Continuous Versus Intermittent Enteral Feeding and Gastric Residual Volume in Critically Ill Patients

This study will compare two commonly used methods of enteral feeding in critically ill adults: continuous feeding and intermittent feeding. The main purpose is to determine whether the amount of feeding fluid remaining in the stomach differs between the two methods. A total of 76 participants will be randomly assigned to receive either continuous gastric feeding or intermittent gastric feeding every 4 hours. Gastric ultrasound will be performed at the bedside before starting the assigned feeding method and then every 4 hours for 72 hours. The study will also record symptoms of feeding intolerance, such as vomiting, regurgitation, abdominal distension, diarrhea, constipation, feeding interruptions, and the amount of prescribed nutrition actually delivered.