Analysis of Nursing Clinical Practice with Foot Reflexology Intervention to Reduce Pain Scale in Patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) in the ICCU of Inche Abdoel Moeis Regional General Hospital, Samarinda

Abstract

ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) is a cardiovascular emergency that is often accompanied by chest pain caused by myocardial ischemia. Uncontrolled pain can increase sympathetic nervous system activity and worsen the patient's condition. In addition to pharmacological therapy, non-pharmacological interventions are needed as complementary therapy, one of which is foot reflexology. This study aims to analyze the application of foot reflexology in clinical nursing practice to help reduce pain intensity in STEMI patients in the ICCU of Inche Abdoel Moeis Regional General Hospital, Samarinda. This study used a case study design with a clinical nursing practice approach involving one STEMI patient who experienced chest pain and was hemodynamically stable. Foot reflexology was administered for 20 minutes once daily for three days. Pain intensity was measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) before and after the intervention. The results showed a gradual reduction in pain intensity, from 5 to 4 on the first day, from 5 to 3 on the second day, and from 3 to 2 on the third day. In addition, capillary refill time (CRT) remained <3 seconds, and the patient appeared more relaxed and comfortable after the intervention. The application of foot reflexology can be used as a complementary non-pharmacological nursing intervention to help reduce pain intensity and improve comfort in STEMI patients. The intervention should be administered as complementary therapy by considering the patient's hemodynamic stability and should not replace primary medical treatment.