The Effects of Two Different Cold Application Times on Edema, Ecchymosis, and Pain After Rhinoplasty: A Randomized Clinical Trial

PURPOSE

This study was performed to determine the effects of different cold application times to the periorbital area after rhinoplasty on edema, ecchymosis, and pain.

DESIGN

A randomized clinical study.

METHODS

Patients were divided into two groups, and cold application was applied to one group for 4 hours and to the other for 48 hours. The cold application was applied with ice packs for 20 minutes every hour to the periorbital region in both groups. Data were collected with the Patient Information Form, Scoring Diagram for Edema, the Scoring Diagram for Ecchymosis, and the Visual Analogue Scale for Pain.

FINDINGS

Periorbital edema, eyelid ecchymosis, and pain were not significantly different between the two groups. The mean edema score of the 48-hour group was 0.87 ± 0.93, while the mean edema score of the 4-hour group was 0.70 ± 0.87 (P = .48) on the 2nd day. The mean ecchymosis score was found as 2.03 ± 1.12 in the 48-hour group and 2.10 ± 1.09 in the 4-hour group (P = .817). The mean pain score was 12.50 ± 17.40 in the 48-hour group and 13.00 ± 16.00 in the 4-hour group (P = .98).

CONCLUSIONS

The effects of 48-hour and 4-hour cold applications are similar. Cold application for 4 hours may be recommended to patients who undergo rhinoplasty, as it is more practical and easier to apply than the 48-hour practice.

Comparison of operating room nurses' satisfaction and preferences in using personal protective equipment for eye protection in the COVID-19 pandemic

Objectives. This study aimed to compare the problems, satisfaction and preferences of operating room nurses about the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for eye protection during operations in the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods. This prospective quasi-experimental study was conducted in April 2021 in the operating room of a hospital in Turkey. The sample of this study consisted of 35 nurses who met the inclusion criteria. The evaluation of three types of eye protection equipment (goggles, goggle-type face shield and face shield) was repeated in the same group on consecutive days. Results. The comparison of the problems related to the use of PPE indicated that the highest rate of fogging (91.4%) was observed in goggles (p < 0.001), and skin injuries (28.6%) were experienced in goggles and face shields (p = 0.002). It was observed that operating room nurses were most satisfied (7.2 ± 1.4) with goggle-type face shields and ranked them in first place (80%) (p < 0.001). Conclusion. According to the results of this research, it was found that the PPE for eye protection that was the least problematic, provided the most satisfaction and was ranked in first place during the pandemic was the goggle-type face shield.

Investigation of the relationship between social appearance anxiety and perceived social support in patients with burns

INTRODUCTION

Since burns affect body image, they cause appearance anxiety. Interventions designed to reduce appearance anxiety that can cause psychological problems such as depression are important. This study aimed to determine the social appearance anxiety of individuals following burns and the factors affecting it and to examine the relationship between social appearance anxiety and perceived social support.

METHODS

This descriptive study was conducted between November 2018 and November 2019 with 106 adult patients with burns. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Social Appearance Anxiety Scale, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Shapiro-Wilk test, Independent Two Samples T-Test, One Way Analysis of Variance, Duncan's test, Pearson's correlation analysis, multiple linear regression analysis, the Q-Q plot, and the Durbin-Watson statistics were used in data analysis.

RESULTS

The social appearance anxiety scores were moderate (39.38 ± 17.71). Being single; having a high level of education; burns on the face, head, or neck; burn-related amputation; and passing the one-week after injury period were found to significantly increase social appearance anxiety (p < 0.05). Although the perceived social support scores of the individuals with burns were high (68.34 ± 18.08), they were found to have no correlation with social appearance anxiety (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study show that social support does not affect social appearance anxiety. In this respect, we recommend that interventions such as reconstruction and professional psychological support initiatives be prioritized for individuals with burn trauma who are evaluated to have high social appearance anxiety by the appearance anxiety scales.

