Concept analysis of Perioperative Thirst for the development of a new nursing diagnosis.

OBJECTIVES to analyze the perioperative thirst concept for the development of a new diagnostic structure according to NANDA International. METHODS a concept analysis study based on the framework proposed by Walker and Avant, instrumentalized through an integrative literature review based on SCOPUS, CINAHL, PUBMED, LILACS, and WOS. The elaboration of the diagnostic structure followed NANDA International guidelines. RESULTS 41 studies were analyzed revealing that perioperative thirst is prevalent and intense, having visceral and behavioral attributes as the core of the concept. Antecedents indicate that surgical patients are vulnerable to thirst; and consequents 16 signs and symptoms were organized and model cases were developed. A diagnostic structure has been developed for perioperative thirst. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS concept analysis allowed language standardization that describes thirsty patients, helping the identification, planning of actions and communication of perioperative nursing care.