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Wefer F, Krüger L, Waldréus N, Köpke S. Non-pharmacological interventions to reduce thirst in patients with heart failure or hemodialysis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Heart Lung 2024; 67:33-45. [PMID: 38653004 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2024.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thirst is a frequent and burdening symptom in many patients, especially in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and/or receiving hemodialysis (HD). As drug therapies are not feasible, non-pharmacological strategies are needed to reduce thirst and thirst-related burden. OBJECTIVES To identify non-pharmacological interventions aiming to reduce thirst in patients with CHF and/ or HD, to describe intervention components, and to evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions. METHODS In February 2024, we completed a systematic search in MEDLINE via PubMed, Livivo, CINAHL, Cochrane Library and Web of Science. Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts, and full texts, performed critical appraisal and data extraction. We checked risk of bias with the checklists of the Joanna Briggs Institute and the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and calculated meta-analyses for sufficiently homogeneous studies using fixed-effects models. RESULTS We included 15 intervention studies applying non-pharmacological interventions including chewing gum (n = 8), low-sodium diet (n = 2), acupressure (n = 1), frozen strawberries (n = 1), fluid timetables (n = 1), ice cubes and mouthwash (n = 1), and a psychological intervention (n = 1). Sample sizes varied between 11 and 88 participants. Eleven intervention studies showed a reduction of thirst as intervention effect. Meta-analyses for chewing gum showed no significant effect on thirst using a visual analogue scale (IV: -2,32 [-10.37,5.73]; p = 0.57) or the dialysis thirst inventory (IV: -0.26 [- 1.83, 1.30]; p = 0.74). Quality of studies was moderate to low. CONCLUSION Results indicate that various non-pharmacological interventions could be helpful to reduce thirst in patients with CHF or HD, but important uncertainty remains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Wefer
- Institute of Nursing Science, University of Cologne, Medical Faculty & University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Heart and Diabetes Center NRW, Care Development, Care Directorate, University Hospital of the Ruhr University Bochum, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany.
| | - Lars Krüger
- Heart and Diabetes Center NRW, Care Development, Care Directorate, University Hospital of the Ruhr University Bochum, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
| | - Nana Waldréus
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institute, Huddinge, Sweden; Theme Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sascha Köpke
- Institute of Nursing Science, University of Cologne, Medical Faculty & University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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Sedighi L, Khari S, Hasheminik M, Salimi Akinabadi A, Alipour H, Shafigh E, Shafigh N. The effect of artificial saliva on the control of dry mouth: a semi-experimental study on COVID-19 patients under Non-invasive mechanical ventilation. BMC Oral Health 2024; 24:643. [PMID: 38822326 PMCID: PMC11140887 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-024-04386-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Since maintaining oral hygiene is essential in nursing care, the present study was conducted to determine the effect of oral care using Mucosamin artificial saliva spray to control dry mouth in ICU patients with COVID-19. MATERIALS AND METHODS The current semi-experimental research was conducted on eighty patients with COVID-19 selected using the available sampling method. The study tool was a Beck oral assessment scale (BOAS). The case and control groups were selected from two hospitals with relatively similar conditions and treatment procedures. For patients in the intervention group, mucosamin artificial saliva spray was used in addition to the common care, while control group patients received only common care. RESULTS Eighty patients were randomly assigned to two groups named control and intervention (40 patients in each group). The intervention was very effective in reducing the BOAS score after four days in comparison with the control group (9.23 vs. 12.05, respectively; p-value < 0.001). Based on the adjusted model, the application of artificial saliva reduced the BOAS score, indicating improvement in mouth dryness. While the BOAS score was increased in the control group, it had a declining trend in the intervention one. CONCLUSION The study's results showed that using artificial saliva spray could effectively reduce the symptoms of dry mouth in patients with COVID-19 treated with non-invasive mechanical ventilation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE The present study introduced an applicable solution (artificial saliva) to treat mouth dryness in ICU patients under mechanical ventilation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ladan Sedighi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Clinical Research Development Center, Shahid Modarres Educational hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sorour Khari
