Thirst In Patients Research Articles

Dynamic change and risk factors of intense thirst in patients admitted to neuro-intensive care unit: An observational study.

Thirst is a clinical discomfort symptom reported by most patients admitted to intensive care unit (ICU). Little is known about the dynamic change and risk factors of intense thirst in neuro-intensive care unit (Neuro-ICU). The objective of this study was to explore the dynamic change and determine the risk factors of intense thirst in patients admitted to Neuro-ICU, providing reference for personalized interventions of intense thirst. The study design is a prospective observational study. Demographic and disease-related,treatment, physiological and biochemical data were collected for 230 patients from Neuro-ICU of a hospital from May 2023 to November 2023. We assessed thirst intensity on numeric rating scale (NRS) of 0-10 (10 = worst possible thirst) at eight time points: 7:00, 9:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00, 19:00 and 21:00 and a self-designed general information questionnaire based on safety protocol for thirst management to analyse the risk factors of intense thirst in Neuro-ICU patients. If thirst scores were more than 7, we defined it as intense thirst. This study followed the STROBE checklist for cross-sectional studies. A total of 230 Neuro-ICU patients were observed. The dynamic analysis results showed an overall downward trend in thirst intensity, with the highest NRS thirst scores at 07:00 (6.13 ± 2.14) and the lowest at 21:00 (4.02 ± 2.72). The investigation of the current situation showedthat the incidence of intense thirst in Neuro-ICU patients was 47.4%. Intense thirst in Neuro-ICU patients was predicted by dysphagia (odds ratio [OR] = 1.436, 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.063-1.941), open mouth breathing (OR = 2.201, 95% CI:1.041-4.656), high glucose (OR = 2.584, 95% CI:1.097-6.087), xerostomia (OR = 3.049, 95% CI:1.950-4.767) (all p < .05). The intensity of thirst was dynamically changing and the incidence of intense thirst in Neuro-ICU patients was relatively high. Timely assessment of Neuro-ICU patients' thirst severity and identification of those at high risk can ensure the implementation of effective interventions based on patients' characteristics. Thirst is a pervasive distressing symptom often reported by critically ill patients. This study revealed that the clinical nurses need to enhance their focus on dynamic change of thirst, which is helpful for improving the efficiency of bundled thirst interventions at the suitable time.

Pengaruh Pemberian Slimber Ice terhadap Intensitas Rasa Haus Pasien Gagal Ginjal Kronik yang Menjalani Hemodialisa di RS Santa Elisabeth Medan Tahun 2024

Chronic kidney failure patients experience excess fluid, so fluid restrictions are needed. Fluid restrictions in hemodialysis patients cause dry mouth. The dry mouth experienced by the patient can cause high thirst, high thirst can cause non-compliance with a fluid restricted diet. As a result of limiting fluid intake carried out ini hemodialysis patients, it results in a feeling of thirst which causes the patient to have the desire to drink. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of giving slimber ice on the intensity of thirst in patients with chornic kidney failure undergoing hemmodialysis. This research uses one group pretest-posttest design. The sampling technique is purposive sampling with a total of 20 respondents. The instrument used in this research is the Visual Analogue Scale fo Assessment of Thirst Intensity. The research results showed that the average thirst intensity score of patients with chronic kidney failure undergoing pre-intervention hemodialysis was 4.80, standard deviation 1,936, and post test intervention 3.10,, standard deviation 1,410. The result of statistical tests show that there is an effect of giving slimber ice on the intensity of thirst in patients with chronic kidney failure undergoing hemodialysis. The results of the paired t-test, obtain p value = 0.001. This intervention can be a form of therapeutic management that can be applied to reduce complaints of thirst at home or in hospital.

