2019 Research Forum

Gastric Residuals in the NICU NICU

Florisse Gutierrez RN, Victoria Kleinknight RN, Tina Lawhon RN, and Miranda Arnold RN

Survey of the nursing staff in the NICU identified inconsistent practice of measuring gastric residuals. Routinely measuring gastric residuals in high risk infants can lead to NEC, bleeding, and feeding avoidance. Neonatologist also had little standardized practice. Recommendations to adopt a standardized tool to guide nursing in determining if routine measuring of gastric residuals. Revision or adoption of policies to guide. Data reveals the inconsistent practice among the NICU nurses, and recommendations to improve practice through EBPP.

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