J Korean Acad Fundam Nurs.  2015 Nov;22(4):398-405. 10.7739/jkafn.2015.22.4.398.

A Comparison of Effect between Wet Gauze with Cold Normal Saline and Wet Gauze with Cold Water on Postoperative Thirst, Oral Cavity Condition, and Saliva pH

• Moon YH
• Lee YH
• Jeong IS

• KMID: 2149125
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7739/jkafn.2015.22.4.398

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was aimed to compare the effect between wet gauze with cold normal saline and wet gauze with cold water on thirst, oral cavity condition, and saliva pH among postoperative patients.
METHODS
This study was a quasi-experimental study with 56 participants. The experimental group received wet gauze with cold normal saline, and control group received wet gauze with cold water for three times at 15 minute intervals. Data were collected using visual analog scale for thirst, oral assessment guide for oral cavity condition and acidity tape for saliva pH. Measurement were made before applying the gauze and at 15min, 30min, and 45min after applying gauze. Data were analyzed using repeated measured ANOVA.
RESULTS
Thirst, oral cavity condition, and saliva pH improved in both groups with increasing number of gauze application. Thirst for the experimental group improved more than for the control group (F=4.29, p=.009), oral cavity condition except saliva, and saliva pH were not significantly different between the groups.
CONCLUSION
This study results indicated that nurses can apply wet gauze with cold normal saline to reduce thirst and saliva acidity, and to improve the oral cavity condition for postoperative patients.

Keyword

Sodium chloride; Thirst; Xerostomia; Saliva; Acids

MeSH Terms

Humans
Hydrogen-Ion Concentration*
Mouth*
Saliva*
Sodium Chloride
Thirst*
Visual Analog Scale
Water*
Xerostomia
Sodium Chloride
Water