A comparative Study to assess the effectiveness of an ice chips versus routine care on thirst intensity and dryness of mouth among postoperative patient at tertiary care hospital Bhubaneswar

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of ice chips versus routine care in reducing thirst intensity and dryness of mouth among postoperative patients at AIIMS Bhubaneswar. The research will address two main questions: whether ice chips significantly reduce thirst compared to routine care and whether they alleviate dry mouth. The objectives include assessing the effectiveness of ice chips on both thirst intensity and dryness and comparing their impact against standard care.

The study will employ a quantitative, true experimental design with purposive sampling, targeting postoperative patients in the ICU. Inclusion criteria will consist of adults over 20 years who have undergone surgery and are alert and able to communicate. Exclusion criteria will rule out patients who are drowsy, unable to swallow, or experiencing nausea or vomiting.

The intervention protocol involves using ice chips made from sterile water, administered to patients who rate their thirst as 4 or higher on a numerical scale and have a dry mouth score of 8 or higher. Patients in the experimental group will receive these ice chips every 30 minutes for two hours, while the control group will receive standard oral care. Ethical considerations will ensure patient autonomy and confidentiality throughout the study. Overall, this research seeks to provide evidence-based insights into managing postoperative thirst and dry mouth, enhancing patient comfort during recovery.

4o mini