Evaluation of Thirst in the Early Postoperative Period in Patients Undergoing Orthopedic Surgery

Thirst, is a subjective symptom that has a high incidence in the early postoperative period and causes patients to experience intense discomfort.

The aim of this study is to determine thirst and the factors affecting thirst in the early postoperative period in patients undergoing orthopedic surgery.

The research was carried out as a descriptive-cross sectional study with 177 patients between September 2021 and January 2022.

Data were collected using the "Descriptive and clinical features form," "Thirst and Symptoms Associated with Thirst Evaluation Form." For descriptive analysis, frequency, percentage distribution, mean, and minimum-maximum values were analyzed. The Chi-square test was used to compare the data according to the groups. Before starting the research, necessary ethics committee and institutional permission were obtained.

The mean perioperative thirst time of the patients was 15.25 ± 3.61 hours and the mean anesthesia time was 2.32 ± 1.13 hours. When the perioperative thirst duration was compared with the type of surgery, duration of operation, type of anesthesia, duration of anesthesia, duration of fasting, intubation and duration of stay in PACU, there was a statistical significance between them (P > .05).

The most common symptoms in patients undergoing orthopedic surgery were thirst and dry mouth. Surgery type, operation duration, anesthesia type, anesthesia duration, fasting duration, intubation status and duration of stay in PACU were the factors affecting the perioperative thirst status of the patients.