Effect of Positioning on Back Pain and Comfort of Bed Rest Patients after Transhepatic Arterial Chemoembolization

Park, Han Jong; Sohng, Kyeong Yae

Abstract

PURPOSE
The study was done to investigate whether positioning relieves the back pain and enhances comfort during bed rest after transhepatic arterial chemoembolization(TACE). METHODS: A quasi-experimental design with non-equivalent control group non-synchronized design was used. The experimental group was placed semi Fowler's position for the first 2 hours. The following 4 hours the position was rotated hourly between 30 degrees laterally inclined position and a semi Fowler's position. The control group was maintained in a supine position for the 6 hours. Data were analyzed using t-test, chi2-test, Fisher's exact test and repeated measures ANOVA. RESULTS: 1) Back pain intensity significantly decreased in the experimental group compared to the control group. 2) Comfort level significantly decreased in both groups, but there was no significant difference between the two groups. 3) There were no hematoma and bleeding complication in either group. In addition, there was no significant difference in urinary retention between the two groups. 4) Analgesics were less frequently taken by the experimental group. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that positioning relieves back pain without causing an increased incidence of hematoma and bleeding formation after TACE and this nursing intervention might help patients be more comfortable during the treatment of TACE.