- Master of Critical Care Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Morteza Hasheminik
- Department of Nursing, Sabzevar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sabzevar, Iran
| | - Atefe Salimi Akinabadi
- Master of Medical Surgical Nursing, Clinical Research Development Center, Shahid Modarres Educational Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Haleh Alipour
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonology, Mofid Children's Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elnaz Shafigh
- Operative Dentistry Department, Faculty of Dentistry, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Navid Shafigh
- Critical Care Quality Improvement Research Center, Shahid Modarres Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Mert S, Çalışkan İ, Koruk S. The Effect of Thirst, Dry Mouth, Mouth Taste, and Bad Mouth Odor in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Perianesth Nurs 2024:S1089-9472(23)01114-0. [PMID: 38795086 DOI: 10.1016/j.jopan.2023.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to determine the effect of menthol ice application on thirst, dry mouth, mouth taste, and bad mouth odor in patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the postoperative period. DESIGN The study was conducted as a randomized controlled trial with an experimental design. METHODS The study sample consisted of 90 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy and met the inclusion criteria. Patients were divided into three groups by randomization program. Patients in the menthol ice and ice popsicle (ice prepared with drinking water only) group were administered menthol ice/ice popsicle (10 mL) twice at 20 minutes intervals. Patients in the control group did not receive any intervention. Routine practices of the clinic were performed by the nurses of the general surgery clinic. Postoperative thirst intensity, severity of dry mouth, bad taste, and bad odor in the mouth were evaluated at 0, 20, and 40 minutes. FINDINGS No statistically significant difference was found between the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the patients in the control group, menthol ice group, and ice popsicle group (P > .05). A statistically significant difference was found between the 3 groups in terms of thirst intensity and severity of dry mouth at times at the 20th and 40th minutes after the application (P < .01). We found a statistically significant difference between the bad taste and bad odor sensation scores of the patients in the control and intervention groups at the 20th and 40th minutes after the application (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS The study concluded that menthol ice and ice popsicle application are effective strategies to reduce the intensity of thirst, severity of dry mouth, bad taste, and bad odor in postoperative patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabiha Mert
- İstanbul Galata University, Vocational School, Anesthesia program, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - İlknur Çalışkan
- Izmir Tinaztepe Unıversity, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing, Izmir, Turkey.
| | - Senem Koruk
- Istanbul Medeniyet University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, İstanbul, Turkey
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Gungor S, Tosun B, Candir G, Ozen N. Effects of cold spray on thirst, frequency of oral care, and pain of general surgery intensive care unit patients. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9997. [PMID: 38693271 PMCID: PMC11063212 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58199-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aims to investigate the effects of intraoral cold water spray on thirst, frequency of oral care and postoperative period pain at surgical incision site in patients having abdominal surgery. The study was carried out as a randomized controlled trial, registered under Clinical Trial Number: NCT05940818. The study involved 110 participants, divided equally into two groups (n = 55): the experimental group and the control group. Data were collected using patient information form, NRS, Intensive Care Oral Care Frequency Assessment Scale (ICOCFAS) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The severity of thirst at 1st, 8th, 16th h of post-operative period (p < 0.01) and the frequency of oral care application at 16th h were statistically significantly decreased in the experimental group when compared to the control group (p < 0.01).There wasn't statistically significant difference between the patients in the experimental and control groups in terms of pain at surgical incision site (p > 0.05). The patient's thirst and need for frequent oral care in the postoperative period were reduced by the application of a cold water spray. In patients undergoing abdominal surgery, the use of cold water spray application may be recommended to reduce thirst and the need for frequency of oral care application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serap Gungor
- Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University, Vocational School of Health Services, Kahramanmaras, Turkey.
