Enteral Feeding Protocol to Improvement Functional Outcome in Stroke Patient

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Medical and Surgical Nursing, Faculty of nursing, Aswan University, Egypt.

2 Neurology department, Faculty of Medicine, Aswan University, Egypt.

Abstract

Background: dysphagia and other swallowing difficulties in stroke patients may lead to
malnutrition which will reflect on health status and clinical outcomes including disability, and
mortality, especially patients admitted to stroke unit. Aim: determine the effects of enteral feeding
protocol as a role to improvement nutritional status in patients with recent stroke and its impact on
anthropometric measurements, complications, and functional outcomes. Setting and Subjects: A
total of 75 adult patients (26 male and 49 female) and 35 controls admitted to stroke unit and
neurology department at Aswan university hospital. Study Design: A quasi-experimental research
design was utilized in this study. Tools of data collection: tool l Nutritional status assessment tool
and Protocol for the enteral nutrition support in stroke patient, MRS (Modified Rankin scale) and
NIHSS (National Institute Health Stroke Scale). Results: Marked improvement with highly
significant difference (P<0.001) comparing follow-up with baseline and control group in all
symptoms (nausea, vomiting, esophageal reflux and malabsorption). Also significant difference
(P<0.001) between groups such as improvement of daily energy and protein intake, weight, BMI,
Hemoglobin (Hb), Platelets, lubricating lips and replace tape with follow-up between all groups.
MRS and NIHSS significantly improved on follow up. Conclusion: The application of the enteral
feeding protocols may result in low incidence of malnutrition, gastrointestinal complications and
enhance improvement in patients with recent stroke. Recommendations: Protocol for enteral
nutrition in patients with acute stroke and disturbed level of consciousness to improve functional
outcome in those patients and shortens hospital stay.

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