The Effect of Rapid Relaxation Exercise and Cold Application on Pain, Anxiety, and Satisfaction Before Chest Tube Removal

Open-heart surgery is a major surgical procedure frequently used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. After such operations, a chest tube is usually placed to drain air, fluid, and blood accumulated in the chest cavity. While a chest tube is vital in the postoperative period, it can cause intense pain, anxiety, and discomfort in patients during its removal. The literature reports that negative experiences during this process can significantly impact patient satisfaction, comfort, and overall well-being. The pain felt during chest tube removal is usually sudden, sharp, and short-lived; however, this pain can deepen the physical and psychological dimensions of the trauma experienced by the individual. Furthermore, increased anxiety can lead to undesirable physiological changes in cardiac patients, impairing hemodynamic stability. Therefore, investigating the effectiveness of non-invasive, low-cost, and easy-to-implement nursing interventions is crucial for improving the quality of patient care. Cold application (cryotherapy) and relaxation exercises are among the frequently used complementary methods to reduce pain and anxiety in the postoperative period. Cold application provides an analgesic effect by slowing nerve conduction; Rapid relaxation exercises, on the other hand, activate the parasympathetic nervous system, providing psychological relief. However, there is insufficient scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of this technique during chest tube removal. Furthermore, randomized controlled trials examining the combined use of these interventions are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of rapid relaxation exercises and cold application on pain, anxiety, and patient satisfaction before chest tube removal.