Caring for Patients With Electrical Burns Using the Holistic Neuman Systems Model: A Case Study

Patients with burns should be provided with holistic nursing care that considers all systems of the body. The Neuman Systems Model (NSM) is especially suited to holistic care as it proposes an open system approach and addresses five major interacting variables. This study aimed to investigate the applicability of the NSM when caring for a patient with electrical burns. In this case study, we planned and applied nursing care for a 20-year-old man with electrical burns based on the NSM. The study was conducted between November 25, 2018, and January 10, 2019. We used the six-item Neuman Diagnostic Tool (NDT) developed by Neuman in our interviews with the patient. We found that the electrical burns had caused multiple physiological, psychological, and sociocultural problems for our patient, most of which were physical problems, including the burn injury and subsequent limb amputation. The NDT guided our data collection and aided in our ability to determine stressors and formulate appropriate nursing diagnoses. The NSM strengthened the patient's flexible line of defense for coping individually and facilitated the identification of deficiencies in the normal and resistance lines of defense. The NSM provides a theoretical framework for nurses caring for patients with burns where entire systems are affected.

The effect of fear of COVID-19 on perceived clinical stress levels in senior nursing students: A cross-sectional study

Aim: This study aimed to examine the effect of fear of COVID-19 on the perceived stress levels in senior nursing students performing their clinical practice. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with senior nursing students in a nursing facility in March 2021. The data were collected using an APP Application sent to the smartphones of students (n = 148) receiving clinical education. Results: With a mean score of 17.2 ± 7.0 on the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, it was determined that the senior nursing students’ COVID-19 fears were at a moderate level. Students’ mean score from the Perceived Stress Scale was 71.0 ± 25.7, which indicated a moderate level. A positive, weak, and significant correlation was found between the total scores of fear of COVID-19 and perceived stress level (r = 0.291, p < 0.001). Conclusions: In this study, the perceived stress of students in their clinical practice was at a moderate level, as it was before the pandemic. It appears that a moderate level of fear of COVID-19 during the pandemic does not affect perceived stress levels in the clinical education setting. Accordingly, we recommend that clinical education should be maintained by taking necessary measures and implementing good management during the pandemic.

Impact of methods and duration of surgical hand scrub on bacterial count: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

There is no standard protocol for surgical scrubbing. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of surgical hand scrub duration and method by analyzing their effects on bacterial count.

METHODS

The study was conducted on 180 surgical nurses and surgeons. While the duration of surgical hand scrub in Groups I and II was one minute, participants in Group I used a nail brush, whereas Group II did not. Similarly, the duration of surgical hand scrub in Groups III and IV was two minutes, but Group III used a nail brush, whereas Group IV did not. Bacterial count on the hands of all participants was measured before and after the surgical hand scrub and after the surgery by using the glove juice method.

RESULTS

Bacterial count on the hands of the participants in Group III after surgical hand scrub was significantly higher than Group IV (P < .001). We did not find any statistically significant difference between Group II and Group IV in terms of bacterial count on the hands immediately after surgical hand scrub and after the surgery (P = .401, P =.658, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

This study found that brushing during surgical hand scrub increased the number of bacteria on the hand. Besides, one-minute surgical hand scrub was equally effective as two-minute scrub to reduce the number of bacteria on the hand.

Relationship between nursing students' smartphone addiction and interaction anxiety: A descriptive relation-seeker type study

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between nursing students' smartphone addiction and interaction anxiety.

DESIGN AND METHODS

This descriptive relation-seeker type study was conducted with 333 students. The Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version and the Interaction Anxiousness Scale were used.

FINDINGS

Of the students who participated in the study, 12% were at risk for smartphone addiction. A statistically significant correlation was determined between the scores for the two scales used.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

As students' smartphone addiction risks increased, their interaction anxiety also appeared to increase, pointing to a need for guidance to restrict smartphone use in this population.

The effect of mobilization protocol on mobilization start time and patient care outcomes in patients undergoing abdominal surgery

AIM

To evaluate the effect of mobilization protocol on mobilization start time, maintenance of mobilization and patient care outcomes in patients who underwent major abdominal open surgery.

BACKGROUND

Early mobilization in the first 24 hours postoperatively is recommended. Early mobilization is one of the evidence-based, effective nursing interventions that improve patient care outcomes.

