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The Effect of Rapid Relaxation Exercise and Cold Application on Pain, Anxiety, and Satisfaction Before Chest Tube Removal
Sponsor: Ataturk University
Summary
A chest tube is inserted to drain air, fluid, or blood from the pleural space and is vital for restoring respiratory function in the postoperative period. However, tube removal is often described by patients as one of the most painful and anxiety-provoking experiences. The sudden negative pressure changes that occur during the procedure, the stretching of the tissues, and the separation of the tube from the pleural tissue cause pain. This leads not only to physical discomfort but also to increased anxiety. Effectively controlling pain after surgical procedures is crucial for reducing complications and improving patient satisfaction. While pharmacological methods are often the first choice, interest in non-pharmacological approaches is increasing due to side effects and cost. In this context, rapid relaxation exercises and cold application are among the methods that are easy to implement, have no side effects, and have proven effective in nursing care. Rapid relaxation exercises are a simple breathing and muscle control technique that allows individuals to relax quickly by reducing muscle tension. This method balances the autonomic nervous system, producing both physiological and psychological relief. This helps reduce pain perception, control anxiety, and improve patient confidence. Cold application, on the other hand, reduces nerve conduction velocity by causing regional vasoconstriction and raises the pain threshold, providing an analgesic effect. Literature indicates that cold application is effective in reducing pain during invasive procedures such as chest tube removal and also increases patient satisfaction. Based on this information, the combined use of rapid relaxation exercise and cold application before chest tube removal may have a synergistic effect in reducing pain and anxiety. Furthermore, the noninvasiveness, ease of application, and cost-effectiveness of these methods provide significant advantages for nursing practice.This study was designed to determine the effects of rapid relaxation exercise and cold application before hest tube removal on pain, anxiety, and patient satisfaction.
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
87
Start Date
2025-11-15
Completion Date
2026-05-30
Last Updated
2025-11-25
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Cold Application
Patients will receive routine monitoring, pharmacological treatment, and nursing care in the unit where the study is conducted. Cold application ice packs will be placed around the patient's chest tube insertion site. The ice pack, which has been kept in the research clinic's refrigerator for 72 hours, measured with a barbeque thermometer at -10°C, and distributed evenly when cooled, will be placed on the chest tube dressing. Since skin temperature must fall below 13.6°C for cold application to have a local analgesic effect, the patient's skin temperature will be measured at one-minute intervals throughout the cold application. When the application reaches 13.6°C, the application will be stopped, and the physician will be notified that the patient is ready. During the cold application, the applied area will be checked for redness, irritation, and discoloration.
Rapid Relaxation Exercise
Individuals in the rapid relaxation exercise group will be led by the researcher in the patient room or examination room to perform a breathing exercise. The exercise will last approximately 5-10 minutes. The environment will be quiet, at room temperature, and well-ventilated. The exercises will be performed by ensuring the patient is seated in a comfortable position, and the following steps will be followed. Patients will be asked to close their eyes and observe the up-and-down movement of their abdominal muscles as they breathe in and out. The same exercise will be repeated for seven cycles. Patients are asked to inhale deeply and slowly to revitalize their entire body and feel a sense of lightness. On the exhale, they are asked to completely relax all their muscles by making the sound "A" (A-Kara). Once completely relaxed, they are encouraged to blink their eyes open several times.
Locations (1)
Atatürk Unıversty
Erzurum, Turkey (Türkiye)