A Randomized Trial Comparing Potato Poultice Compress Versus Traditional Medicated Compress for Forearm Swelling...

Forearm swelling and associated discomfort are common sequelae of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI); however, evidence guiding effective and practical nursing management remains limited.

This study compared the efficacy of a potato-derived compress with that of a conventional medicated compress (containing magnesium sulfate, lidocaine, and dexamethasone) in reducing forearm swelling and improving patient-centered outcomes following PCI.

Sixty-two patients presenting with post-intervention forearm swelling were randomly assigned to receive either a raw potato‑puree compress (n = 31) or a conventional medicated compress (n = 31). Measurements of forearm circumference, swelling length, pain intensity, peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO₂), and patient-reported comfort levels were collected at baseline and 1 h after the second, third, and fourth applications.

When comparing pre‑to‑post intervention change scores, the potato compress group demonstrated significantly greater reductions in swelling circumference and length compared to the medicated compress group. The potato group also showed significantly lower pain scores and significantly higher comfort scores. No significant difference in peripheral oxygen saturation was observed between groups.

For nursing management of post‑intervention forearm swelling, a raw potato‑puree compress appears to be a safe, low‑cost, and promising alternative to the standard pharmaceutical compress, showing superior effects on pain and comfort as well as greater reduction in swelling from baseline to post‑intervention.