The Difference between Right Side and Semi Recumbent Positions after Feeding on Gastric Residual Volume among Infants

Gastric residual volume (GRV) is considered as an objective parameter for gastric emptying and tolerance of feeding. The effect of infant's position after feeding on gastric residual has been mostly conducted in infants. The aim of this study was to assess the difference between right side and semi recumbent positions after feeding on gastric residual volume among infants. A quasi experimental design was utilized. The current study was conducted in Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at New Pediatric Specialized Hospital, Cairo University. A sample of 35 infants included in the study one day after being admitted to PICU and fulfilling the inclusion criteria, and two tools utilized to collect the required data: socio-demographic data sheet and GRV record sheet. The main results revealed that more than seventy percent of the infants were male, the mean age of infants was 6.5 ± 2.2 months and regarding to grade of respiratory distress more than half of infants with grade II. No significant difference was detected between infants positioned at right side and semi recumbent regarding amount of GRV after feeding. The current study recommended that nurses can place infants in semi recumbent position or right side after feeding. Replication of the study in bigger sample with different diseases. [Hewida Ahmed Hussein. The Difference between Right Side and Semi Recumbent Positions after Feeding on Gastric Residual Volume among Infants] Journal of American Science 2012; 8(1):127-132]. (ISSN: 1545-1003). http://www.americanscience.org.