Effect of Applying Cold Gel Pack to the Sternum Region on the Postoperative Pain after Open-Heart Surgery

Abstract

Aim: The present study was performed at investigating the effects of cold gel pack applied to the sternum on the pain associated with deep breathing and coughing after open-heart surgery. Material-Methods : The study sample included 46 participants. While the study data were collected, the “Patient Information Form” prepared by the researcher based on the pertinent literature was used to question the sociodemographic characteristics of the patients, the “Visual Analogue Scale-VAS” was used to assess the severity of the patient's pain, and the “Pain Monitoring Form” was used to record the patient's pain associated with deep breathing and coughing exercises before and after cold gel pack application. Pain scores after deep breathing and coughing were measured and compared warm (room temperature) (placebo) gel pack, with (intervention) and without (control) the gel pack. Results: The intergroup analysis showed that the difference between the experimental, control and placebo groups in terms of their mean VAS scores obtained before the procedure and after the procedure was not statistically significant. But in the experimental group; in terms of their mean VAS scores obtained before the procedure and after the procedure was determined statistically significant. Conclusions : The results of this study showed that cold therapy is an effective method for management of sternal incision pain associated with coughing and deep breathing in open heart surgery patients. Key words: Postoperative Pain , Breathing Exercises, Cardiac Surgery , Post-Surgical Nursing .