Study of Reflexology and Cold Therapy to Reduce Pain and Anxiety During Chest Tube Removal After Heart Bypass Surgery

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying the effects of combining reflexology and cold application on pain, anxiety, and physiological signs in patients undergoing chest tube removal after coronary artery bypass grafting CABG surgery. This randomized controlled trial aims to find non-drug nursing methods to improve patient comfort and recovery by reducing pain and anxiety during this invasive procedure. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups a combined intervention group receiving 40 minutes of foot reflexology and 20 minutes of cold application before chest tube removal, a cold application only group receiving a cold pack at the tube site for 20 minutes, and a control group receiving standard care without extra interventions. The cold pack is applied at temperatures between -20C and -30C over gauze to protect the skin. Patients will be assessed using pain scales, anxiety inventories, and monitoring of blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen levels at three times before the intervention, immediately before tube removal, and 30 minutes after removal. The study includes data collection through forms and questionnaires, with statistical analysis planned to evaluate differences between groups. Participation is expected to last around the time of the chest tube removal procedure and immediate follow-up.

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