Effects of Therapeutic Nurse–Led Relaxation Exercises on Preoperative Anxiety, Stress, Blood Pressure, Pulse Rate, Respiratory Rate, Body Temperature, and Pain Levels in Colorectal Surgery Patients: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Journal of Perianesthesia Nursing, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, SSCI, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.jopan.2026.06.015
- Dergi Adı: Journal of Perianesthesia Nursing
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE
- Anahtar Kelimeler: anxiety, colorectal surgery, nursing, preoperative period, relaxation exercises, stress
- Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Purpose This study aims to evaluate the effects of music-based relaxation exercises applied by therapeutic nurses on preoperative anxiety, stress, blood pressure, pulse rate, respiratory rate, body temperature, and pain levels in patients scheduled for colorectal surgery. Design A quasi-experimental study. Methods The study was conducted with 81 patients scheduled for colorectal surgery in the general surgery department of a university hospital. Inclusion criteria were patients aged 18 years and older, patients scheduled for colorectal surgery, and patients who were able to communicate. Data were collected using the vital signs form, visual analog stress scale, and state anxiety scale. In the study, therapeutic communication was established with patients using a therapeutic communication form, and relaxation exercises were performed accompanied by music selected by the patient. Patients’ measurements were taken before and after the exercises. SPSS 29.0 software, descriptive statistics, and nonparametric tests were used in the analysis. Findings The mean age of the patients was 61.28 ± 13.49, 81.5% were married, and 56.8% had a diagnosis of colorectal cancer. After the relaxation exercises provided by therapeutic nurses, body temperature increased significantly (p < .001). A significant increase in pulse rate was observed (p < .001). Systolic blood pressure decreased significantly (p < .001). Diastolic blood pressure also decreased significantly (p = .002). Respiratory rate decreased significantly (p < .001). In addition, a significant decrease in pain level was observed (p < .001). While the mean stress score before relaxation exercises was 6.34 ± 1.96 and the state anxiety score was 54.88 ± 10.23, after the intervention stress decreased to 3.19 ± 1.46 and the state anxiety score decreased to 42.23 ± 5.03 (p < .001). Conclusions Relaxation exercises applied by therapeutic nurses were found to be effective in reducing preoperative stress and anxiety and in balancing physiological parameters in patients undergoing colorectal surgery. This method can be integrated into preoperative nursing care and used as a nonpharmacological support in preparation for the surgical process.