As orientações de enfermagem e sua influência nos níveis de ansiedade dos pacientes cirúrgicos hospitalares

Abstract

This quantitative, descriptive study to identify trait and state anxiety in hospital patients undergoing general surgery, and describe the influence of nursing guidance on surgical patients’ anxiety levels, was carried out using structured interviews at a hospital surgical department in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro, between July 2012 and January 2013,. The study comprised 50 patients, aged from 20 to 70 years. Analysis of the results revealed that levels of trait and state anxiety increased in patients who received no nursing guidance. It was concluded that preoperative nursing guidance is of fundamental importance to both the client and the whole team participating in this event, by fostering well-being and reducing anxiety during surgery.