Thirst management: perspective of burnt surgical patient

Abstract

Objective: explore thirst perception of a burnt surgical patient and its management in the preoperative and immediate postoperative period. Case report: study with a qualitative and exploratory approach, named as case study. Inclusion criteria were: inpatient at burnt treatment unit, undergone surgical procedure or balneotherapy, experienced thirst in the preoperative or postoperative period and received thirst management. For data collection, semi-structured interviews were performed, recorded and transcribed. Female patient, 32 years old, admitted with second degree burns in extension of thorax, upper limbs and neck due to attempted self-extermination with alcohol. Underwent six procedures and was hospitalized for 15 days until the data collection. Experienced thirst discomfort during preoperative and postoperative fasting, which was considered intense and very stressful during his hospitalization. Conclusion: since the identification of thirst discomfort, the ice popsicle was used as a strategy, which made difference in her treatment. The thirst management model is pioneer in care of burnt patients and has benefits to alleviate thirst.

Keywords

• thirst
• burns
• perioperative nursing
• burn units
• xerostomia