Effect of menthol lozenges after extubation on thirst, nausea, physiological parameters, and comfort in cardiovascular surgery patients: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

ObjectivesTo determine the effect of post-extubation oral menthol lozenges on thirst, nausea, physiological parameters, and comfort level in patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery. Research methodology/designThe study was a single-centre, randomized controlled trial. SettingThis study included 119 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery in a training and research hospital. Patients in the intervention group (n = 59) received menthol lozenges at 30, 60, and 90 min after extubation. Patients in the control group (n = 60) received standard care and treatment. Main outcome measuresThe primary outcome of the study was the change in post-extubation thirst assessed by Visual Analogue Scale after using menthol lozenges compared to baseline. Secondary outcomes were changes in post-extubation physiological parameters and nausea severity assessed by Visual Analogue Scale compared to baseline, and comfort level assessed with Shortened General Comfort Questionnaire. ResultsBetween-group comparisons showed that the intervention group had significantly lower thirst scores at all time points and nausea at the first assessment (p < 0.05) and significantly higher comfort scores (p < 0.05) than the control group. There were no significant differences between the groups in physiological parameters at baseline or any of the postoperative assessments (p > 0.05). ConclusionIn patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery, the use of menthol lozenges effectively increased comfort level by reducing post-extubation thirst and nausea, but had no effect on physiological parameters. Implications for clinical practiceNurses should be vigilant for complaints such as thirst, nausea, and discomfort in patients after extubation. Nurses’ administration of menthol lozenges to patients may help reduce post-extubation thirst, nausea, and discomfort.