RESUMO
Objective To investigate the relationship between uncertainty in illness and recovery quality. Methods A cross sectional study was conducted from June to December 2015. The Chinese version Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale was used to assess uncertainty in illness of 168 patients with unconfirmed breast tumor undergoing general anesthesia. The following datarecovery time, time stay in postanesthesiacar unit, modified Observer′s Assessment of Alertness/Sedation Scale score etc were recorded. Results The breast tumor patients had a medium degree of illness uncertainty (81.11 ± 12.57) points. Educational background, marital status, family medical history, the severity of disease affect scores of illness uncertainty (P<0.05 or 0.01). Uncertainty in illnesswas negative correlated with recovery quality (P<0.05 or 0.01). Conclusions Uncertainty in illness of patients isrelated to recovery quality. Nursesshould instruct breast tumor patients to manage symptoms to decrease uncertainty in illness.