DESIGN

A quasi-experimental non-randomised design was used in the study.

METHODS

In the study, the groups were followed sequentially and the data of the control group (n = 21) were collected before the intervention group (n = 21). The patients in the control group were mobilised postoperatively by the nurses according to the decision of the nurse and physician in the intensive care unit (ICU) on the day of the operation. There was no standard protocol for mobilization in the ICU. Mobilization training was given to the patients in the intervention group by the researcher nurse the evening before the operation, and a mobilization protocol was applied on the 0th postoperative day. Data on patient care outcomes were collected until the day when the patient was discharged from the hospital. The TREND checklist was followed.

RESULTS

According to the postoperative comparison of the patients in the intervention group to those in the control group, patients in the intervention group started mobilization earlier after admission in intensive care unit (6.22 ± 1.95 hours versus 12.21 ± 3.76 hours), had higher postoperative 0^th -day total mobilization time (128 minutes versus 34 minutes), had a shorter passage of flatus time and length of intensive care unit and hospital stay and had higher sleep quality and satisfaction scores.

CONCLUSIONS

The structured mobilization protocol is effective in the management of early mobilization and improvement of patient care outcomes.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

mobilization protocols ensure that the mobilization process is maintained effectively.

An Evaluation of the Influence of Web-Based Patient Education on the Anxiety and Life Quality of Patients Who Have Undergone Mammaplasty: a Randomized Controlled Study

The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of web-based education on the anxiety and quality of life of patients who were hospitalized and underwent breast surgery (modified radical mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery) with axilla lymph node dissection. The patients were divided into three groups by the block randomization method as follows: web-based education group, brochure group, and control group (total N = 75). To obtain the study data, the Risk Factors for Breast Cancer and Data Collection Form for the Disease, SF 36 Quality of Life Scale, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Website Usability Scale were used. The learning content was patient education associated with the pre-operative and post-operative periods. The differences in the state of anxiety scores 1 day before surgery, the 2nd day after surgery, and 1 month after surgery were statistically lower in the web-based education group than in the other two groups. The mean difference in the trait anxiety scores after 1 month was higher in the control group than in the other two groups. Web-based patient education was identified as a more effective method than the brochure and control groups in terms of patients' physical and emotional well-being, vitality/fatigue, and role limitations emotional and general health perception. Web-based patient education is effective in decreasing the anxiety of patients and improving their quality of life.

Does Watching a Relaxing Video During Cystoscopy Affect Pain and Anxiety Levels of Female Patients? A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Cystoscopy is noted to be more painful in men. Research has been done to support the use of video in men to reduce pain; it would follow that video would be useful in reducing pain in women as well.

AIMS

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of watching a relaxing video during cystoscopy on the pain and anxiety levels of female patients.

DESIGN

The study was a single-center, parallel, randomized, controlled, nonblinded trial.

SETTING

This study was carried out in the cystoscopy unit of a training and research hospital in Turkey.

PARTICIPANTS

Sixty female patients aged 18 years and older undergoing rigid cystoscopy for the first time and under local anesthesia.

METHODS

The participants were randomized into two equal groups: video and control. Data were collected with Visual Analog Scale, State-Trait Anxiety Scale, and hemodynamic parameters.

RESULTS

A statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of pain levels during and after cystoscopy (p < .001). Pain levels were significantly lower in the video group during and after the procedure. A statistically significant difference was also found between the groups in terms of anxiety levels before and after cystoscopy (p < .05). Anxiety levels were significantly lower in the video group after the procedure. Satisfaction levels were higher in the video group (p < .001).

CONCLUSION

According to this study, watching a relaxing video during cystoscopy had a positive effect on pain, anxiety, satisfaction levels, and hemodynamic parameters of the patients.

The Clinical Learning Environment, Supervision and the Nurse Teacher Evaluation Scale: Turkish Version

AIM

The aim of this study is to adapt the Clinical Learning Environment, Supervision and Nurse Teacher Evaluation Scale to the Turkish language and culture.

