Category: Clinical monitoring

Over 97% of critical care nurses report using gastric residual volume (GRV) measurements to assess feeding tolerance, though modern guidelines often deem this unreliable for routine monitoring. A comprehensive, multifaceted approach is necessary to correctly assess patient tolerance to enteral feeding, involving a combination of daily and weekly checks. These parameters include vital signs, GI function, fluid status, and lab values, which are all vital for ensuring patient safety and effective nutritional support.

Studies suggest that malnutrition is prevalent in up to 50% of hospitalized patients, increasing the need for effective nutritional support like Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN). To confirm if this therapy is working, healthcare professionals rely on a specific lab value, prealbumin, to provide evidence that the TPN is effective in improving the client's nutritional status.