A theoretical study aimed to analyze the existing knowledge in the literature on the perioperative thirst symptom from the perspective of Symptom Management Theory, and supplemented with the experience of the study group and thirst research. Thirst is described as a very intense symptom occurring in the perioperative period, and for this reason it cannot be ignored. The Symptom Management Theory is adequate for understanding the thirst symptom and is a deductive theory, focused on the domains of the Person, Environment and Health / Illness Status, as well as on the dimensions of Experience, Management Strategies and Symptom Outcomes. Using the theory leads us to consider perioperative thirst in its multifactorial aspects, analyzing the interrelation of its domains and dimensions in order to draw attention to this symptom that has been insufficiently valued, recorded and treated in clinical practice.

reviewing the purpose/goal and objectives, and completing the online Examination and Learner Evaluation at http:// www.aornj ournal.org/conte nt/cme. A score of 70% correct on the examination is required for credit. Participants receive feedback on incorrect answers. Each applicant who successfully completes this program can immediately print a certificate of completion. Event: #20505 Session: #0001 Fee: Free for AORN members. For non-member pricing, please visit http://www.aornj ournal.org/conte nt/cme. The contact hours for this article expire February 28, 2023. Nonmember pricing is subject to change. PURPOSE/GOALTo provide the learner with knowledge of best practices related to the management of perioperative thirst. OBJECTIVES 1. Discuss the incidence and etiology of perioperative thirst. 2. Identify key factors related to mitigating perioperative thirst. 3. Describe safety factors affecting the management of perioperative thirst.

Objetivo: Desvelar a vivência do paciente cirúrgico no pós-operatório imediato em relação à sede, na perspectiva da Teoria de Manejo de Sintomas. Método: Estudo qualitativo desenvolvido com 14 pacientes em hospital universitário de grande porte no Sul do Brasil. Para análise dos discursos, utilizou-se o método do Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo. Resultados: Emergiram quatro categorias: o corpo manifestando a sede, sentimentos vivenciados, utilizando mecanismos de enfrentamento e percebendo as estratégias de manejo da sede. Os sinais desse sintoma são angustiantes e extremamente estressores para quem os vivencia e a equipe multiprofissional envolvida não o valoriza. Conclusão: Sob a perspectiva da Teoria de Manejo de Sintomas, a sede, pela multivariedade do sintoma, é percebida e experienciada por meio de repercussões físicas e emocionais, refletindo sentimentos como angústia, medo e impotência diante do sintoma.

Objective: To evaluate the intensity and discomfort of perioperative thirst and related factors during anesthesia recovery. Method: This is a quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive study. Results: Of the 203 participants, 182 (89.6%) reported they were thirsty.The mean intensity of thirst was 6.9 measured using a verbal numerical scale of 0 to 10 and discomfort was 7.3 on a scale of 0 to 14. All attributes evaluated by the scale were cited including dry mouth and desire to drink water (87.3%), dry lips (79.1%), thick tongue feeling (43.4%), thick saliva (56.5%), dry throat (75.2%) and bad taste in the mouth (63.1%). There was a positive correlation between the intensity of thirst and discomfort assessed by the scale (Spearman coefficient: 0.474; p-value: <0.05). No correlation was found between age, length of fasting and use of opioids with the intensity of thirst and discomfort. Conclusion and implication in the clinical practice: Discomfort arising from the attributes of thirst is evidenced as the intensity of thirst increases.Keywords: Thirst; Nursing; Perioperative Care; Postoperative Period. resumoObjetivo: Avaliar a intensidade e o desconforto da sede perioperatória e fatores associados durante a recuperação anestésica.Método: Estudo quantitativo, transversal, descritivo. Resultados: Dos 203 participantes, 182 (89,6%) sentiram sede. A intensidade média da sede foi 6,9, avaliada em escala numérica analógica e a de seus desconfortos, 7,3, em escala de 0 a 14. Todos os atributos avaliados pela escala foram citados: boca seca e vontade de beber água (87,3%), lábios ressecados (79,1%), língua grossa (43,4%), saliva grossa (56,5%), garganta seca (75,2%), gosto ruim na boca (63,1%). Houve correlação positiva entre intensidade da sede e pontuação dos desconfortos avaliados pela escala (Spearman=0,474/p=<0,05). Não houve correlação entre idade, tempo de jejum e utilização de opioides com intensidade de sede e seus desconfortos. Conclusão e implicação para a prática: Desconfortos advindos dos atributos da sede são evidenciados à medida que a intensidade da sede aumenta. Palavras-chave:Sede; Enfermagem; Assistência Perioperatória; Período Pós-Operatório. resumenObjetivo: Evaluar intensidad e incomodidad de la sed perioperatoria y los factores asociados durante la recuperación anestésica.Método: Estudio cuantitativo, transversal, descriptivo. Resultados: De los 203 participantes, 182 (89,6%) sintieron sed. La intensidad media de la sed fue 6,9, evaluada en escala numérica analógica; sus incomodidades, 7,3, en escala de 0 a 14. Todos los atributos evaluados fueron citados: boca seca y ganas de beber agua (87,3%), labios resecados (79,1%), lengua gruesa (43,4%), saliva gruesa (56,5%), garganta seca (75,2%), gusto malo en la boca (63,1%). Se observó correlación positiva entre intensidad de la sed y puntuación de las molestias evaluadas por la escala (Spearman=0,474/p=<0,05). No hubo correlación entre edad, tiempo de ayuno y utilización de opioides con intensidad de sed y sus incomodidades. Conclusión e implic...

Aims and objectives To compare mentholated popsicle with usual care (absolute fasting) in the change of thirst intensity and discomfort of patients in the preoperative fasting. Background Thirst is defined as the desire to drink water, and it is considered to be a multifactorial symptom. In the preoperative fasting, the patient may experience intense thirst, often for a long time, that can lead to feelings of suffocation, desperation, fear and anxiety. Design A randomised controlled trial. Methods Forty patients, aged between 18–60 years, were randomised to mentholated popsicle group or absolute fasting group (twenty in each). The primary outcomes were thirst intensity, evaluated by a numeric scale ranging from 0 (no thirst)–10 (the worst possible thirst), and discomfort from thirst (evaluated by the Perioperative Thirst Discomfort Scale), both measured twice (baseline and after 20 min of intervention). The CONSORT checklist was used to report this study. Results Mean age was similar in both groups (38 years in the mentholated popsicle group and 39 in the absolute fasting group). At baseline, the mentholated popsicle group had higher median for the scales of intensity (6.5) and discomfort (7.5) from thirst than the absolute fasting group (5.0 and 5.0, respectively). At the end of 20 min, the popsicle group had a statistically significant decrease in intensity and discomfort from thirst (median decreases of 5.0 and 7.0 points, respectively) when compared to the absolute fasting group (median increases of 0.5 and 1.0 points, respectively). Conclusions The use of mentholated popsicle decreased the intensity and discomfort from thirst, and it is a viable strategy for the management of thirst in the preoperative fasting. Relevance to clinical practice In the preoperative fasting, making mentholated popsicles available to patients is an easy strategy to manage thirst, which might lead to better care.