Nursing and Health Sciences Journal (NHSJ)
Vol. 5 No. 4 (2025): December 2025

Abdominal massage to reduce constipation in the intensive care unit

Dudella Desnani Firman Yasin (Unknown)
Eny Erlinda Widyaastuti (Unknown)
Christine Handayani Siburian (Unknown)
Arif Rahman Aceh (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
04 Dec 2025

Abstract

Mechanical ventilation is a positive and negative pressure breathing aid that maintains and improves oxygen ventilation in long-term positions. One of the impacts of the ventilation Mechanism is constipation. Constipation can hinder the weaning process; management of non-pharmacological constipation is by performing abdominal massage intervention. This study aims to describe the use of abdominal massage in the treatment of constipation in patients undergoing mechanical ventilation in the ICU. Case studies were used in this study, using the approach of nurses who provide care. The Results show that in client 1, where no abdominal distension was found (score 5), no mass was felt on the rectal (score 5), peristaltic increased from Which No heard became 19 x/ minute (score 5), and the Chapter on day 3 (score 4) with soft and solid stool consistency (score 5). Client 2 with results showing no distension of the abdomen (score 5), no palpable mass in the rectum (score 5), intestinal peristalsis increased from 5x/minute to 23x/ minute (score 5), and defecation on the day to 3 (score 4) with consistency of feces soft and solid (score 5). The application of massage to the abdomen improves fecal elimination in constipated patients with mechanical ventilation installed in the ICU. Healthcare institutions should foster a culture that supports the integration of complementary therapies into standard nursing practices. This could involve developing guidelines and protocols for the use of massage therapy in various clinical settings, thereby standardizing care practices and ensuring that all patients receive the benefits of such interventions.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

nhs

Publisher

Subject

Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology Dentistry Health Professions Medicine & Pharmacology Nursing Public Health

Description

Nursing and Health Sciences Journal (NHSJ) is peer-reviewed and open access international journal which published by KHD Production, to accommodate researchers and health practitioners publishing their scientific articles. NHSJ accepts original papers, review articles, short communications, case ...