Resumo
The nutritional status of individuals is directly related to inadequate intake, absorption and utilization of nutrients in general. The changes resulting from aging associated with the continuous use of medications accentuate this picture. In the context of intensive care, this reality is even more challenging, since the severity of the patients' clinical condition, associated with the constant use of antibiotics and opioids, corroborate in worse tolerance to the diet offered. In view of the above, this study aimed to evaluate the association between prescribed versus infused enteral diet and the clinical outcome of elderly patients admitted to an Intensive Care Unit. This was a cross-sectional study conducted with elderly patients in the Intensive Care Unit of a University Hospital. Data collection was carried out using the nutritional follow-up form used in the nutritionist's daily routine and adopted by the nutrition service. The data obtained were analyzed using the statistical program SPSS version 13.0. Associations were tested using Pearson's chi-square test, where associations reaching p <0.05 were considered significant. A total of 79 elderly patients of both sexes admitted to the Intensive Care Unit with exclusive Enteral Nutrition Therapy were evaluated, most of whom were female (62%), with a mean age of 72.5 years. Regarding nutritional status, in relation to Body Mass Index and Arm Circumference, there was a prevalence of underweight (43.7) and malnutrition (57.8%), respectively. Regarding enteral nutrition, 54.7% of the patients reached the prescribed volume. It was possible to list the main complications related to nutritional therapy, with the open nasal tube being significantly associated with the unsatisfactory volume infused versus prescribed.
DOI:https://doi.org/10.56238/sevened2023.004-011