Which intervention reduces the risk of stress ulcers in critically ill patients?

Which intervention reduces the risk of stress ulcers in critically ill patients?

• A. Enteral feedings
• B. Bed rest
• C. NPO with IV fluids
• D. IV antibiotics

Answer: (A)

Enteral feedings help prevent stress ulcers by maintaining the stomach’s mucosal integrity and blood flow. In critically ill patients, stress-related mucosal disease occurs when gastric mucosa becomes ischemic and its protective mucus layer diminishes. Providing nutrients directly into the gut stimulates mucous production and helps preserve gastric perfusion, which reduces erosions and ulcer formation. Early enteral nutrition also supports the gut barrier and lowers the risk of bacterial translocation, contributing to a lower incidence of stress ulcers. Bed rest doesn’t directly protect the gastric mucosa. Keeping the stomach empty with NPO and relying on IV fluids deprives the GI tract of luminal stimulation, potentially worsening mucosal protection. IV antibiotics don’t address mucosal defense against ulcers.

Enteral feedings help prevent stress ulcers by maintaining the stomach’s mucosal integrity and blood flow. In critically ill patients, stress-related mucosal disease occurs when gastric mucosa becomes ischemic and its protective mucus layer diminishes. Providing nutrients directly into the gut stimulates mucous production and helps preserve gastric perfusion, which reduces erosions and ulcer formation. Early enteral nutrition also supports the gut barrier and lowers the risk of bacterial translocation, contributing to a lower incidence of stress ulcers.

Bed rest doesn’t directly protect the gastric mucosa. Keeping the stomach empty with NPO and relying on IV fluids deprives the GI tract of luminal stimulation, potentially worsening mucosal protection. IV antibiotics don’t address mucosal defense against ulcers.