Effect of cucumber to moisten lips to alleviate xerostomia in patients with gastrointestinal decompression

Objective To explore the effect of cucumber to moisten lips to alleviate xerostomia in patients with gastrointestinal decompression. Methods 180 patients were consecutively recruited at the department of gastric & intestinal surgery of the affiliated hospital of Guilin medical univemity from August 2010 to December 2011,they were randomly divided into the observation group and the control group,80 in each group.The observation group was given cucumber to moisten their lips besides conventional care,and the control group was only given conventional care.Finally we compared the two groups,and display difference between them in comfort degree of oral cavity. Results The comfort degree and oral cavity conditions of the observation group were better than those of the control group. Conclusions Giving cucumber to moisten lips can alleviate xerostomia and improve comfort level in patients with gastrointestinal decompression. Key words: Gastrointestinal decompression; Xerostomia; Comfort nursing; Cucumber