| | - Betul Tosun
- Hacettepe University, Faculty of Nursing, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Gozde Candir
- Adana City Education and Research Hospital, General Surgery İntensive Care, Adana, Turkey
| | - Nurten Ozen
- Demiroglu Bilim University, Florence Nightingale Hospital School of Nursing, Department of English Nursing, İstanbul, Turkey
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Çelik SŞ, Mert S, Arslan HN. The Effect of Cold Oral Applications in the Management of Postoperative Thirst: A Systematic Review. J Perianesth Nurs 2024:S1089-9472(23)01064-X. [PMID: 38556965 DOI: 10.1016/j.jopan.2023.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Thirst is one of the most bothersome symptoms experienced by surgical patients. Effective thirst intervention and management in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) and hospital wards is critical because patients are less sedated and more aware than in the past. There is a need to review the literature on the identification and management of thirst in the inpatient and PACU settings. The aim of this systematic review was to examine the available evidence on the effectiveness of oral cold applications on thirst in postoperative patients. DESIGN This was a systematic review study. Articles in PUBMED, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, TÜBİTAK-ULAKBİM, and TRDizin databases between January 2008 and January 2023 that included oral cold applications to relieve the thirst of patients in the postoperative period were included. METHODS The PICOT-SD (Patients Interventions Comparison Outcome Time-Study Design) method was used as an eligibility criterion for inclusion in the study. The eligibility criteria included that the articles were written in English-Turkish and within the target dates, the studies included nursing interventions, the primary outcome of the studies was thirst, and the study sample included postoperative patients. The risk of bias was assessed using the RoB2 tool developed by Cochrane. FINDINGS A total of 254 articles were retrieved from the databases using the specified keywords. 244 articles did not meet the study criteria: 30 were excluded because they were not interventional studies, 61 were not conducted in a postoperative population, 56 were duplicates, and 79 were not on a related topic. A total of 10 studies consisting of randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental articles met the criteria for our review. Oral cold applications effectively reduced the thirst rate of postoperative patients and improved their health-related quality of life. The intervention has also been shown to reduce other anesthesia-related complications. CONCLUSIONS This systematic review concluded that cold oral applications have promising effects on thirst, dry mouth, and health-related quality of life. Cold oral applications are cost-effective and suitable for large-scale health care applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sabiha Mert
- Istanbul Galata University, Vocational School, Anesthesia Program, Istanbul, Turkey
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Picó-Munyoz R, Tárrega A, Laguna L. Origins of thirstiness sensation and current food solutions. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf 2023; 22:4433-4450. [PMID: 37583300 DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.13229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
The sensation of thirstiness is the desire to drink water. In certain situations, the ingestion of liquid water can be restricted. As a result, thirstiness is not relieved, resulting in an uncomfortable and distressing situation. The present review describes thirstiness and hydration, the food products and beverages that cause thirstiness, and the beverages and food products currently available to quench thirstiness in individuals with restricted access to liquid ingestion. It also discusses how to measure the effectiveness of calming thirstiness. To diminish thirstiness distress, different alternatives to liquids are proposed. Individuals with swallowing disorders are given thickened water, individuals with restricted water ingestion are given ice cubes or ice popsicles of different flavors, and sportspeople are given energy gels. However, current beverage solutions seem not to relieve thirst fully, although some stimuli like iced water, flavors (especially lemon and mint), or acids seem to work better than plain stimuli and could be added to existing products. Therefore, there is still a need to incorporate these strategies into beverage and food formulations and to test their effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Picó-Munyoz
- Consumer Perception and Behavior and Adapted Nutrition Laboratory, Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology (IATA, CSIC), Paterna, Spain
| | - Amparo Tárrega
- Consumer Perception and Behavior and Adapted Nutrition Laboratory, Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology (IATA, CSIC), Paterna, Spain