METHODS

This psychometric test was conducted in a nursing school in Ankara, Turkey, from April to June 2014. Convenience sampling was used. The sample of this study was 190 third- and fourth-year nursing students. The items of the scale were evaluated by Pearson correlation coefficient for correlation-based item analysis. Cronbach's alpha, test and retest analysis were used to measure reliability. Exploratory factor analysis and correlation analysis were performed to determine validity. Principal component analysis was used to analyze factor.

RESULTS

The subscales' Cronbach's alpha values were varied between .760 and .933. A positive relationship was found between tests and retests points of the subscales (P < .05). Five factors were identified in the exploratory factor analysis. There was a meaningful correlation between subscale points of the Clinical Learning Environment, Supervision and Nurse Teacher Evaluation Scale and the Clinical Learning Environment Scale (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

The Turkish version of the Clinical Learning Environment, Supervision and Nurse Teacher Evaluation Scale was validated and a reliable measurement tool. It can be used to evaluate clinical nursing education in Turkey.

Integrating simulation based learning into nursing education programs: Hybrid simulation

BACKGROUND

Hybrid simulation can be developed with mannequins of any fidelity and tabletop simulators with a standardized patient to create a complex, high-level learning activity.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to analyze the effects of a hybrid simulation technique used with nursing students in a scenario about the emergency setting.

METHODS

This one-group pre-test post-test model quasi-experimental study was carried out with 39 students in Ankara, Turkey, from October 2014 to July 2015.

RESULTS

Nearly all participants reported that the simulation improved their critical thinking, decision-making skills, and self-confidence before the clinical activity and that they felt as though they were real nurses during the activity (94.7%, 97.3%, 84.2%, and 92.1%, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The results of this study support the integration of hybrid simulation experiences throughout the nursing curriculum, as evidenced by positive responses from students through the simulation evaluation questionnaire.

Effect of acupressure application to the P6 acupoint before laparoscopic cholecystectomy on postoperative nausea-vomiting: A randomized controlled clinical study

BACKGROUND

Nausea and vomiting are common postoperative complications that occur within the first 24 h in adults. Clinical practice guidelines and a Cochrane review recommend stimulating the P6 acupoint to prevent or reduce postoperative nausea and vomiting. However, there are currently no standards and optimal timing is not known.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of acupressure application on the P6 acupoint, using acupressure wristbands, in the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting and the antiemetic drug requirement in patients who had high postoperative nausea and vomiting risk related to laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

DESIGN

This was a longitudinal, randomized controlled clinical study.

SETTINGS

The study was conducted in the general surgery department of a training and research hospital (105 beds), from March 2015 to March 2016.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 111 female patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery were divided into three groups of 37, using a block randomization method.

METHODS

Training on acupressure wristband use was provided to the intervention group and an acupressure wristband with a plastic cap was placed at the P6 acupoint. A wristband with the same appearance as the acupressure wristband, but without a cap, was used in the placebo group. No intervention was used in the control group. The wristband was placed approximately one hour before the surgery and removed six hours after the surgery in both the intervention and placebo groups. The data were collected at the 2nd, 6th, and 24th postoperative hours.

RESULTS

The application of the acupressure wristband to the P6 acupoint in patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy was found to be more effective in decreasing the severity of nausea at the 2nd postoperative hour and the nausea incidence at 2-6 h, postoperatively, when compared to the placebo group (p < 0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference between the intervention group and the control group. Therefore, acupressure application to the P6 acupoint was not found to be clinically effective in decreasing postoperative vomiting, antiemetic drug requirement, and in decreasing pain, anxiety, or the need for analgesic drugs (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

We did not find the stimulation of the P6 acupoint with an acupressure wristband to be clinically effective in reducing postoperative nausea and vomiting or antiemetic drug requirement in patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Comparison of Two Different Distraction Methods Affecting the Level of Pain and Anxiety during Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy can cause pain and anxiety for patients. Despite the use of many distraction methods to reduce pain and anxiety, there is no study on the use of stress balls during lithotripsy.

AIM

The aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy of use of stress balls and music therapy to reduce pain and anxiety during lithotripsy.