Early oral hydration on demand in postanesthesia care unit effectively relieves postoperative thirst in patients after gynecological laparoscopy: a prospective randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPostoperative thirst is one of the most intense, common and easily ignored subjective discomforts in patients after gynecological surgery. This study aimed to investigate whether early oral hydration on demand in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) after gynecological laparoscopy under general anesthesia can appease postoperative thirst and increase patient comfort.MethodsParticipants were randomized into the intervention and control groups. Patients in the intervention group were allowed to achieve early oral hydration on demand in the PACU if they were evaluated as fully conscious, with stable vital signs, grade 5 muscle strength, and well-recovered cough and swallowing reflex. However, the total amount of water intake throughout the entire study should not exceed 0.5mL/kg. During the study, the frequency of water intake, the total amount of water intake and adverse events were accurately recorded. The control group was managed according to the routine procedures and began to drink water 2 h after anesthesia. The intensity of thirst and subjective comfort in patients were assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) when they entered and left the PACU.ResultsNo statistically significant differences were identified in age, height, weight, body mass index, pre-operative fasting time, duration of surgery, intraoperative fluid intake, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative urine volume, and thirst intensity and subjective comfort scores between the groups before intervention (P > 0.05). After intervention, the VAS score for thirst intensity in the intervention group significantly decreased (P < 0.05), and the VAS score for subjective comfort in the intervention group significantly increased (P < 0.05). No adverse events were detected in both groups during the entire study.ConclusionEarly oral hydration on demand in the PACU can safely and effectively relieve postoperative thirst in patients, and improve patient comfort after gynecological laparoscopy.Trial registrationThis single-center, prospective, randomized controlled trial was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Center on April 27, 2023. The registration number of this study is ChiCTR2300070985.

Exploring thirst incidence and risk factors in patients undergoing general anesthesia after extubation based on ERAS principles: a cross sectional study

BackgroundThis study aims to comprehend the levels of dry mouth and thirst in patients after general anesthesia, and to identify the factors influencing them.MethodsThe study included all patients transferred to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University between August 2021 and November 2021 after undergoing general anesthesia. A thirst numeric rating scale was utilized to conduct surveys, enabling the assessment of thirst incidence and intensity. Statistical analysis was performed to explore patient thirst levels and the associated factors.ResultsThe study revealed a thirst incidence rate of 50.8%. Among the thirst intensity ratings, 71.4% of patients experienced mild thirst, 23.0% reported moderate thirst, and 5.6% expressed severe thirst. Single-factor statistical analysis of potential risk factors among the enrolled cases indicated that gender, history of coronary heart disease, surgical duration, intraoperative fluid volume, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative urine output, and different surgical departments were linked to post-anesthetic thirst in patients undergoing general anesthesia. Multifactorial Logistic regression analysis highlighted age, gender, history of coronary heart disease, fasting duration, and intraoperative fluid volume as independent risk factors for post-anesthetic thirst in patients undergoing general anesthesia. Moreover, age, gender, history of coronary heart disease, and intraoperative fluid volume were also identified as risk factors for varying degrees of thirst.ConclusionThe incidence and intensity of post-anesthetic thirst after general anesthesia are relatively high. Their occurrence is closely associated with age, gender, history of coronary heart disease, fasting duration, and intraoperative fluid volume.

Nurses’ perception of thirst in patients within palliative home care: a qualitative study

BackgroundThirst is the body’s natural urge to replenish fluids in response to a deficiency in hydration. Patients at the end of life gradually lose their independence and reach a point where they become unable to express their needs and can no longer drink on their own. In palliative care, the main advice is to provide regular oral care to relieve symptoms such as dry mouth and thirst. However, according to previous studies the prevalence of thirst and dry mouth remains.AimThe aim of this study was to describe palliative care, nurses’ views and experiences of thirst in end-of-life care in specialist palliative care units.MethodsA qualitative interview study with an inductive approach was conducted. Eighteen nurses working in six different specialist palliative care units in different hospitals in Sweden were interviewed. The interviews were transcribed and analysed with a content analysis approach according to Graneheim and Lundman.ResultsWhen nurses discuss thirst, they perceive thirst as a problem for the patient. This is attributable to various factors, including the patient breathing with an open mouth, a reduced level of awareness, and negligence on the part of the nursing staff. Signs of thirst are dry mouth, and frequently and intense sucking on the oral care stick during oral care. It also emerged that not all nurses perceived that dying patients experienced thirst. They believe that thirst is something that is reduced in the dying patient in the same way as hunger. The most important thing to them is to relieve the dry mouth by providing good oral care. Several issues, such as a lack of guidelines paired with the patient’s reduced consciousness and hence his/her lack of communication, make assessing thirst problematic.ConclusionNurses have different thoughts and experiences about thirst, where some perceive patients as thirsty while others perceive them as having a dry mouth. Nurses expressed that both evidence and guidelines are lacking.

