title: Prevention of gastrointestinal complications in the critically ill patient.
abstract: Common pathophysiologic changes associated with critical illness directly contribute to the development of gastrointestinal (GI) complications. In addition, supportive interventions such as mechanical ventilation and vasopressors increase the risk of GI complications. Early, specific signs of GI complications are rarely present; therefore, because of late or missed diagnosis, morbidity and mortality related to these complications can be high. This article aims to review the pathophysiology of GI dysfunction and describe an approach to evaluate the abdomen in the critically ill patient. Risk can be limited by understanding individual patient characteristics, thoughtfully evaluating the risk-benefit profile of all interventions, and implementing preventive strategies.
authors.affiliation: Palliative Medicine Consultants, Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte Region, 1420E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28204, USA. bmartin@carolina.rr.com
authors.forename: Beth
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Martin
mesh_terms: D000005:Abdomen / Q000098:blood supply; D015746:Abdominal Pain / Q000209:etiology; D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods*; D016638:Critical Illness; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000517:prevention & control; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000517:prevention & control; D007418:Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction / Q000517:prevention & control; D007511:Ischemia / Q000517:prevention & control; D008643:Mesentery / Q000098:blood supply; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D015995:Prevalence; D011322:Primary Prevention / Q000379:methods*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D013276:Stomach Ulcer / Q000517:prevention & control; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000150:complications