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Copyright © 2025, Horinouchi et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License CC-BY 4.0., which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. Notwithstanding the ProQuest Terms and Conditions, you may use this content in accordance with the terms of the License.

Abstract

Thirst is one of the most frequently experienced symptoms among patients in intensive care units. Previous reviews of thirst in ICU patients and interventions to alleviate thirst had certain limitations. Therefore, we aimed to systematically explore and map the literature on the prevalence, risk factors, specific measurement methods, and intervention strategies for thirst in ICU patients and to identify areas where further research is needed. A scoping review was conducted to limit the search to studies published by August 2, 2024. A literature search was performed using PubMed, CINAHL, CENTRAL, and Igaku Chuo Zasshi databases. Two reviewers independently screened the literature according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria and extracted data from the selected studies. A total of 53 studies met the eligibility criteria. The combined prevalence of thirst, reported in 11 studies, was 66% (95% CI: 56-76). Four studies reported the risk factors for thirst, including sepsis, gastrointestinal disease, analgesics, diuretics, hyperglycemia, and elevated serum sodium levels, through multivariable analysis. The intensity of thirst and degree of distress were measured using the Numerical Rating Scale, the Visual Analog Scale, and the Likert scale in many studies. The interventions primarily consisted of oral and lip moisturization via sprays and swabs with cold water, many of which were bundled or packaged. The frequency of moisturization interventions for thirst varied from every 30 minutes over a three-hour period to three times a day, and it remained unclear which intervention frequency was the most effective. Other interventions included early oral intake, humidification, and use of music and virtual reality. None of the studies included interventions, such as medication adjustments or electrolyte correction, despite these being recognized as potential risk factors. Future studies should validate the measurement methods and develop objective measurement tools. The intervention types and frequencies that are most effective for treating thirst in ICU patients are unclear. Therefore, further research is required to evaluate the type, timing, and frequency of interventions while considering the identified risk factors.

Details

Title
Thirst in ICU Patients: A Scoping Review
Author
Horinouchi Megumi 1 ; Sakuramoto Hideaki 2 ; Fukushima Ayako 3 ; Yoshihara Shun 4 ; Kajiwara Kohei 5 ; Mukoyama Megumi 6 ; Koyanagi Mayumi 7 ; Mihara Aiko 8 ; Imamura Yuta 9 

 Department of Nursing, Hospital of the University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, JPN 
 Division of Faculty Development and Nursing, Kindai University, Osaka, JPN 
 Department of Nursing, Hokkaido University of Science, Sapporo, JPN 
 Department of Critical Care and Disaster Nursing, Japanese Red Cross Kyushu International College of Nursing, Munakata, JPN 
 Faculty of Nursing, Shimonoseki City University, Shimonoseki, JPN 
 Department of Nursing, Japanese Red Cross Fukuoka Hospital, Fukuoka, JPN 
 Department of Nursing, Fukuoka Tokushukai Hospital, Kasuga, JPN 
 Department of Nursing, Kurume University Hospital, Kurume, JPN 
 Department of Nursing, National Hospital Organization Kumamoto Medical Center, Kumamoto, JPN 
University/institution
U.S. National Institutes of Health/National Library of Medicine
Publication year
2025
Publication date
2025
Publisher
Springer Nature B.V.
e-ISSN
21688184
Source type
Scholarly Journal
Language of publication
English
ProQuest document ID
3225671425
Copyright
Copyright © 2025, Horinouchi et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License CC-BY 4.0., which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. Notwithstanding the ProQuest Terms and Conditions, you may use this content in accordance with the terms of the License.