Experiences of patients and nurses with thirst in advanced chronic heart failure: a mixed methods study

Abstract Background Many patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) express thirst. Perceptions of thirst and strategies for reducing this symptom can differ between patients and nurses. Purpose As part of a study to develop and evaluate a nurse-based counselling intervention on thirst in patients with advanced CHF waiting for heart transplantation, we aimed to assess patients' and nurses' perceptions on thirst, possible strategies, as well as information needs and information transfer. Methods Mixed methods study consisting of semi-structured interviews with hospitalized patients waiting for a heart transplantation in Germany. Interviews focussed on experiences with thirst, needs and requirements, and experiences with the information provided by healthcare professionals. We also conducted focus groups and an online survey with German nurses with experiences in the care of cardiac patients. Topics of the focus groups were the perceptions and handling of the symptom in nursing practice as well as the provision of information and counselling. The survey was based on the results of the focus groups and current research findings. In addition to work-related data, we asked questions about the relevance of thirst, the causes of this symptom, recommended interventions and the need for counselling. We analysed quantitative data descriptively and qualitative data using content analysis. Results We conducted 10 interviews with patients (mean age: 43.5 years; 30% female; duration of CHF: 25 days to 21 years; length of stay: 7 to 116 days). All participants had a prescribed fluid restriction. Perceived thirst markedly differed between patients, with some reporting thirst to be very distressing. Most patients described that the feeling of thirst increased especially at mealtimes. Individual strategies for reducing thirst also differed between patients depended on disease durations and their therapeutic regiment. Some patients rated the information provision by healthcare professionals concerning thirst as insufficient. In addition, we conducted two focus groups with respectively 5 nurses from two university hospitals in Germany. 59 nurses participated in the survey. Nurses (81.4% working in a hospital; 54.2% already have at least 5 years of experience in care of cardiac patients) stated that the feeling of thirst in patients with CHF is of great importance in nursing practice, but only 44.1% specified to regularly assess thirst. The perceived most common cause of thirst was a prescribed fluid restriction (93.2%) and diuretics (79.7%). Among others, most nurses recommended ice cubes as intervention to reduce thirst and considered counselling interventions as important. Conclusion(s) The occurrence of thirst is an important issue for patients with advanced CHF. The perception of the symptom varies greatly. Individualised, evidence-based strategies for symptom management are required.

Thirst symptoms in patients with heart failure: An integrative review.

To identify the risk and protective factors affecting thirst symptoms in patients with heart failure (HF) and intervention strategies to alleviate thirst symptoms. An integrative review. A total of 61 articles were retrieved. Screening yielded a total of 21 articles which were appraised for quality. The quality of studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Ten electronic databases were searched in October 2023, including Embase, Pubmed, CINAHL, Cochrane, Web of Science, Wiley, CNKI, VIP, CBM and WanFang. In addition, we searched grey databases and manually searched reference lists of included and relevant reviews. In total, 1644 articles were retrieved, of which 21 were included. Eight studies addressed the factors. Six themes emerged as risk factors, including demographics, severity of disease, psycho-environmental, medication, fluid restriction and homeostasis. Conversely, an increase in fluid intake, a high score of sodium restriction diet attitude and using ARB were identified as protective factors. Thirteen studies focus on intervention strategies. Five unique intervention strategies were identified, including Traditional Chinese Medicine, mint-related interventions, sour-flavour interventions, improved water restriction and cluster nursing strategy. This finding identified the factors associated with thirst symptoms in patients with HF, especially concerning the elaboration of risk factors, which suggests that healthcare professionals should focus on the risk factors for thirst in patients with HF and consciously avoid the occurrence of these risk factors. Additionally, there are considerable cultural differences in interventions, therefore, to increase adherence during symptom management, careful selection of appropriate intervention strategies based on the requirements and preferences of patients is required. While there are some therapies, there aren't enough high-quality empirical investigations. Thus, multi-centre, large-sample studies are also required in subsequent research to demonstrate the interventions' effectiveness. The nurse must notice the symptoms of thirst in HF to slow down the disease's progression and improve the patient's physical and emotional well-being. The review complies with the PRISMA guidelines for reporting systematic reviews. No patient or public contribution.

