Maternal-infant and paternal-infant attachment levels after successful infertility treatment and affecting factors: A descriptive cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the levels of maternal and paternal attachment and the factors that affect them in individuals who had a baby after infertility treatment. METHODS: This study followed a descriptive cross-sectional design in accordance with STROBE guidelines. The research was conducted in the infertility clinic of a university hospital and included 128 participants, consisting of 64 mothers and 64 fathers. Data were collected using the 'Personal Information Form-Mother', 'Personal Information Form-Father', 'Maternal Attachment Inventory (MAI)', and 'Postnatal Paternal-Infant Attachment Questionnaire (PPAQ)'. RESULTS: The study found that the mothers had an average MAI score of 102.35 ± 3.05, while the fathers had an average PPAQ score of 82.21 ± 4.27. A significant correlation was observed between the mothers' MAI score and the duration of their marriage. Similarly, a significant correlation was observed between the fathers' PPAQ score and the duration of their marriage, the duration of their infertility diagnosis, and the duration of their infertility treatment (p < 0.05). The correlation analysis between the MAI score and the mean score of the PPAQ's subscale of pleasure in interaction was weakly significant and positive (r = 0.26; p = 0.032). However, there was no significant relationship between the MAI score and the PPAQ score (r = 0.18; p = 0.146). CONCLUSIONS: The study findings indicate that parents who conceive through infertility treatment exhibit high levels of attachment to their babies. Healthcare professionals should assess the attachment levels of both mothers and fathers who have undergone infertility treatment and be mindful of the factors that influence it.

The Effect of Preoperative Pain, Fear, and Anxiety on Postoperative Pain in Urological Surgery Patients: A Descriptive and Correlational Study.

PURPOSE: The study was conducted to determine the effect of preoperative pain, fear, and anxiety on postoperative pain and analgesia use in urology patients. DESIGN: A descriptive and correlational design was used. METHODS: The population of the study consisted of patients who were hospitalized in the Urology clinic of a university hospital and were planning surgery. The sample consisted of 106 patients who met the inclusion criteria and agreed to participate in the study. The study's data was collected using the Personal Information Form, Analgesia Follow-up Form, Surgical Fear Questionnaire, Surgical Anxiety Questionnaire, and Visual Analog Scale prepared in line with the literature. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficient, and linear regression analysis were used to evaluate the data. FINDINGS: A positive linear relationship was found between postoperative pain and surgical anxiety, surgical fear, and preoperative pain (P < .05). Regression analysis revealed that preoperative pain (P = .006) affected the level of postoperative pain. In addition, fear of surgery (P = .035) and postoperative pain (P = .000) were found to affect the use of postoperative 24-hour analgesia. CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed a relationship between the postoperative pain experienced by the patients and preoperative pain, fear, and anxiety.

Effects of open-label sesame oil applied to cardiac surgery patients in preventing amiodarone-induced phlebitis: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Amiodarone is a prophylactic rhythm-regulating drug used to prevent arrhythmia; However, especially during infusion, it has the potential to cause a number of complications, especially phlebitis. AIM: The aim of the study is to determine the effects of sesame oil, which has the potential to prevent phlebitis that may occur during amiodarone infusion administered to patients after cardiac surgery. DESIGN: This prospective, two-arm (1:1), block randomized controlled interventional study. METHODS: This study was conducted with 44 patients treated in the coronary intensive care unit of a university hospital, who received parenteral infusion of amiodarone. Sesame oil was applied superficially by applying 10 drops to a 10 cm perimeter of the cannula for 10 min. This application was repeated every 8 h during the 24-h amiodarone infusion. No intervention was made to the patients in the control group. However, standard nursing care measures and a standard transparent dressing were applied to the patients in both groups during the peripheral catheter application phase. Patients in the intervention and control groups were evaluated in terms of phlebitis at the end of every 24 h using the Visual Infusion Phlebitis Scale. The study was reported according to the CONSORT declaration. RESULTS: Phlebitis symptoms occurred in 15/22 (68.2%) of the patients in the intervention group on the first day, 3/22 (13.6%) on the second day and 2/22 (9.1%) of the patients on the third day, while in the control group, 20/22 (90.9%) of the patients had phlebitis on the first day and 2/22 (9.1%) on the second day. The incidence of phlebitis was 20/22 (90.9%) in the intervention group and 22/22 (100%) in the control group. There was no statistically significant difference in phlebitis symptoms between groups. CONCLUSION: The research results showed that the application of sesame oil did not significantly reduce the frequency of phlebitis. However, a trend indicating delayed onset of phlebitis symptoms was observed in the sesame oil group. Nevertheless, larger sample studies are needed. These studies are expected to assist in determining the effects of sesame oil on phlebitis more precisely and provide stronger support for the results. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Training of nurses on non-pharmacological methods should be supported and opportunities should be given for their application.

