Effects of cold spray on thirst, frequency of oral care, and pain of general surgery intensive care unit patients

Abstract Background This study aims to investigate the effects of intraoral cold water spray on thirst, frequency of oral care and postoperative pain at surgical incision site in patients having abdominal surgery. Methods The study was conducted as a randomized controlled trial. Data were collected using patient information form, NRS, Intensive Care Oral Care Frequency Assessment Scale (ICOCFAS) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Results The severity of thirst at post-operative 1st, 8th, 16th hours (p < 0.01) and the frequency of oral care application at 16th hour were statistically significantly decreased in the intervention group when compared to the control group (p < 0.01). There wasn’t statistically significant difference between the patients in the intervention and control groups in terms of pain at surgical incision site (p > 0.05). Conclusion In patients undergoing abdominal surgery, the use of cold water spray application may be recommended to reduce thirst and the need for frequency of oral care application.