The efficacy and safety of modified ultraearly oral hydration for alleviating thirst in patients after thoracoscopic surgery: a prospective randomized controlled trial

ObjectivePostoperative fasting following thoracoscopic surgery can cause intense thirst and oral discomfort. However, there is currently no research on ultraearly oral hydration (UEOH) in middle-aged or elderly patients after thoracoscopic surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness and safety of UEOH for improving oral discomfort after thoracoscopic surgery.MethodsThis single-center prospective double-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted from April 2022 to November 2023. A total of 64 middle-aged and elderly patients who underwent the first thoracoscopic surgery on the day were enrolled at our institution. Postoperatively, in the Postanesthesia Care Unit (PACU), patients were randomly assigned at a 1:1 ratio to either the UEOH group or the standard care (SC) group. The primary outcome was the patient’s thirst score at 6 h after surgery. Secondary outcomes included the incidence of postoperative oral discomfort; pain scores; the occurrence of adverse reactions such as nausea, vomiting, regurgitation and aspiration; anxiety scores on the first postoperative day; the time to first flatus; and recovery satisfaction scores.ResultsThe demographic and surgical characteristics were similar between the two groups. Patients in the UEOH group had lower thirst scores 6 h after surgery than did those in the SC group(16.1 ± 6.70 vs. 78.4 ± 8.42, P < 0.01). The incidence of postoperative oral discomfort (P < 0.01), anxiety scores on the first postoperative day (P<0.05), and time to first flatus (P<0.05) were better in the UEOH group. Additionally, the incidences of adverse reactions, such as postoperative nausea, vomiting, regurgitation and aspiration, were similar between the two groups (P>0.05).ConclusionFor middle-aged and elderly patients undergoing thoracoscopic surgery, the use of a modified UEOH protocol postoperatively can improve thirst and promote gastrointestinal recovery without increasing complications.Trial registrationThis single-center, prospective, RCT has completed the registration of the Chinese Clinical Trial Center at 07/12/2023 with the registration number ChiCTR2300078425.

The effect of ice-cold water spray following the model for symptom management on postoperative thirst in patients admitted to intensive care unit: A randomized controlled study

BackgroundPostoperative thirst is common in patients admitted to the intensive care unit. Existing methods like wet cotton swabs or oral care prove ineffectual or operationally intricate. Currently, an efficacious postoperative thirst alleviation method remains elusive. Exploring a prompt, safe, and efficacious solution is of paramount importance. ObjectiveTo assess the effect of ice-cold water spray applied following a symptom management model on postoperative thirst and to establish a framework for mitigating thirst in intensive care unit patients. Research designSingle-center randomized controlled study. SettingSurgical intensive care unit in a university-affiliated hospital. Main outcome measures56 intensive care unit patients were selected and equally randomized. The experimental group received ice-cold water spray in conjunction with eight symptom management strategies, while the control group underwent standard care involving wet cotton swabs. Thirst intervention was initiated 0.5 hours after postoperative extubation, followed by subsequent interventions at 2-hour, 4-hour, and 6-hour intervals post-extubation. Thirst intensity, oral comfort, and the duration of relief from thirst were assessed and compared between groups before and 0.5 hours after each thirst intervention. ResultsAcross different interventions, the experimental group exhibited superior scores in thirst intensity and oral comfort compared to the control group. Additionally, the nursing time required to alleviate thirst in the experimental group was significantly shorter than that in the control group (P < 0.01). ConclusionIce-cold water spray following the model for symptom management can effectively mitigate the postoperative thirst intensity in intensive care unit patients, improve oral comfort, and reduce the nursing time for relieving thirst. Implications for clinical practiceClinical nurses can employ ice-cold water spray following the model for symptom management to ameliorate postoperative thirst intensity in ICU patients while enhancing oral comfort. Furthermore, the utilization of ice-cold water spray can reduce the nursing time required for relieving postoperative thirst in intensive care unit patients.

