Evaluation of the intensity and discomfort of perioperative thirst

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the intensity and discomfort of perioperative thirst and related factors during anesthesia recovery. Method: This is a quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive study. Results: Of the 203 participants, 182 (89.6%) reported they were thirsty.The mean intensity of thirst was 6.9 measured using a verbal numerical scale of 0 to 10 and discomfort was 7.3 on a scale of 0 to 14. All attributes evaluated by the scale were cited including dry mouth and desire to drink water (87.3%), dry lips (79.1%), thick tongue feeling (43.4%), thick saliva (56.5%), dry throat (75.2%) and bad taste in the mouth (63.1%). There was a positive correlation between the intensity of thirst and discomfort assessed by the scale (Spearman coefficient: 0.474; p-value: <0.05). No correlation was found between age, length of fasting and use of opioids with the intensity of thirst and discomfort. Conclusion and implication in the clinical practice: Discomfort arising from the attributes of thirst is evidenced as the intensity of thirst increases.Keywords: Thirst; Nursing; Perioperative Care; Postoperative Period. resumoObjetivo: Avaliar a intensidade e o desconforto da sede perioperatória e fatores associados durante a recuperação anestésica.Método: Estudo quantitativo, transversal, descritivo. Resultados: Dos 203 participantes, 182 (89,6%) sentiram sede. A intensidade média da sede foi 6,9, avaliada em escala numérica analógica e a de seus desconfortos, 7,3, em escala de 0 a 14. Todos os atributos avaliados pela escala foram citados: boca seca e vontade de beber água (87,3%), lábios ressecados (79,1%), língua grossa (43,4%), saliva grossa (56,5%), garganta seca (75,2%), gosto ruim na boca (63,1%). Houve correlação positiva entre intensidade da sede e pontuação dos desconfortos avaliados pela escala (Spearman=0,474/p=<0,05). Não houve correlação entre idade, tempo de jejum e utilização de opioides com intensidade de sede e seus desconfortos. Conclusão e implicação para a prática: Desconfortos advindos dos atributos da sede são evidenciados à medida que a intensidade da sede aumenta. Palavras-chave:Sede; Enfermagem; Assistência Perioperatória; Período Pós-Operatório. resumenObjetivo: Evaluar intensidad e incomodidad de la sed perioperatoria y los factores asociados durante la recuperación anestésica.Método: Estudio cuantitativo, transversal, descriptivo. Resultados: De los 203 participantes, 182 (89,6%) sintieron sed. La intensidad media de la sed fue 6,9, evaluada en escala numérica analógica; sus incomodidades, 7,3, en escala de 0 a 14. Todos los atributos evaluados fueron citados: boca seca y ganas de beber agua (87,3%), labios resecados (79,1%), lengua gruesa (43,4%), saliva gruesa (56,5%), garganta seca (75,2%), gusto malo en la boca (63,1%). Se observó correlación positiva entre intensidad de la sed y puntuación de las molestias evaluadas por la escala (Spearman=0,474/p=<0,05). No hubo correlación entre edad, tiempo de ayuno y utilización de opioides con intensidad de sed y sus incomodidades. Conclusión e implic...

Advances in the Management of Perioperative Patients' Thirst

“…As a subjective symptom, perioperative thirst affects patients undergoing surgery and results in intense preoperative and postoperative discomfort for patients in all age groups . Left untreated, thirst generates severe distress for patients, and nurses should investigate its relevance in clinical practice during the perioperative period …”

“…Surgical patients are at high risk for developing osmotic or hypovolemic thirst . The prevalence of thirst is high in the IPP, ranging from 75% to 89.6% of adult patients, 88.5% of pediatric patients, and 97.6% of bariatric surgery patients reporting this symptom . The intensity of the reported thirst also is high, described as presenting at an average of 6.7 to 8.2 on a verbal numeric scale of 0 to 10.…”

“…Perioperative personnel should understand that even when experiencing the intense distress caused by thirst, most patients may not verbalize it spontaneously . In the IPP, 75% to 89.6% of patients most likely will experience thirst. Results of one study showed only 22 of 182 (12%) patients spontaneously verbalized about thirst .…”

“…In the IPP, 75% to 89.6% of patients most likely will experience thirst. Results of one study showed only 22 of 182 (12%) patients spontaneously verbalized about thirst . In another study of 386 postanesthesia patients, 116 (38.3%) spontaneously verbalized about thirst .…”

“…Perioperative patients may experience thirst before and after surgery. Since 2010, nurse researchers have examined the effects of thirst on the patient's surgical experience, the intensity of his or her symptoms based on a specific scale for rating perioperative thirst, aspects related to evaluating the safety of thirst relief methods, and postoperative thirst relief strategies …”