DESIGN

This was a single-center, parallel randomized controlled trial.

SETTINGS

The study involved the lithotripsy unit in a training and research hospital in Turkey.

PARTICIPANTS

The study included 120 patients who had kidney or ureter stones.

METHODS

The patients were randomly divided into three groups. The control group (group 1) received no interference, whereas experimental groups received stress ball (group 2) and music (group 3) interventions during lithotripsy, respectively. Data were collected using the Patient Information Form, visual analog scale, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference among the three groups in regard to anxiety and pain mean scores (p > .05). No statistically significant difference was found between anxiety scores before and after lithotripsy in each group (p > .05), whereas there was a statistically significant difference between pain scores during and after lithotripsy (p < .05).

CONCLUSION

Based on the present study, no statistically significant difference was found between the use of stress balls and music in reducing pain and anxiety during lithotripsy. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of stress balls used during lithotripsy.

Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Psychometric Evaluation of the Turkish Version of the Cancer Behavior Inventory-Brief Version

CONTEXT

Cancer Behavior Inventory-Brief Version (CBI-B) is a simple and non-burdensome tool used to evaluate the self-efficacy of the cancer patients.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the CBI-B.

METHODS

This methodologic study was conducted on 143 cancer patients who received radiotherapy at the Department of Radiation Oncology at a Training and Research Hospital in Turkey. Data were collected using Medical and Demographic Information Form, CBI-B, Satisfaction With Life Scale, and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30). Descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis, and correlation coefficients were used for the analysis of data.

RESULTS

Exploratory factor analysis confirmed four-factor structure explaining 74.7% of the total variance: 1) Maintaining Independence and Positive Attitude, 2) Participating in Medical Care, 3) Coping and Stress Management, and 4) Managing Affect. The CBI-B had acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach α = 0.87) and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.961) and concurrent validity with Satisfaction With Life Scale and EORTC QLQ-C30 scores. The measures of life satisfaction and quality of life were positively correlated with CBI-B, whereas the symptom levels and the functions (with the exception of the role function) were negatively correlated.

CONCLUSION

The CBI-B was found to be a valid and reliable inventory for assessing the self-efficacy of Turkish cancer patients. The CBI-B, is a simple and brief measure of self-efficacy for coping with cancer, could be easily used in clinical and research settings.

The reliability and validity of three questionnaires: The Student Satisfaction and Self-Confidence in Learning Scale, Simulation Design Scale, and Educational Practices Questionnaire

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to adapt the "Student Satisfaction and Self-Confidence in Learning Scale" (SCLS), "Simulation Design Scale" (SDS), and "Educational Practices Questionnaire" (EPQ) developed by Jeffries and Rizzolo into Turkish and establish the reliability and the validity of these translated scales.

METHODS

A sample of 87 nursing students participated in this study. These scales were cross-culturally adapted through a process including translation, comparison with original version, back translation, and pretesting. Construct validity was evaluated by factor analysis, and criterion validity was evaluated using the Perceived Learning Scale, Patient Intervention Self-confidence/Competency Scale, and Educational Belief Scale.

FINDINGS

Cronbach's alpha values were found as 0.77-0.85 for SCLS, 0.73-0.86 for SDS, and 0.61-0.86 for EPQ.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study show that the Turkish versions of all scales are validated and reliable measurement tools.

Impact of preoperative defecation pattern on postoperative constipation for patients undergoing cardiac surgery

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To analyse the impact of preoperative defecation pattern on postoperative defecation pattern for patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND

Constipation is a neglected problem that occurs frequently after cardiac surgery.

DESIGN

Descriptive study.

METHOD

The study sample comprised 102 patients who underwent cardiac surgery. A Descriptive Information Form, Rome III Diagnostic Criteria, Constipation Severity Instrument, Postoperative Defecation Pattern Evaluation Form and Bristol Stool Form Scale were used for data collection and analysis.

