The Effect of Cold Vapor on Dyspnea, Thirst, Nausea, and Physiological Parameters in the PACU After Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Surgery

Non-pharmacological methods, such as cold vapor application, hold significant potential in the management of complications encountered in the postoperative period. Despite this potential, to the best of our knowledge, no published study examining the effect of cold vapor on dyspnea, thirst, and physiological parameters has been found in the literature. This study is a randomized controlled experimental study. The study will be conducted with at least 66 patients in total, including 33 in the intervention group and 33 in the control group. Data collection consists of three stages: T0, T1, and T2. In these stages, the baseline (T0) assessment of both groups will be performed using the Questionnaire Form, Modified Borg Scale (MBS), Perioperative Thirst Discomfort Scale (PTDS), Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), and Physiological Parameter Follow-up Form (PPFF). Following this assessment, the patients' condition will be re-evaluated at the 15th minute (T1) and 30th minute (T2) using the MBS, PTDS, NRS, and PPFF. In the intervention group, immediately after the baseline (T0) assessment, cold steam application will be administered to patients for 15 minutes using a Hikoneb 906 S/LCD ultrasonic hospital-type nebulizer device, in addition to routine care and treatment procedures. Patients in the control group will not be subjected to any additional intervention. It is predicted that cold vapor inhalation will reduce the severity of dyspnea, thirst, and nausea after laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgery as a result of the study. Additionally, it is expected to bring basic vital parameter values such as systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate (pulse/min), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2, %), and respiratory rate (/min) closer to the normal physiological range. This study is significant as it demonstrates the value of cold vapor as a practice that strengthens and supports individualized nursing care in the early postoperative period.

Immediately following the initial (T0) assessment of patients, in addition to routine care and treatment procedures, patients will receive cold vapor using the Hikoneb 906 S/LCD ultrasonic hospital-grade nebulizer device for 15 minutes. Following completion of the intervention, patients' status will be reassessed at 15 (T1) and 30 (T2) minutes.

Other: Cold Vapor

Patients in the control group will not be subjected to any additional intervention. Follow-up of patients in this group will be conducted in accordance with the clinic's current standard postoperative treatment and care practices, and patients will be evaluated at baseline (T0), 15 minutes (T1), and 30 minutes.

Cold steam application will be performed using a Hikoneb 906 S/LCD ultrasonic nebulizer, which will generate cold steam with distilled water. Device parameters will be optimally set to steam delivery level 5 (1-10), steam density level 5 (1-10), and steam temperature 1C0 (1C0-10C0). This application will be applied to the intervention group for 15 minutes after the baseline (T0) assessment. Cold steam will not be delivered directly to the airways but will be applied to the facial area, covering the mouth and nose area. A distance of approximately 20-30 cm will be maintained between the device's steam outlet and the patient's face.

Time frame: Baseline (T0)

The form developed by the researchers consists of a total of 13 questions and collects data on the demographic (age (year), gender, body mass index (kg/m² ), ect.) and clinical characteristics (American Society of Anesthesiologists-ASA score, perioperative fasting period (min), ect.) of the patients.

Time frame: Baseline (T0), 15th minute (T1) and 30th minute (T2)

The MBS is a 12-point scale that rates dyspnea severity from 0 (no dyspnea) to 10 (intolerable dyspnea).

Time frame: Baseline (T0), 15th minute (T1) and 30th minute (T2)

The severity of postoperative nausea in patients will be assessed using the NRS, which is scored from 0 to 10 and created by researchers. Higher scores on this scale represent higher severity of nausea.

Time frame: Baseline (T0), 15th minute (T1) and 30th minute (T2)

This six-item, three-point Likert-type scale has a single-dimensional structure. Items were rated as "did not bother" (0), "slightly bothered" (1), and "very bothered" (2). Higher scores on this scale represent higher severity of thirst.

Time frame: Baseline (T0), 15th minute (T1) and 30th minute (T2)

The monitoring form, created by the researcher as part of the study, will assess basic vital signs such as systolic (mmhg) and diastolic (mmhg) blood pressure, heart rate (pulse/min), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2, %) and respiratory rate (/min).

The Effect of Cold Vapor Inhalation on Dyspnea Thirst Nausea and Physiological Parameters in the Recovery Unit After Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Surgery