| | - Laura Laguna
- Consumer Perception and Behavior and Adapted Nutrition Laboratory, Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology (IATA, CSIC), Paterna, Spain
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Phelan C, Hammond L, Thorpe C, Allcroft P, O'Loughlin M. A Novel Approach to Managing Thirst and Dry Mouth in Palliative Care: A Prospective Randomized Cross-Over Trial. J Pain Symptom Manage 2023; 66:587-594.e2. [PMID: 37562697 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2023.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Thirst and xerostomia are significant and highly distressing symptoms experienced by patients receiving palliative and end-of-life care. OBJECTIVES Determine a reduction of thirst intensity and perceptions of dry mouth on a numerical scale following both the experimental intervention (mini mint ice cubes) and control (plain ice chips). METHODS Cross-over Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) to assess the effectiveness of novel intervention in the treatment of dry mouth and the sensation of thirst in palliative care patients. RESULTS Patients rated the severity of their symptoms of dry mouth and thirst using a numeric rating scale (NRS). On commencing the study and preintervention, all patients suffered severe dry mouth and thirst (≥5/10). Mint and plain ice cubes produced improvement of symptoms immediately after interventions. Results from dry mouth ratings show, a decrease of 1.6 points for plain ice cubes (P < 0.0001), on average, ratings for mint ice cubes decreased 3.7 (P < 0.0001). For the sensation of thirst, the plain ice cube intervention group rating decreased 1.7 points (P < 0.006), ratings for mint ice cubes decreased 3.4 points (P < 0.0001). The average decrease in dry mouth and thirst intensity scores from preintervention to postintervention were significantly greater for mint ice cubes (P < 0.05) and 86.6% of patients preferred mint ice cubes. CONCLUSION This trial found that while usual mouth care and the intervention were both able to reduce the intensity of dry mouth and the sensation of thirst, the mint intervention had a greater response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Phelan
- Research Centre for Palliative Care (C.P., L.H., C.T., P.A., M.O.), Death and Dying, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, Australia.
| | - Lauren Hammond
- Research Centre for Palliative Care (C.P., L.H., C.T., P.A., M.O.), Death and Dying, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, Australia
| | - Courtney Thorpe
- Research Centre for Palliative Care (C.P., L.H., C.T., P.A., M.O.), Death and Dying, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, Australia
| | - Peter Allcroft
- Research Centre for Palliative Care (C.P., L.H., C.T., P.A., M.O.), Death and Dying, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, Australia; Southern Adelaide Local Health Network (P.A., M.O.), Southern Adelaide Palliative Services, Bedford Park, Australia
| | - Muireann O'Loughlin
- Research Centre for Palliative Care (C.P., L.H., C.T., P.A., M.O.), Death and Dying, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, Australia; Southern Adelaide Local Health Network (P.A., M.O.), Southern Adelaide Palliative Services, Bedford Park, Australia
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Quinn B. Best Practices in Oral Care. Crit Care Nurse 2023; 43:64-67. [PMID: 37257868 PMCID: PMC10443897 DOI: 10.4037/ccn2023507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Topic Assessing functional cognition is a critical need for intensive care unit survivors transitioning to another level of care. Clinical Relevance Up to 62% of patients discharged from an intensive care unit have significant cognitive impairment that is not associated with severity of illness, number of comorbidities, or length of hospital stay. For more than 20 years, researchers have published an array of potentially effective interventions, including case management, patient and informal caregiver education, and home health care services. Purpose To describe the impact of and potential interventions for cognitive decline at intensive care unit discharge and discharge readiness on 30-day readmission rates. Content Covered Assessing the patient’s functional cognition assessment and advocating for appropriate resources are needed to improve patient and clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Quinn
- Barbara Quinn is a nurse consultant with 30 years of experience, most recently the Director of Professional Practice and Nursing Excellence at Sutter Health in the Office of the Chief Nurse Officer
