Thirst Management Nursing Strategies in Post-Anesthesia Care Units: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Purpose

To synthesize current evidence on nursing-led strategies for managing postoperative thirst in post-anesthesia care units (PACUs), including assessment tools, influencing factors, and intervention effectiveness.

Design

Scoping review conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and reported according to PRISMA-ScR guidelines.

Methods

Comprehensive searches were performed in PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, supplemented by grey literature, to identify studies examining nursing interventions for postoperative thirst. Inclusion criteria encompassed experimental or quasi-experimental studies in PACU populations assessing thirst intensity, safety, or patient satisfaction. Data were extracted and synthesized narratively.

Results

Ten randomized controlled trials involving pediatric, adult, and elderly populations were included. Nursing-led interventions, including early oral hydration, ice- or menthol-based strategies, and plain water administration, consistently reduced thirst intensity and improved oral comfort. Ice- and menthol-based modalities provided faster relief than water alone, while all interventions were safe and feasible.

Conclusion

Nursing interventions effectively alleviate postoperative thirst, with early hydration and sensory-stimulating strategies offering the most rapid relief. Individualized assessment and protocol standardization are recommended to optimize patient-centered outcomes.

Implications for clinical practice

Integrating evidence-based thirst management into routine PACU care can enhance comfort, satisfaction, and recovery quality.

Keywords

postoperative thirst PACU nursing interventions oral hydration ice/menthol therapy

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