Symptom management to alleviate thirst and dry mouth in critically ill patients: A randomised controlled trial

Zhang, Weiqing; Gu, Qi; Gu, Yanting; Zhao, Yujin; Zhu, Lin

doi:10.1016/j.aucc.2021.04.002

Cited by 22 publications

(22 citation statements)

References 33 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…The average decrease in thirst intensity and oral mucosa situation scores after the interventions was larger in the experimental group patients relative to controls (1.27 and 0.36 vs. 0.19 and 0.1 points, respectively; p < 0.05). Being male, not receiving diuretics, and having higher serum sodium levels were potential predictors of thirst and oral dryness [ 5 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Several studies have highlighted the association between levels of serum sodium and thirst intensity [ 2 , 5 , 14 ]. Data in this study showed, when controlling for other factors, serum sodium were significantly associated with thirst intensity (22% increase in OR [7–39%]) for a 5 mmol/L increase p = 0.003).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Thirst should be systematically assessed daily in ICU patients [ 5 , 8 , 10 ]. Assessors should evaluate also its described risk factors, to detect thirst also in unconscious patients and in patients temporarily unable to communicate their sensations, such as those affected by delirium.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Reasons include xerostomia (dry mouth), mouth breathing, administration of dry medical gases, the presence of tracheal tubes, patient inability to drink or to communicate desire to drink, or treatments with medications such as anticholinergic, diuretics, sympathomimetic, and antihypertensive agents [ 4 ]. Thirst could be avoided or at least reduced if routinely assessed with specific instruments that assess the intensity of thirst, hydration of the mucosa, and dry mouth [ 5 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In a study, Chanques et al [ 6 ] stated that thirst is one of the five ICU patient symptoms that should be evaluated daily, because it is the most prevalent and intense symptom reported by ICU patients, but assessment alone does not reduce or avoid thirst, intervention is required. Some experience emerged aimed at identifying strategies to alleviate thirst in ICU patients [ 5 , 7 – 11 ]. Identification of patients at risk and early intervention should be standard practice within ICUs [ 8 , 9 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 4 more Smart Citations

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

et al. 2021

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background Despite 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. Aim To 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). Methods Patients 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. Results A 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. Conclusions Thirst 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.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%