Indonesian Journal of Health and Medical Education
Vol. 1 No. 1 (2026): Edisi Januari-Juni 2026

Implementation of Lemon Aromatherapy for Acute Pain Management in Post-Laparotomy Appendicitis Patient at Bayu Asih Hospital

Nurmala Nurmala (Program Studi Keperawatan, Politeknik Negeri Indramayu, Indonesia)
Ike Puspitaningrum (Program Studi Keperawatan, Politeknik Negeri Indramayu, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Jun 2026

Abstract

Acute postoperative pain is a common problem that affects patient comfort and the recovery process. This study aims to describe the application of lemon aromatherapy to reduce acute pain in postoperative patients at Bayu Asih Regional Hospital, Purwakarta. This study used a descriptive case study approach involving a 20-year-old female patient with acute postoperative pain following laparotomy appendicitis. Data were collected periodically through interviews, observations, physical examinations, and documentation. The treatment intervention used lemon aromatherapy inhalation, applying three drops of lemon essential oil to the tissue and inhaling it for 30 minutes in seven sessions over three days. Initial assessments indicated that the patient experienced moderate pain (pain scale of 5), accompanied by grimacing, restlessness, nausea, increased heart rate, and increased blood pressure. Evaluation results on the third day showed a significant decrease in pain intensity to a scale of 2 (mild pain), improved vital signs, and decreased behavioral responses such as grimacing and protective behaviors. The findings suggest that lemon aromatherapy can stimulate the limbic system and increase endorphin release, thereby helping to reduce postoperative pain intensity. Therefore, lemon aromatherapy can be considered a complementary non-pharmacological intervention in postoperative pain management.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ijhme

Publisher

Subject

Health Professions Immunology & microbiology Medicine & Pharmacology Nursing Public Health

Description

Indonesian Journal of Health and Medical Education (IJHME) merupakan jurnal ilmiah berkala yang mempublikasikan hasil penelitian, telaah pustaka, laporan kasus, dan artikel konseptual di bidang kesehatan serta pendidikan kedokteran. Jurnal ini bertujuan mendukung pengembangan ilmu pengetahuan, ...