Effects of Reflexology and Cold Application Before Chest Tube Removal in CABG Patients

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Reflexology: A trained researcher will apply foot reflexology for 40 minutes (20 minutes per foot) prior to chest tube removal. The intervention focuses on specific reflex points on the soles, dorsum, and toes of both feet to reduce pain and anxiety

Cryotherapy alone: A 13 cm x 13 cm cold pack, frozen for at least 2 hours at -20°C/-30°C, will be applied to the skin at the chest tube insertion site for 20 minutes before removal. The area will be covered with a gauze pad to prevent direct contact with the skin

Study summary

This study aims to evaluate the effects of combined reflexology and cold application on pain, anxiety, and physiological parameters in patients undergoing chest tube removal (CTR) after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. Chest tube removal is an invasive procedure that often causes significant pain and anxiety, which can negatively impact the recovery process. In this randomized controlled trial, patients will be assigned to a combined intervention group (reflexology and cold application) or a control group. The study seeks to provide evidence-based recommendations for non-pharmacological nursing interventions to improve patient comfort and reduce complications during the post-operative period.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Severity of Post-Procedural Pain — Baseline (T1: initial), pre-procedure after intervention (T2: 40 minutes after initial), and 30 minutes post-procedure (T3).
  Pain severity will be measured using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS), where 0 represents 'no pain' and 10 represents 'the most severe pain imaginable.' Higher scores indicate greater pain intensity.

Trial sites (1)

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