Effect of frozen saline and menthol gum on thirst level after abdominal surgery: A mixed-methods study

Thirst is rarely studied in practice. Even though this condition is experienced intensively in surgical patients, it is still not listed in the nursing diagnoses classification and there is no standard for quenching thirst.

The study was conducted to determine effect of frozen saline and menthol gum on thirst level after abdominal surgery.

This mixed-methods study was conducted between March 2020 and July 2021. A power analysis determined the inclusion of 159 patients. Quantitative data were collected using the Patient Information Form, FOUR Score, Safe Protocol for Early Postoperative Thirst Management, and Numerical Rating Scale. The qualitative stage involved a descriptive study design, with four open-ended questions informed by the literature. After gathering quantitative data, patients were interviewed by phone, and the qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Patients' thirst level in the frozen saline and menthol gum group was lower than the control group at all time (Cohen's d = .217, 95% confidence interval 5.43 to 6.35; p = 0.000). In the qualitative stage, three main themes emerged: thirst experience, post-application opinions and feelings. After the interventions, patients reported that they felt well intensely.

Frozen saline and menthol gum were found to be effective in quenching thirst after abdominal surgery. The patients in the experimental groups expressed their opinions about feeling well after the applications, and the majority of the patients stated that they wanted the application to be repeated.

Despite several attempts to quench thirst, thirst still remains a significant problem in intensive care units. It is felt more commonly and intensely, especially in surgical intensive care patients. However, it is a symptom that is not taken into consideration enough. For this reason, intensive care nurses need to increase their focus on issues of thirst.