Menthol Popsicle to Manage the Elderly Patient's Thirst in the Immediate Postoperative Period

The Use of the Menthol Popsicle to Manage the Elderly Patient's Thirst in the Immediate Postoperative Period: a Randomized Clinical Trial

Thirst is defined as the desire for water seeking and consumption, and is a prevalent symptom in the immediate postoperative period in all age groups. The elderly surgical patient, despite presenting reduced physiological responses to thirst and satiety, in clinical practice, it is observed that they have high thirst intensity. There is evidence that strategies using cold temperatures are effective in quenching thirst of the surgical patient, for this reason, the present study is justified, in order to find strategies that help to reduce thirst in this specific population that is the elderly surgical patient.

The present study aims to: compare the intensity and discomfort of thirst in the use of the menthol popsicle and usual care in elderly patients in the immediate postoperative 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). Thirst intensity (primary outcome) will be measured by means of the Visual Numerical Scale and the discomfort of thirst (secondary outcome) through the Perioperative Thirst Discomfort Scale, in two moments: at the end of the first assesment of the patient and 20 minutes after the intervention. With the results of this study the intend is to offer to the scientific society subsidies on thirst presented by the elderly patients, generating evidence for the improvement of clinical practice. In addition to contributing to the preparation of health professionals in the assertive care of the elderly population, it is estimated to deepen the knowledge about appropriate and innovative interventions to manage the postoperative thirst of the elderly, considered to be this, a representative and growing part of the world population.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Elective Surgeries;
• Aged 60 years and over;
• Being fasting;
• Verbalize thirst;
• Have been approved in the assesment of Safety Protocol of Thirst Management (SPTM)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with ingestion and swallowing restrictions;
• Patients with self-reported allergy to mint;