The influencing factors of thirst among intensive care unit patients

Objective To investigate the influencing factors of thirst among intensive care unit patients. Methods A total of 354 intensive care unit patients were selected from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, and the occurrence of thirst was investigated with the general information questionnaire, xerostomia inventory in the first 48 hours in ICU. The relationship of general information and clinical data was analyzed. Results Thirst was common in patients with ICU. Logistic regression analysis showed that age, personal history, past medical history, balance quantity of 24 hours, diuretic, vasoactive drugs, oxygen way, serum sodium concentration, osmotic pressure, PaO2 were independent factors of thirst. Conclusions The conditions of thirst in different patients are different and are affected by many factors. Interventions should be taken aimed at the influencing factors to improve the intervention quality. Key words: Nursing care; Intensive care unit patients; Thirst