Abstract Objectives: Use of analgesics is the most common method to alleviate the pain induced by chest tube removal (CTR), but patient response to medication can vary and may not be achieved complete relaxation. This study was to determine the effectiveness of cold application in combination with standard analgesic administration before CTR on CTR-induced pain. Methods: A prospective, randomized, single-blind, placebo sham-controlled study was conducted. In addition to the same routine care, subjects in the experimental group (n = 30) received cold application of 600 g ice packs 15 minutes before CTR, whereas subjects in the placebo sham group (n = 30) received tap water packs. Numerical rating scale was used to measured pain intensity before, immediately after, and 10 minutes after CTR.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
60
We manufactured two ice packs (17 × 12 cm) with a combined weight of 600 g. The ice packs were inserted into adjustable wraps made in our hospital so that they can be fixed next to the skin on each side of the chest tube in patients awaiting CTR. The combined contact area of the ice packs was approximately 25 cm in diameter around the chest tube. For patients of the experimental group, they were received 15-minutes cold application.
We manufactured two tap water packs (17 × 12 cm) with a combined weight of 600 g. The tap water packs were inserted into adjustable wraps made in our hospital so that they can be fixed next to the skin on each side of the chest tube in patients awaiting CTR. The combined contact area of the tap water packs was approximately 25 cm in diameter around the chest tube. For patients of the sham group, they were received 15-minutes tap water application.
numerical rating scale (NRS)
the intensity of pain at the chest tube replacement
Time frame: before cold application
numerical rating scale (NRS)
the intensity of pain at the chest tube removal
Time frame: immediately after chest tube removal
numerical rating scale (NRS)
the intensity of pain at the chest tube removal
Time frame: 10 minutes after chest tube removal
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