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

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Assist Prof. of critical Care Nursing, Faculty of nursing, Tanta University, Egypt 2Assist Prof. of Adult and Advanced Care Nursing, Nursing College, King Khalid University, KSA

2 Bachelor of Nursing Sciences, faculty of nursing, Tanta University, Egypt Clinical instructor, faculty of nursing, tanta university.

3 Assist prof. of Chest Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Egypt

4 Lecturer of Critical Care Nursing, Faculty of nursing, Tanta University, Egypt

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 essentia