Effect of progressive relaxations applied after laparoscopic cholecystectomy on pain, nausea and vomiting

Objective: It was conducted as a randomized controlled experimental study to determine the effect of progressive relaxation exercise applied after laparoscopic cholecystectomy on postoperative pain, nausea and vomiting. Method: The population of the study consisted of 105 patients who underwent elective planned laparoscopic cholecystectomy at Osmaniye State Hospital General Surgery Clinic between 25 May and 25 August 2023(Study=38, Control=38). 76 patients, who constituted the sample of the study, were assigned to the study and control groups. Data were collected using the "Patient Introduction Form", "Visual Comparison Scale" and "Perioperative Patient Monitoring Form". Patients in the study group underwent progressive relaxation exercises at the 2nd, 6th, 12th and 24th hours after surgery. Frequency, average, Chi-Square test, "Independent t-test" and "Repeated Measures ANOVA test" were used to evaluate the data. Results: When the comparison between groups is examined; It was determined that the average pain intensity scores of the patients in the study group at the 6th, 12th and 24th postoperative hours decreased more than the control group and the difference between them was statistically significant (p<0.05). When the comparison between groups is examined; It was determined that the average nausea severity scores of the patients in the study group at the 6th, 12th and 24th postoperative hours decreased significantly compared to the control group and the difference between them was statistically significant (p<0.05). It was determined that there was a decrease in vomiting rates in the study group compared to the control group at the 6th and 12th hours after surgery and the difference between them was significant. Conclusion and Recommendations: It has been determined that progressive relaxation exercises reduces pain, nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. In line with the results obtained from the research, it is recommended that nurses teach progressive relaxation exercises to patients and encourage their use, as they are easy to apply to patients and are not an invasive method. Keywords: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, nausea, nurse, pain, progressive relaxation exercises. Advisor: Assoc. Prof. Diğdem LAFCI BAKAR, Mersin University, Department of Nursing Principles, Mersin