Chewing Gum May Alleviate Degree of Thirst in Patients on Hemodialysis.

Background and Objectives: Fluid restriction commonly causes dry mouth in patients on hemodialysis (HD). The observed effects of chewing gum on the amount of saliva, interdialytic weight gain (IDWG), and degree of thirst in patients on HD have been inconsistent. We investigated whether chewing gum can modulate these three parameters in patients on HD. Materials and Methods: We used purposive sampling to enroll 37 patients on HD who were then randomly divided into the chewing gum group (n = 19) and the control (non-chewing gum) group (n = 18). The degree of thirst was assessed using a self-rated visual analog scale (VAS) and a summated xerostomia inventory (SXI), respectively. Results: The degree of thirst after dialysis was significantly lower in the chewing gum group than in the control group. The amount of saliva was higher in the chewing gum group than in the control group before dialysis, but the saliva amount was comparable between the groups after dialysis. Furthermore, the amount of saliva was not associated with IDWG in patients on HD before or after dialysis. Conclusions: Chewing gum may alleviate the feeling of thirst but may not affect the amount of saliva and IDWG in patients on HD. Therefore, we suggest that chewing gum may be a useful approach to improve dry mouth and thirst in patients on HD.

The Effect of Ice Cubes Sipping on Reducing Thirst Among Hemodialysis Patients

Aims: Patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis must limit fluids to prevent fluid overload, which worsens the condition of patients with chronic kidney disease. Restricting fluids results in reduced oral intake, which results in a dry mouth and rarely flowing water on the tongue. This condition can trigger a feeling of thirst. One way to manage thirst is to chew ice cubes. Objective: to determine the effect of chewing ice cubes on reducing thirst in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Method: This research is a type of quantitative research with Quasy Experiment research with a pretest and posttest approach with a sample size of 60 respondents, 30 respondents in the intervention group, and 30 respondents in the control group using purposive techniques sampling. And for data collection using the DTI (Dialysis) questionnaire Thirst Inventory). Results: The effect of giving the intervention of chewing ice cubes to patients undergoing hemodialysis obtained a p-value of 0.000 (p &lt; 0.05) for pre-post in the intervention group and a p-value of 0.317 (p &gt; 0.05) for pre-post in the control group. It can be concluded that the posttest value of the intervention group and the posttest value of the control group obtained a p-value of 0.000 (&lt; 0.05). It can be concluded that there is a significant difference in group posttest scores between the intervention group and the control group. Conclusion: The results of the study show that the intervention of chewing ice cubes in patients with chronic kidney disease has an effect so that it can be used.

Thirst or dry mouth in dying patients?-A qualitative study of palliative care physicians' experiences.

Thirst and dry mouth are common symptoms among patients at the end of life. In palliative care today, there is a focus on mouth care to alleviate thirst. There are no qualitative studies on thirst from a physician's experience, which is why this study is needed. This study aimed to explore palliative care physicians' experiences and views of thirst in patients at the end of life. A qualitative interview study with an inductive approach was carried out. Sixteen physicians working in specialised palliative care units in Sweden were included. The interviews were analysed with a reflexive thematic analysis. The analysis resulted in three basic assumptions regarding thirst: It is dry mouth, not thirst; patients are dry in their mouth and thirsty; and, I do not know if they are thirsty. Further, four different themes regarding how to relieve thirst appeared: drips will not help thirst but cause harm; the body takes care of thirst itself; drips might help thirst; and, mouth care to relieve thirst or dry mouth. The palliative care physicians had different experiences regarding thirst, from thirst never arising, to a lack of awareness. They thought good mouth care worked well to alleviate the feeling of thirst and dry mouth. Most physicians did not want to give patients drips, while some did. This study indicates that there are many unanswered questions when it comes to thirst at end-of-life and that further research is needed.

