ABSTRACT
Enteral nutrition support is an effective nursing approach for critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation in intensive care units, of which aspiration is a common complication. Here is a review focusing on the detection and preventive methods of aspiration in patients on mechanical ventilation, with summaries of the technical characteristics regarding different aspiration testing methods, including secretion assessment, methylene blue staining and edible pigment marking method. The preventive measures are systematically summarized, covering feeding route, feeding mode, infusion rate and amount of nutrient solution, nutritional formula, lying position and airway management. This review can provide reference for the implementation of enteral nutrition support in patients on mechanical ventilation.