Correlation of plasma metabolites and comorbid illnesses with poor sleep quality in patients with coronary heart disease.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine the relationship between plasma metabolites (biochemical parameters) and comorbid illnesses with sleep quality in individuals with coronary heart disease (CHD). METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between 2020 and 2021 at a university hospital. Hospitalized patients with a diagnosis of CHD were analyzed. The Personal Information Form' and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used to collect data. Laboratory findings including plasma metabolites were examined. RESULTS: Of 60 hospitalized patients with CHD, 50 (83%) had poor sleep quality. A positive and statistically significant correlation was found between the plasma metabolite blood urea nitrogen and poor sleep quality (r = 0.399; p = 0.002). The presence of CHD and additional chronic diseases (especially diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease) are important parameters associated with the risk of poor sleep quality (p = 0.040 < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Increases in blood urea nitrogen level in individuals with CHD are associated with worse sleep quality. Additional chronic diseases coexisting with CHD correlate with increased risk of poor sleep quality.

Effects of virtual reality and acupressure interventions on pain, anxiety, vital signs and comfort in catheter extraction processes for patients undergoing coronary angiography: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Pain and anxiety management in patients undergoing medical and surgical procedures is an important competence area for nurses. AIM: This study aimed to determine and compare the effects of virtual reality and acupressure interventions on pain, anxiety, vital signs and comfort levels in the process of femoral catheter extraction for patients undergoing coronary angiography. METHODS: The study was a single-blind, three-group, randomized controlled trial conducted in the cardiology clinics of a university hospital in 2021. A total of 153 patients (51 virtual reality, 51 acupressure, 51 control) participated in the study. Data were collected using a Visual Analogue Scale, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, a vital signs follow-up form and the Perianesthesia Comfort Scale. RESULTS: Both intervention groups had significantly lower pain and anxiety scores, as well as higher comfort scores, compared to the control group (p < 0.001). The virtual reality group had lower systolic blood pressure, respiratory rate and pulse rate than the control group (p < 0.05). The acupressure group had lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure and respiratory rate than the control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: While neither intervention group was found to be superior to the other, both interventions improved vital signs and comfort levels by reducing pain and anxiety.

Validation of the tablet-based Turkish-PAINReportIt® for lung cancer patients after thoracotomy in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Digital pain assessment is advantageous and timely for healthcare priorities in Turkey. However, a multi-dimensional, tablet-based pain assessment tool is not available in the Turkish language. PURPOSE: To validate the Turkish-PAINReportIt® as a multi-dimensional measure of post-thoracotomy pain. METHODS: In the first of a two-phased study, 32 Turkish patients (mean age 47.8 ± 15.6 years, 72 % male) participated in individual cognitive interviews as they completed the tablet-based Turkish-PAINReportIt® once during the first four days post-thoracotomy, and 8 clinicians participated in a focus group discussion of implementation barriers. In the second phase, 80 Turkish patients (mean age 59.0 ± 12.7 years, 80 % male) completed the Turkish-PAINReportIt® preoperatively, on postoperative days 1-4, and at the two-week post-operative follow-up visit. RESULTS: Patients generally interpreted accurately the Turkish-PAINReportIt® instructions and items. We eliminated some items unnecessary for daily assessment based on focus-group suggestions. In the second study phase, pain scores (intensity, quality, pattern) were low pre-thoracotomy for lung cancer and high postoperatively high on day 1, decreasing on days 2, 3 and 4, and back down to pre-surgical levels at 2-weeks. Over time, pain intensity decreased from post-operative day 1 to post-operative day 4 (p < .001) and from post-operative day 1 to post-operative week 2 (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The formative research supported proof of concept and informed the longitudinal study. Findings showed strong validity of the Turkish-PAINReportIt® to detect reduced pain over time as healing occurs after thoracotomy.

Assessment of the risk factors for intraoperative pressure injuries in patients.