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Letter to the Editor regarding "Symptom management to alleviate thirst and dry mouth in critically ill patients: A randomised controlled trial". Aust Crit Care 2023; 36:171. [PMID: 35487862 DOI: 10.1016/j.aucc.2022.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Liang T, Li SL, Peng YC, Chen Q, Chen LW, Lin YJ. Efficacy and Safety of Oral Hydration 1 Hour After Extubation of Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Cardiovasc Nurs 2022; Publish Ahead of Print:00005082-990000000-00044. [PMID: 36730988 DOI: 10.1097/jcn.0000000000000953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thirst is one of the most common and uncomfortable symptoms in patients after cardiac surgery. The postextubation time for early oral hydration (EOH) remains unclear, and there is a lack of studies on its safety and effectiveness. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of oral hydration 1 hour after extubation on thirst, salivary pH, salivary flow, oral mucosa, halitosis, gastrointestinal adverse reactions, aspiration pneumonia, and satisfaction in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. METHODS Eighty-four patients who underwent cardiac surgery were randomly assigned into 2 groups, for either conventional oral hydration (COH) or EOH. The EOH group drank 30 mL of warm water 1 hour post extubation and thereafter 50 mL hourly for 4 hours. The COH group had nil per os for 4 hours after extubation. If no dysphagia was evident after 4 hours, the patients were instructed to slowly drink water. Thirst intensity was evaluated every hour before the intervention. Nausea and vomiting were recorded after drinking water. The salivary pH, unstimulated salivary flow rate, oral odor, and oral mucosal moisture were evaluated at 1 hour post extubation, immediately before the intervention, and at 4 hour post intervention. Aspiration pneumonia data were collected within 72 hours post intervention. Satisfaction was assessed before leaving the intensive care unit. RESULTS The scores for thirst (3.38 ± 1.04; F = 306.21, P < .001), oral mucosa (2.03 ± 0.74; P < .001), and halitosis (2.77 ± 0.63; P < .001) in the EOH group were significantly lower than those in the COH group. The EOH group had significantly higher salivary pH (6.44 ± 1.06; P < .001), unstimulated salivary flow rates (0.18 ± 0.08; P < .001), and patient satisfaction (4.28 ± 0.45; P < .001) than the COH group. Nausea and vomiting did not differ significantly between groups (P = .60). Aspiration pneumonia was not observed in either group. CONCLUSIONS Oral hydration 1 hour after extubation significantly alleviated thirst and stabilized the oral environment without gastrointestinal adverse reactions or aspiration pneumonia, and with increased patient satisfaction.
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Negro A, Villa G, Greco M, Ciriolo E, Luraschi EL, Scaramuzzi J, Manara DF, Zangrillo A. Thirst in patients admitted to intensive care units: an observational study. Ir J Med Sci 2021; 191:2283-2289. [PMID: 34668107 PMCID: PMC8526093 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-021-02817-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Background Despite various studies reporting a high prevalence, reaching 71%, the sensation of thirst in intensive care unit (ICU) patients, its prevention, detection, and management, is not well known nor considered. Limited research has examined the causes of thirst in ICU patients, while it has been examined in other patient populations. Aim To determine the incidence and intensity of thirst in patients admitted to ICU and its association with airway devices (endotracheal tube, tracheostomy, oxygen mask), airway humidification, patients’ characteristics, and therapy (serum sodium concentration, hematocrit, fluid balance, possibility of oral hydration, and dosage of diuretics). Methods Patients were interviewed daily to report the presence of thirst and rate its intensity on a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) from 0 (no thirst) –10 (intolerable thirst). Other data were obtained through direct evaluation or by consulting medical records. Patients admitted to three ICUs from May to August 2014 in a university hospital in Italy were included. Results A total of 220 Patients were enrolled. Thirst was found in 76.1% of patients’ observations, with a mean thirst score of 5.37. Thirst intensity was predicted by high doses of diuretics (> 100 mg/die), increasing serum sodium concentration, absence of oral hydration and the presence of xerostomia. Thirst was associated with the use of humidified Venturi mask. Conclusions Thirst is highly prevalent among patients in this population of intensive care patients. It would be desirable to evaluate this stressor at least daily, to eliminate or relieve this sensation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giulia Villa
- Center for Nursing Research and Innovation, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina, 58, 20132, Milan, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | - Duilio Fiorenzo Manara
- Center for Nursing Research and Innovation, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina, 58, 20132, Milan, Italy
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