RESULTS

The Constipation Severity Instrument scores of just over one-third (37·2%) of the patients who were constipated prior to surgery were higher compared to those who were not constipated. Following cardiac surgery, 39·2% of patients developed constipation and 80% of these patients were constipated prior to cardiac surgery. The findings indicate a significantly high relationship between preoperative and postoperative defecation pattern (r = 0·71, p < 0·001).

CONCLUSION

Preoperative defecation pattern is a determining factor for the development of postoperative constipation for patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

During the preoperative period, clinical nurses may evaluate the patients' defecation patterns using valid and reliable scales and follow the defecation of the patients, especially patients with defecation problems, during the postoperative period.

Validity and reliability analysis of the planned behavior theory scale related to the testicular self-examination in a Turkish context

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the validity and reliability levels of the Planned Behavior Theory Scale as related to a testicular self-examination.

METHODS

The study was carried out in a health-profession higher-education school in Ankara, Turkey, from April to June 2012. The study participants comprised 215 male students. Study data were collected by using a questionnaire, a planned behavior theory scale related to testicular self-examination, and Champion's Health Belief Model Scale (CHBMS).

RESULTS

The sub-dimensions of the planned behavior theory scale, namely those of intention, attitude, subjective norms and self-efficacy, were found to have Cronbach's alpha values of between 0.81 and 0.89. Exploratory factor analysis showed that items of the scale had five factors that accounted for 75% of the variance. Of these, the sub-dimension of intention was found to have the highest level of contribution. A significant correlation was found between the sub-dimensions of the testicular self-examination planned behavior theory scale and those of CHBMS (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that the Turkish version of the testicular self-examination Planned Behavior Theory Scale is a valid and reliable measurement for Turkish society.

A randomised clinical trial comparing the patient comfort and efficacy of three different graduated compression stockings in the prevention of postoperative deep vein thrombosis

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To compare the comfort levels of patients regarding the use of three different graduated compression stockings and to analyse the efficacies of the graduated compression stockings in relation to patient comfort and compliance in prevention of postoperative deep vein thrombosis.

BACKGROUND

Graduated compression stockings are very important with other prophylaxis methods in postoperative deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis. In meta-analyses and systematic review studies, it was reported that knee-length and thigh-length graduated compression stockings had similar efficacies. However, there is no randomised study in literature regarding the patient problems and levels of comfort with the use of graduated compression stockings of different sizes and pressures.

DESIGN

A randomised clinical trial design.

METHODS

A total of 219 patients were randomised into three groups (n = 73 in each group). Group I was given low-pressure, knee-length graduated compression stockings, group II was given low-pressure, thigh-length graduated compression stockings and group III was given moderate-pressure, knee-length graduated compression stockings. The level of patients comfort regarding the graduated compression stockings and occurrence of deep vein thrombosis were examined.

RESULTS

The vast majority of the patients (79·5%) in group III and 52·1% of the patients in group II stated experiencing problems during the use of the graduated compression stockings (p < 0·001). The graduated compression stockings were reported by the patients as being very comfortable in the group I (p < 0·001). No findings of thrombosis were observed in any of the groups.

CONCLUSION

The low-pressure, knee-length graduated compression stockings are as effective as the other graduated compression stockings of different pressures and sizes in the postoperative deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis, and the patients have fewer problems while using these graduated compression stockings with a high satisfaction.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

The combined use of pharmacological, mechanical and physical methods and patient education is effective in the prevention of postoperative deep vein thrombosis. The use of low-pressure, knee-length graduated compression stockings in clinical practice may be recommended, as the patients have fewer problems while using these graduated compression stockings with a high satisfaction.

Normal saline instillation before endotracheal suctioning: "What does the evidence say? What do the nurses think?": Multimethod study

PURPOSE

This study aimed to systematically review studies that investigated the effects of normal saline instillation before endotracheal suctioning and to determine the views of nurses concerning this procedure.

METHODS

This study was carried out in 2 stages as a systematic review and a descriptive study. In the first stage, the Medline and CINAHL databases were searched. The second stage of the study consisted of a survey of 65 intensive care nurses.

