This study aims to evaluate the effect of using stress balls during oral care procedures performed on conscious patients in the intensive care unit on patients' pain, anxiety, and stress levels.

This study aims to evaluate the effect of using a stress ball during oral care procedures on pain, anxiety, and stress levels in conscious patients in the intensive care unit. Individuals meeting the inclusion criteria and voluntarily agreeing to participate in the study were randomly assigned to groups. Pre-test forms will be administered. The stress ball group will be given a stress ball by the researcher before oral care and will be asked to focus on and squeeze the ball for 15-20 minutes during oral care. The control group will continue with routine treatment and care; no additional intervention will be applied. Post-test measurements will be evaluated after oral care.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Being 18 years of age or older,
• Being conscious and able to communicate,
• Having an indication for oral care application,
• Agreeing to participate in the study voluntarily.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Being under heavy sedation,
• Those with limited upper extremity movement,
• Those with severe neurological disorders,
• Having any problem with squeezing a ball in their hand (wound, fracture, weakness)

Termination Criteria:

• Those who wish to withdraw from the study,
• Those who change institutions/city,
• The study will be terminated in the event of the patient's death.

The Investigator and Outcomes Assessor will not know the experimental and control groups during the data collection and evaluation phases. The groups will be coded.