Effectiveness Application of P6 Acupressure for Nausea Management in Hemodialysis Patients: A Descriptive Case Series
Keywords:
Acupressure P6, Neiguan, nausea, chronic kidney disease, hemodialysisAbstract
Background: Stage 5 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) represents a progressive and irreversible decline in renal function, requiring life-long renal replacement therapy such as hemodialysis. A common complication frequently experienced by patients undergoing hemodialysis is nausea, resulting from the accumulation of uremic toxins or the dialysis process itself. Pharmacological management of nausea can cause long-term side effects, necessitating safe and effective non-pharmacological alternatives, such as acupressure therapy at the P6 (Neiguan) point.
Methods: This descriptive case study was conducted at RSUD. Dr.Kanujoso Djatiwibowo Balikpapan from July 2026 to August 2026. Three participants who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled. The intervention consisted of P6 acupressure applied three times a day for 3 days. Nausea outcomes were measured using the Visual Analogue Scale(VAS) before and after the intervention. Institutional permission to conduct the study was obtained from RSUD. Dr.Kanujoso Djatiwibowo Balikpapan. Additionally, ethical approval was granted by the Ethics Committee of RSUD. Dr.Kanujoso Djatiwibowo Balikpapan Approval No.400.14.5.4/0267/10/RSKD/VIII-2026. Prior to participation, written informed consent was obtained from all three individual participants after a brief explanation of the study procedures.
Results: Reductions in nausea severity were observed across all three participants post-intervention. All three patients showed a decrease in nausea intensity: Mr. M decreased from 7 to 3, Mr. Y from 6 to 2, and Mrs. P from 8 to 4. The overall mean VAS score reduction for the group was 4 points
Conclusion: The descriptive findings suggest a positive trend in nausea reduction following P6 acupressure. While definitive treatment efficacy cannot be established due to the descriptive case-study design, P6 acupressure shows potential as a safe, low-cost complementary nursing intervention for managing nausea in hemodialysis settings.
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