Effect of preoperative patient education and simulated mouth breathing training on opioid requirements in the post-anesthesia care unit after nasal surgery: a randomized controlled study

Table 3 Opioid requirements and other variables in the PACU

Parameter	Control group (N = 53)	Education group (N = 51)	Difference in medians (95% CI)	p value
Index opioid administration^a	21 (39.6%)	26 (51.0%)	0.793 (0.537, 1.171)	0.245
Additional analgesic request after index opioid administration^b	3 (5.7%)	0 (0%)	N/A	0.129
Postoperative pain, NRS_max (0–10)	2 [2–4]	4 [2–5]	0 (-1, 0)	0.362
NRS severity^c (none / mild / moderate to severe)	8 / 25 / 20 (15.9% /47.2% /37.7%)	8 / 17/ 26 (15.7% / 33.3% / 51.0%)	N/A	0.322
Nasal dressing change event	9 (17.0%)	8 (15.7%)	N/A	0.858
PONV	5 (9.4%)	1 (2.0%)	N/A	0.206
RASS ≥ 1	2 (3.8%)	4 (7.8%)	N/A	0.374

Values are the median [IQR] or number (%)
Maximum degree of postoperative pain was recorded during PACU stay using a numeric rating scale (NRS_max), 0 to 10
CI confidence interval, IQR interquartile range, PONV postoperative nausea and vomiting, RASS Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale
^a Index opioid refers to fentanyl
^b Additional analgesic includes opioid, acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
^c Pain severity was defined using NRS: mild: 1 to 3, moderate: 4 to 6. Severe: 7 to 10

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