The effect of ginger extract on gastric residual volume among mechanically ventilated patients receiving enteral feedings

Abstract

Background Critically ill, mechanically ventilated patients in ICUs are most likely to experience delayed gastric emptying and intolerance of enteral feeding. Recently, greater attention has been paid to the use of herbal remedies such as ginger, which has no adverse effects, to improve gastrointestinal motility. Aim To evaluate the effect of ginger on gastric residual volume among mechanically ventilated patients. Research hypothesis Mechanically ventilated patients receiving ginger would have significantly lower mean gastric residual volume 4 h after enteral feeding on the second day during breakfast and lunch than on the first day in the same patients receiving enteral feeding without ginger. Design A quasi-experimental design (pre/posttest design) was used. Setting This study was conducted in one of the ICUs of Kaser EL-Aini Hospital. Sample A purposeful sample of 50 adult male and female mechanically ventilated patients was recruited. Tools Baseline characteristics and gastric residual volume measurement data were used in data collection. Results The study findings revealed dominance of male patients (74%). Most patients’ age ranged between 51 and 59 years, and the mean age was 42.5±15.4 years. In addition, there were significant statistical differences in the mean gastric residual volume with and without intervention of ginger during breakfast time (t=11.825, P≤0.000) as well as lunch time (t=7.286, P≤0.000). Conclusion The current study concluded that ginger effectively reduces the gastric residual volume in mechanically ventilated patients in ICUs. Recommendation Herbal remedies such as ginger, which has no adverse effects, should be used to improve gastrointestinal motility and enhance food tolerance in the nursing care of critically ill patients receiving enteral nutrition.