Relieving Perception of Thirst and Xerostomia in Patients with Palliative and End-of-life Care Needs: A Rapid Review.

Thirst and dry mouth are interlinked symptoms that frequently cause significant distress for patients with life-limiting conditions. The objective of this rapid review was to identify and synthesize effective interventions that relieve perceptions of thirst and dry mouth of patients with palliative care and end-of-life care needs. Eligible studies were undertaken in clinical settings, with patients experiencing thirst-related distress and/or dry mouth. This review of peer-reviewed literature was conducted following aspects of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) reporting guidelines. The main outcomes of interest were: 1) efficacy of thirst and dry mouth interventions for patient, and 2) patient, caregiver, and staff acceptability and satisfaction of the interventions. Scientific journal articles were retrieved through searches in electronic databases of MEDLINE (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCO), and AgeLine (EBSCO). Eleven studies were included for analysis and synthesis of the results. Most studies either focused on a dry mouth intervention or reported dry mouth outcomes within a broader thirst intervention (n=9/11 studies). Standard oral care was the common intervention type (n=5/11). All but one dry mouth intervention reported statistical improvement in outcomes of interest. All studies that reported on thirst were conducted in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) setting (n=4/4). No studies specifically addressed thirst in patients in specialist palliative care settings. Evidence from this review suggests that thirst interventions established within the ICU setting may prove effective for treatment of terminally ill patients receiving specialist palliative care.

Patient Safety with Fluid Removal with In-Center Hemodialysis.

Fluid management, which is discussed in the article “Ultrafiltration Rate Levels in Hemodialysis Patients Associated with Weight-Specific Mortality Risks,”1 published in this issue of CJASN, has been an aspect of dialysis care that I believe should be the top priority for doctors to manage and has been getting much more attention this past decade. Failure to establish and maintain an appropriate dry weight can lead to serious complications. I would add that if the patient crashes because of dialysis fluid removal and they believe that the treatment itself is causing them pain, it can lead them to miss or shorten treatment or even discontinue vital care. The authors concluded that “ultrafiltration rates associated with various levels of higher mortality risk depend on body weight, but not in a 1:1 ratio, and are different in men versus women, in high–body weight older patients, and in high-vintage patients.”1 As a youth, I had both my kidneys removed as the doctors believed this could help my high BP. After my double nephrectomy, my BP remained very high, and I was hospitalized frequently for it. I was switched to peritoneal dialysis, and within weeks, my BP normalized to 100/70, and I no longer required BP medication. I found myself having to increase my fluid and sodium intake to help maintain my BP. Thankfully, because of either a working kidney transplant or effective fluid management on dialysis, I have not had high BP in decades. Ultrafiltration and fluid removal is a delicate balance, and the goal of hourly fluid ultrafiltration removal is dependent on changes in the intravascular volume. Using volume monitoring, I witnessed my body reacting differently every time I had a hemodialysis treatment, despite the fact that my ultrafiltration goal for my dry weight guestimate was consistent. I could see the difference in my tolerance level if I consumed more sodium in between treatments. It is not surprising to me that weight is a factor in ultrafiltration efficacy. People who maintain higher body weight most likely have a better appetite and may consume more salt, leading them to consume more fluids. Albumin levels would be good to study in comparison and to see if people who have normalized albumin levels tolerate ultrafiltration better. If diabetes is not properly managed, the patient's thirst affects fluid removal goals. In addition, the arbitrary dry weight number the physician sets as a guestimate for dialysis ultrafiltration could change because of hospitalization, changes in eating habits, or other health events. The use of ultrafiltration profiling, in which a predetermined rate of fluid is programmed to be removed per hour, lacks a timely feedback function showing how the patient is tolerating the volume shifts. The feedback is only apparent when the patient has symptoms either of fluid overload or crashing. The kidney community lacks education about crashing on dialysis. When you crash, it does not mean you are at a correct dry weight. The opposite is also true: If you do not have any crashing and have a smooth treatment, this does not mean you are at a correct dry weight. I have heard numerous stories of my peers losing 10–20 pounds of fluid with a functioning kidney transplant within days of surgery. I have experienced great anxiety when my ultrafiltration rate was increased, and I know my peers do as well. Again, the opposite is true: If we think it is too low, we worry about how it will limit our ability to drink fluid in between treatments. It is well documented that people on peritoneal dialysis keep their existing kidney function longer. Preserving existing kidney function plays a big role in our overall health. I was able to keep my existing kidney transplant function for a year during hemodialysis because of the fact that blood volume depletion was monitored and minimized to not dry out my kidney. Ultrafiltration rates can have serious consequences in our overall health. You cannot take too little, and you cannot take too much—you have to take the right amount. Fluid removal is a dynamic process. A sex-, weight-, and vintage patient–indexed ultrafiltration rate measure demonstrates the health disparities of patients on dialysis. However, without an understanding of albumin levels with blood volume changes, along with a patient's overall assessment, it is unclear how this measure will improve patient care or reduce mortality.

