RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07251270

Effect of Stress Ball During Chest Tube Removal After Open Heart Surgery

Effect of Stress Ball on Pain, Anxiety Levels, and Hemodynamic Variables During Chest Tube Removal After Open Heart Surgery

Sponsor

Mersin University

Enrollment

46 participants

Start Date

Nov 27, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Pain Anxiety Hemodynamic Changes

Summary

15 minutes before the procedure, nurses (FEÖ and NT) will explain and demonstrate how to use the stress ball. The stress ball will be applied for approximately five minutes, including the chest tube removal procedure. A round, medium-hard, high-quality silicone ball, approximately 6 cm in diameter, will be used. Patients will be asked to hold the ball in their palms, count to three, squeeze, and release once. Patients will be instructed to continue this exercise until the chest tube removal procedure is completed, and then, under the supervision of the researcher, for approximately five minutes, focusing their attention on the stress ball. The ball will be washed and cleaned after each use and wiped with disposable asepsis wipes before being administered to the patient. The control group will not receive any other treatment beyond routine treatment and will be assessed at the same time as the study group. The chest tube will be removed by a physician during the stress ball application. Procedural pain level, anxiety level and hemodynamic variables of all patients in the study and control groups will be re-evaluated immediately after chest tube removal and 15 and 30 minutes after chest tube removal.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study investigates whether squeezing a stress ball during chest tube removal after open heart surgery reduces pain and anxiety. Chest tube removal is a common but uncomfortable procedure, and the researchers want to know if this simple technique can help. **You may be eligible if...** - You are 18 or older - You had open heart surgery and have exactly one chest tube - You are conscious, cooperative, and understand Turkish - You are in a stable condition with normal vital signs - You have no prior experience with chest tube removal - You have no psychiatric diagnosis and are not on psychiatric medications **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You have more than one chest tube, or no chest tube at all - You are under 18 - You are uncooperative or do not understand Turkish - You are medically unstable or had emergency surgery - You have had a chest tube before - You have a psychiatric condition or are on relevant medications Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

OTHERStress ball

Recently, the use of non-pharmacological methods applied by nurses has become increasingly widespread. One independent nursing practice for reducing pain and anxiety is the stress ball. A stress ball, one of these non-pharmacological methods, utilizes the sense of touch to divert attention and cognitive focus. This simple, reliable, and low-cost method reduces pain and anxiety by directing the mind to a salient stimulus.