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

ObjectivesThis study analyzed major complaints from patients during mechanical ventilation after cardiac surgery and identified the most common complaints to reduce adverse psychologic responses.DesignRetrospective.SettingA single tertiary university hospital.ParticipantsPatients with heart disease who were on mechanical ventilation after cardiac surgery (N = 800).InterventionsThe major complaints of the patients during mechanical ventilation after cardiac surgery were analyzed.Measurements and Main ResultsPatients’ 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.ConclusionsThe 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.