Effects of Frozen Gauze with Normal Saline on Thirst and Oral Health of the Patients with Nasal Surgery / 한국간호교육학회지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of frozen gauze with normal saline on thirst and the oral health of patients with nasal surgery. METHODS: A quasi-experimental, nonequivalent control group pretest-post test design was used. Participants (n=52) received either gauze frozen with normal saline (n=26), or wet gauze (n=26). The subjective thirst level and oral health of the participants were assessed before the intervention, 30 minutes after the first intervention, 30 minutes after the second intervention, and 30 minutes after the third intervention. RESULTS: After oral hygiene was provided twice, the thirst level was improved in patients receiving the gauze frozen with normal saline. After oral hygiene was provided a third time, the thirst level was improved in patients receiving the gauze frozen with normal saline. CONCLUSION: Gauze frozen with normal saline can be effective for oral hygiene in reducing the thirst level and improving the oral health in nasal surgery patients.