Analysis of Complaints from Patients During Mechanical Ventilation After Cardiac Surgery: A Retrospective Study.

OBJECTIVES

This study analyzed major complaints from patients during mechanical ventilation after cardiac surgery and identified the most common complaints to reduce adverse psychologic responses.

DESIGN

Retrospective.

SETTING

A single tertiary university hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients with heart disease who were on mechanical ventilation after cardiac surgery (N = 800).

INTERVENTIONS

The major complaints of the patients during mechanical ventilation after cardiac surgery were analyzed.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Patients' comfort was evaluated using a visual analog scale, and the factors affecting comfort were analyzed. The average visual analog scale score in all patients was 5.8±2.0, and most patients presented moderate discomfort. The factors affecting comfort included dry mouth, thirst, tracheal intubation, aspiration of sputum, communication barriers, limited mobility, fear/anxiety, patient-ventilator dyssynchrony, and poor environmental conditions. Of these factors, 8 were independent predictors of the visual analog scale score. Patients considered mechanical ventilation to be the worst part of their hospitalization.

CONCLUSIONS

The study identified 8 independent factors causing discomfort in patients during mechanical ventilation after cardiac surgery. Clinicians should take appropriate measures and implement nursing interventions to reduce suffering, physical and psychologic trauma, and adverse psychologic responses and to promote recovery.