The Comparative Effectiveness of Using Cold Water Oral Spray and Cold Saline Oral Spray for Thirst Relief in Patients With Endotracheal Intubation in the Intensive Care Unit

• Published in: Hu li za zhi Vol. 71; no. 3; pp. 33 - 42
• Main Authors: Wu, Hung-Shen, Chaou, Chung-Hsien, Chang, Chia-Chuan, Wang, Huey-Ling
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Chinese
• Published: China (Republic : 1949- ) Taiwan Nurses Association 01.06.2024
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Cold; Cold Temperature; Dehydration; Female; Humans; Intensive care; Intensive Care Units; Intubation; Intubation, Intratracheal; Male; Middle Aged; Oral Sprays; Saline Solution - administration & dosage; Symptom management; Thirst; Water; Water - administration & dosage; spray; thirst intensity; endotracheal intubation
• ISSN: 0047-262X
• DOI: 10.6224/JN.202406_71(3).06

Thirst is a common symptom among patients with endotracheal intubation in the intensive care unit (ICU), with an estimated prevalence of 88%. This study was designed to compare the effectiveness of cold saline spray and cold water spray in alleviating thirst, and to explore the maintenance and sustained effects of both groups in relieving thirst among patients with endotracheal intubation in the ICU. Patients with indwelling tracheal tubes in the medical ICU were recruited from one medical center in northern Taiwan and randomly assigned to either the cold saline (n = 18) or cold water (n = 18) group. The cold saline group received three rounds of cold saline spray at a temperature of 2°C - 8°C. Each round consisted of 10 sprays directed toward each of the four surfaces of the oral cavity followed by a 5-minute wait period. This process was repeated three times, with 30-minute intervals between interventions. The cold water group received the same intervention steps using a cold water spray at 2°C - 8°C. Thirs