Use of Mentholated Popsicle in the Management of the Elderly Patient's Thirst in the Immediate Postoperative Period: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to compare a mentholated popsicle with usual care (absolute fasting) in the change in thirst intensity and discomfort in elderly patients in the immediate postoperative period (IPP).

Design: A randomized controlled trial.

Methods: The sample consisted of 50 elderly patients (60 years or older) in the IPP who were randomly assigned to two groups: experimental group (20 mL mentholated popsicle) and control group (usual care). The outcomes, thirst intensity and discomfort, were assessed at baseline and 20 minutes after the intervention.

Findings: The mentholated popsicle presented a statistically significant (P < .001) decrease in thirst intensity and discomfort by 5.0 in the median and a Cohen's r large effect size for both outcomes. There were no adverse events or side effects.

Conclusions: The use of a mentholated popsicle decreased the intensity and discomfort of the elderly patient's thirst in the IPP.

Keywords: elderly; postanesthesia nursing; randomized controlled trial; thirst.