# Thirst in critical patients and its associated factors

## TL;DR

This study examines how common and intense thirst is in ICU patients and identifies factors associated with it, including oral dryness and saliva issues.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the multifactorial nature of thirst in critical patients using measurement tools.

## Key findings

- Thirst prevalence was 76.7% with an average intensity of 7.2.
- Dry lips and thick saliva were the most common characteristics of thirst.
- Positive correlations were found between thirst intensity and hospitalization duration.

## Abstract

to assess prevalence, intensity, discomfort, defining characteristics of thirst and signs of oral mucosa hydration in Intensive Care Unit patients.

quantitative and analytical study, carried out in a tertiary hospital in six of the seven Intensive Care Units, with a sample of 60 patients. Variables related to thirst were analyzed according to their nature.

prevalence of thirst was 76.7%, with a mean intensity of 7.2. The main Objective Oral Mucosa Scale score was 2 (61.7%), corresponding to dry lips and moist mouth. Prevalent defining characteristics were thick saliva (80%), constant swallowing of saliva (76.7%), desire to drink water (75%), dry lips (73.3%) and dry throat (70%). Positive correlations were identified between scales and thirst intensity, water restriction and hospitalization duration.

the statistically significant correlations reflect the complexity and multifactorial nature of thirst, demonstrating the need to use identification and measurement instruments in the critical population.

avaliar prevalência, intensidade, desconforto, características definidoras da sede e sinais de hidratação da mucosa oral em pacientes de Unidade de Terapia Intensiva.

estudo quantitativo e analítico, realizado em hospital terciário em seis das sete Unidades de Terapia Intensiva, com amostra de 60 pacientes. Variáveis relacionadas à sede foram analisadas conforme sua natureza.

a prevalência da sede foi de 76,7%, intensidade média de 7,2. O principal escore da Objective Oral Mucosa Scale foi 2 (61,7%), correspondendo a lábios secos e boca úmida. Características definidoras prevalentes foram saliva grossa (80%), constante deglutição de saliva (76,7%), vontade de beber água (75%), lábios ressecados (73,3%) e garganta seca (70%). Identificaram-se correlações positivas entre as escalas e intensidade da sede, tempo de restrição hídrica e internação.

as correlações estatisticamente significantes traduzem a complexidade e multifatoriedade da sede, demonstrando a necessidade de utilização de instrumentos de identificação e mensuração na população crítica.