Thirst in heart failure: A scoping review.

The aim of this study was to summarise the overall picture of thirst-related research in patients with heart failure. We conducted a scoping review following the Arskey and O'Malley methodological framework along with the PAGER framework. PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Embase, The Cochrane Library, Jonna Briggs Institute, ProQuest Database, Google Scholar, PsycINFO, PQDT, CNKI, Wan Fang, VIP and CBM. Additionally, grey literature including grey databases (Opengrey, OpenDoar, Openaire and BASEL Bielefeld Academic Search Engine), conferences or articles (Scopus and Microsoft Academic), graduate theses databases (eTHOS, DART Europe, Worldcat and EBSCO Open Dissertations) and government information media (UK guidance and regulations, USA government websites, EU Bookshop and UN official publications) were searched. The databases were searched from inception to 18 August 2022 for Articles written in English and Chinese. Two researchers independently screened articles based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, and a third researcher adjudicated disagreements. We retrieved 825 articles, of which 26 were included. Three themes were summarised from these articles: (a) the incidence of thirst in patients with heart failure; (b) the thirst-related factors in patients with heart failure; and (c) the intervention measures of thirst in patients with heart failure.

Use of a menthol popsicle in managing postoperative thirst in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy: A randomized clinical trial.

Background and aim: Thirst is a real bother that most patients feel in the immediate postoperative period when they still need to fast. Many approaches regarding symptomatic relief strategies have been described in the literature, but strategies with cold water and/or menthol are effective in quenching thirst, as they act on pre-absorptive mechanisms. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of using menthol popsicles in relieving postoperative thirst in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy. Material and methods: This is a randomized controlled clinical trial with a quantitative approach. In all, 44 patients were evaluated in the immediate postoperative period of radical prostatectomy, with the intensity and discomfort of thirst being evaluated initially and subsequently. The study consisted of two groups: (1) the placebo group, popsicles without the addition of menthol substrates and (2) the experimental group, popsicles with the addition of 0.05% minty substrates. Results: The results demonstrate that the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were homogeneous at the α = 5% significance level, except the occupation variable. The test detected changes in the intensity and discomfort of thirst in relation to the pre- and post-intervention times for the primary outcome when the groups were analyzed separately and for the interaction of the group versus time, there was no statistical difference between the groups. Conclusion: It was possible to prove that both the menthol popsicle and the popsicle without the addition of menthol were effective in relieving postoperative thirst in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy, but there was no statistically significant difference when comparing the two groups. Trial registration: The Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (RBR-8c3chr7).

