Effect of Implementing Nursing Measures on Thirst Perception among Patients in Chest Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

Background: Thirst is one of the main stressors that reduce the comfort of critically ill patients connected with a noninvasive laryngeal mask. It can cause significant distress and stress, which can increase oxygen consumption and the metabolic burden of their organs, and may even induce delirium, thus affecting recovery. Aim: The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of implementing nursing measures on thirst perception among patients in chest intensive care units. Design: A quasi-experimental study design . Setting: This study was conducted at the Chest Intensive Care Unit in Tanta University Chest Hospital affiliated to Tanta University Hospitals. Subjects : A purposive sample of 60 adult patients admitted to the previously mentioned setting. Tools: three tools were used in order to obtain the necessary data for this study: Tool I: Patient’s Interview Schedule, tool II: Subjective Thirst Perception Scale and tool III: Objective Thirst Assessment Sheet. Results : there was a statistical significant decrease in thirst perception in both control and study group on the third day in which p = 0.049* and 0.045* respectively. Additionally, there was statistical significant decrease in thirst perception in control versus study group on the third day in which p =0.043*. Conclusion: The results of the current study concluded that there was a significant decrease of thirst perception among critically ill patients after implementing nursing measures in ICU. Recommendations: It can be recommended that using nursing measures as a part of the daily care in managing patients' complains of thirst in ICU is essential.