Marilia F Conchon1, Ligia F Fonseca2, Cristina M Galvão3. 1. State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil. Electronic address: lili_conchon@hotmail.com. 2. State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil. 3. Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Abstract
PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare a mentholated popsicle with usual care (absolute fasting) in the change in thirst intensity and discomfort in elderly patients in the immediate postoperative period (IPP). DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial. METHODS: The sample consisted of 50 elderly patients (60 years or older) in the IPP who were randomly assigned to two groups: experimental group (20 mL mentholated popsicle) and control group (usual care). The outcomes, thirst intensity and discomfort, were assessed at baseline and 20 minutes after the intervention. FINDINGS: The mentholated popsicle presented a statistically significant (P < .001) decrease in thirst intensity and discomfort by 5.0 in the median and a Cohen's r large effect size for both outcomes. There were no adverse events or side effects. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a mentholated popsicle decreased the intensity and discomfort of the elderly patient's thirst in the IPP.
RCT Entities:
PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare a mentholated popsicle with usual care (absolute fasting) in the change in thirst intensity and discomfort in elderly patients in the immediate postoperative period (IPP). DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial. METHODS: The sample consisted of 50 elderly patients (60 years or older) in the IPP who were randomly assigned to two groups: experimental group (20 mL mentholated popsicle) and control group (usual care). The outcomes, thirst intensity and discomfort, were assessed at baseline and 20 minutes after the intervention. FINDINGS: The mentholated popsicle presented a statistically significant (P < .001) decrease in thirst intensity and discomfort by 5.0 in the median and a Cohen's r large effect size for both outcomes. There were no adverse events or side effects. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a mentholated popsicle decreased the intensity and discomfort of the elderly patient's thirst in the IPP.