fasting blood glucose measurements. Conclusion Abdominal massage applied to patients in the pediatric intensive care unit was found to be potentially effective in reducing abdominal distension, increasing the frequency of defecation, decreasing the incidence of constipation, enhancing daily caloric intake, and lowering gastric residual volume levels. Implications to practice Abdominal massage is a safe, noninvasive, cost-free nursing practice that helps prevent or reduce gastrointestinal complications in pediatric intensive care patients.