A qualitative study of nurses’ perception on patients’ thirst in intensive care units

BackgroundThirst is a prevalent and intense symptom among patients in intensive care units. Occurrence of thirst in the intensive care unit cannot be avoided because of the nature of critical illnesses and their treatments like the side effects of administered medication or dehydration. In the intensive care unit, nurses have the opportunity and responsibility to prevent and reduce thirst by recognizing the different types of thirst. Thus, knowing nurses’ perception on patients’ thirst is crucial. ObjectivesExploration of intensive care nurses’ perception on patients’ thirst. Research designA qualitative descriptive study. MethodsData were collected from December 2020 to January 2021 and analyzed by using a phenomenographic methodology. Data were transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis was performed. ResultsSixteen nurses, in Chongqing, China, aged 25–48 years, were interviewed. Four themes emerged: (1) perceived barriers for thirst; (2) perceived signs of thirst; (3) perceived reasons of thirst; (4) perceived consequences for thirst. Overall nurses’ perception of patients’ thirst is poor. Nurses give a low priority and insufficient attention to the issue of thirst in intensive care patients. ConclusionIntensive care nurses’ perception on thirst in patients should be evaluated and, if necessary, this issue should be given more attention in training in order to create sufficient awareness about the topic.

Thirst in patients admitted to intensive care units: an observational study.

BackgroundDespite various studies reporting a high prevalence, reaching 71%, the sensation of thirst in intensive care unit (ICU) patients, its prevention, detection, and management, is not well known nor considered. Limited research has examined the causes of thirst in ICU patients, while it has been examined in other patient populations.AimTo determine the incidence and intensity of thirst in patients admitted to ICU and its association with airway devices (endotracheal tube, tracheostomy, oxygen mask), airway humidification, patients’ characteristics, and therapy (serum sodium concentration, hematocrit, fluid balance, possibility of oral hydration, and dosage of diuretics).MethodsPatients were interviewed daily to report the presence of thirst and rate its intensity on a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) from 0 (no thirst) –10 (intolerable thirst). Other data were obtained through direct evaluation or by consulting medical records. Patients admitted to three ICUs from May to August 2014 in a university hospital in Italy were included.ResultsA total of 220 Patients were enrolled. Thirst was found in 76.1% of patients’ observations, with a mean thirst score of 5.37. Thirst intensity was predicted by high doses of diuretics (> 100 mg/die), increasing serum sodium concentration, absence of oral hydration and the presence of xerostomia. Thirst was associated with the use of humidified Venturi mask.ConclusionsThirst is highly prevalent among patients in this population of intensive care patients. It would be desirable to evaluate this stressor at least daily, to eliminate or relieve this sensation.

Use of Mentholated Popsicle in the Management of the Elderly Patient's Thirst in the Immediate Postoperative Period: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PurposeThis study aimed to compare a mentholated popsicle with usual care (absolute fasting) in the change in thirst intensity and discomfort in elderly patients in the immediate postoperative period (IPP). DesignA randomized controlled trial. MethodsThe sample consisted of 50 elderly patients (60 years or older) in the IPP who were randomly assigned to two groups: experimental group (20 mL mentholated popsicle) and control group (usual care). The outcomes, thirst intensity and discomfort, were assessed at baseline and 20 minutes after the intervention. FindingsThe mentholated popsicle presented a statistically significant (P < .001) decrease in thirst intensity and discomfort by 5.0 in the median and a Cohen's r large effect size for both outcomes. There were no adverse events or side effects. ConclusionsThe use of a mentholated popsicle decreased the intensity and discomfort of the elderly patient's thirst in the IPP.

Association of NPO duration with glycemia in nondiabetic adolescents undergoing anesthesia for noncardiac surgery.

Children and adolescents are required to fast prior to undergoing anesthesia to minimize the risk of pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents. Pre-operative fasting times vary, with longer fasts (8 hours) for solid foods and shorter fasts for clear liquids (1-2hours). Pediatric patients are more sensitive than adults to pre-operative fasting secondary to smaller glycogen stores and resultant propensity to ketoacidosis.1 Prolonged pre-operative fasting is associated with suboptimal perioperative outcomes including insulin resistance, hypotension upon induction, patient thirst and malaise, and postoperative nausea and vomiting.2 While prior studies have shown that children younger than 36 months can present with low-normal blood glucose (BG) levels after prolonged pre-operative fasting, no correlation between nil per os (NPO) duration and BG has been found.1 We sought to study this phenomenon of glycemia in older children and adolescents, hypothesizing that with full hepatic maturity and increased glycogen reserves, absence of correlation between NPO duration and BG levels would be upheld.