RESULTS

The systematic review identified 7 studies. Nearly all of the studies had a self-controlled clinical trial design. Normal saline instillation before endotracheal suctioning was demonstrated to decrease patient oxygenation in most studies (P < .05). However, the impact of normal saline on hemodynamics and the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia remain unclear. Most nurses (87.7%) apply normal saline instillation.

CONCLUSION

Although the effects of normal saline instillation on hemodynamics and pneumonia incidence remain controversial, this procedure significantly decreases the oxygenation. Therefore, the use of this procedure is not recommended. However, normal saline instillation is used frequently by nurses to manage thick and tenacious secretions in clinical practice. Additional studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of applications that may be alternatives to normal saline instillation in the management of these secretions.

Validity and reliability of Turkish version of family satisfaction in the intensive care unit

To evaluate the quality of care that is provided in intensive care units, needs and satisfaction of the patient relatives must also be considered. The aim of the study is to test the Turkish version of the Family Satisfaction in the Intensive Care Unit (FS-ICU-24) Survey, which was developed by Heyland et al. This study was planned and applied as a methodological study. Survey was conducted in the intensive care units of a military education and research hospital and a medical faculty hospital, department of anaesthesia and reanimation in the capital city Ankara of Turkey. Sample of the survey was composed of 120 participants. Cronbach's alpha value for the FS-ICU-24 general internal consistency in this study was calculated as 0.95 for total scale. In this study, the Turkish version of the FS-ICU-24 was found to be reliable and valid with Turkish population.

Anxiety, depression, and quality of life in Turkish patients with glaucoma

The purpose was to investigate the relationship between anxiety, depression, and quality of life in patients with glaucoma. This case-control study was carried out with 121 participants with glaucoma (M age=64.2, SD=13.2; 68 women, 76.0% married) and 64 controls. The data were collected by using a data collection form involving questions on patients' specific characteristics, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire. Rate of clinical anxiety was 14.0% and depression 57.0% among the participants with glaucoma. The anxiety risk in women with glaucoma was found to be 7.5 times higher than in men. Risk of depression was 2.94 times higher in unmarried compared to married participants. Anxiety scores were higher in unmarried participants and women. The mean Depression score was statistically significantly higher for unmarried participants. The incidence of depression and anxiety increased with decreasing quality of life scores. Quality of life was associated negatively with anxiety and depression in patients with glaucoma. Evaluating quality of life, anxiety, and depression in older individuals who have glaucoma and examining the risk factors are important to provide earlier health care service and preventive psychological treatment.

Validity and reliability study for the NEI-VFO-39 scale in chronic ophthalmic diseases--Turkish version

PURPOSE

To test the reliability and validity of National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ-39) in patients with glaucoma, cataract, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration.

METHODS

The study was carried out on 210 patients and 51 control subjects. The data were collected by using a data collection form and NEI-VFQ-39. Statistical analyses were performed with spss for Windows version 15.0.

RESULTS

Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.96 for the whole group. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was between 0.97 and 0.56 for the subscales. There was a strong relationship (r > 0.80) in 12.8% with dual correlation in NEI-VFQ-39 global scales and subscales and their correlations in all participant groups. There was a statistically significant difference for the NEI-VFn global and subscale scores between the control and patient groups except for general health and ocular pain.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that the NEI-VFQ-39 was a valid and reliable scale to determine the quality of life in Turkish patients with chronic ophthalmic disease.

Perceptions and experiences after radical prostatectomy in Turkish men: a descriptive qualitative study

Radical prostatectomy (RP) can significantly influence men's quality of life. Data from the Ministry of Health's Fight With Cancer Office Directorate in 2003 show that prostate cancer is third among the 10 most common types of cancer in men, with an incidence of 5.97% in the population. The objectives of this study were to define the experiences and perceptions of Turkish men who have undergone RP and to determine the views and suggestions of men who had undergone RP as to their discharge training content. Following the RP, urinary incontinence (UI) and erectile dysfunction (ED) negatively affect the daily life of men. It has been determined that men need support to deal with these problems they met. Being discharged without obtaining information from the health care staff regarding home catheter care and UI and ED management causes men to experience difficulties and find it difficult to cope when faced with these problems.