Menthol Popsicle to Manage the Patient's Seat in the Preoperative Period.

The Use of the Menthol Popsicle to Manage the Patient's Seat in the Preoperative Period: a Randomized Clinical Trial

Thirst is defined as the desire to drink water. The perception and satiation of thirst constitute an interconnected network of neuronal, physiological and hormonal mechanisms that act simultaneously. In the oropharyngeal cavity are ionic channels called Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 8 stimulated by cold temperatures and menthol, which aid in the control and decrease of the thirst intensity for providing refreshment and satiety without, however, the necessity of fluid intake In high amounts.

Thus, the present study aims to: compare the intensity and discomfort of thirst in the use of the menthol popsicle and usual care in patients in the preoperative period. This is a randomized clinical trial, to be performed in a public tertiary hospital. The sample size calculation will be performed after the pilot test is conducted. Two groups will be formed through randomization. The tested intervention consists of the menthol popsicle (experimental group). The thirst intensity (primary outcome) will be measured by means of the Numerical Scale and the discomfort of thirst (secondary outcome) through the Perioperative Seat Discomfort Scale, in two moments: at the end of the first approach of the patient and 20 minutes after the intervention. The results of this research may support the decision-making of health professionals in the implementation of effective and safe actions to manage the seat of the surgical patient in the preoperative period. Another relevant aspect is the production of knowledge about the problem, which is scarce both in the national and international scenario.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age between 18 and 60 years;
• Without the use of pre-anesthetic medication, until the moment of data collection;
• Conscious and alert, who recognizes himself and responds to the stimuli of the environment;
• Oriented in relation to time and space;
• Fasting for more than two hours at the time of data collection;
• Minimum time of three hours prior to the scheduled time for surgery, to approach and collect data;
• Report thirst.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presenting a contraindication of ingestion or swallowing;
• Present mandibular trauma;
• Being nauseated or vomiting;
• Refer to allergy to mentha;
• In dialysis;
• Report sjogren's syndrome.