AIM: This study was conducted to assess the risk factors for pressure injuries in patients during surgery. METHODS: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, the risk of pressure injuries during surgery was evaluated in 250 patients in a university hospital. Data were collected through a Patient Descriptive Information Form (PDIF) and the 3S Intraoperative Pressure Injury Risk Assessment Scale (IPIRAS). RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 44.15 ± 17.00, and 52.4% were female. In addition, it was determined that the mean 3S IPIRAS score was higher in patients who were male, were aged ≥60 years, were obese, had a chronic disease, and had low serum albumin and hemoglobin levels (p < .05). During the surgery of the patients included in the study, support surfaces were used in 67.6%, positioning aids were used in 82.4%, and 55.6% had normal skin. Patients who underwent CVS procedures for more than 6 h, did not use support surfaces during surgery, had moist skin, or used vasopressors had higher and significantly different mean 3S IPIRAS scores (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: According to the results, all surgical patients were at risk for pressure injury in the intraoperative period. In addition, it was found that male gender was associated with risk factors and that being aged ≥60 years, obesity, chronic disease, low serum hemoglobin and albumin levels, CVS, operations lasting more than 6 h, moist skin, vasopressor drugs, and not using support surfaces during surgery increased the risk of pressure injuries significantly.

Investigation of Postoperative Risks of Nausea and Vomiting in Patients With Breast Cancer.

PURPOSE: To examine the risks of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in breast cancer patients. DESIGN: Descriptive, cross-sectional study. METHODS: The study was conducted in the surgical oncology department of a tertiary hospital between June 2020 and December 2020. A total of 83 female patients who were scheduled for surgical treatment for breast cancer were included in the study. The patients were evaluated using the Patient Evaluation Form created by the researcher by scanning the literature, the VAS Pain Rating Scale, and the Apfel Risk Scoring System. FINDINGS: A significant relationship was found between age and PONV at the 2nd, 4th, 8th, 24th and 48th hours after surgery (respectively: P = .00, P = .00, P = .00, P = .00, P = .00). There was a significant correlation between the duration of surgery and PONV at 0 hour, PONV at first oral intake and PONV at 4 hours (respectively; P ˂ .01, P ˂ .01). The highest rate of PONV of all time (50.6%) at the 0th hour when the VAS scores of the patients was the highest. The PONV rate at the 48th hour was the lowest of all time periods (1.2%) (respectively; P ˂ .01, P ˂ .01). CONCLUSIONS: While women with breast cancer who have undergone mastectomy have the highest risk of postoperative and nausea vomiting in terms of age and pain severity, the duration of the operation and the first oral intake time also pose a risk. Nurses play a key role in the quality of care, patient safety, and patient satisfaction. It is recommended that institutions create evidence-based strategies and take necessary precautions in the preoperative evaluation of patients in terms of postoperative nausea and vomiting.

Surgical handwashing practices of operating room staff: An observational study.

OBJECTIVE: This descriptive and cross-sectional study aims to assess the surgical handwashing practices of operating room staff. DESIGN: Single-blind study. METHODS: The study was conducted with 66 staff (surgeons and operating room nurses) employed in the surgery department of a university hospital in Turkey. Data were collected using a Staff Information Form prepared in light of the literature to collect the participants' sociodemographic data and the Surgical Hand Washing Procedure Checklist developed according to the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO) and Association of Surgical Technologists (AST). The staff assigned to operating rooms were identified, and then, their surgical handwashing practices were observed by one of the researchers. FINDINGS: Of the participants, 77.3% were dressed suitable to the operating room field, 56.1% appropriately wet both of their hands and forearms, and 72.7% used a sufficient amount of antiseptic solution (3-5 ml) in their palms. More than half of them (51.5%) inappropriately performed the procedure of surgical handwashing (applying an antiseptic solution to hands and arms with circular motions, starting from the fingertips up to 3-5 cm above their elbows for a minute), and 47% incorrectly performed the procedure of rinsing hands and arms while keeping the hands above the elbows under running water and passing arms through the water in one direction during this process. CONCLUSION: In the study, it was determined that none of the team members completed the preparation, application and drying steps of the surgical handwashing procedure. Therefore, it is necessary to make arrangements that will facilitate the handwashing procedures of the personnel. Personnel-related problems, such as the duration of washing and drying methods, are possible to be avoided with periodic in-service training and with posters demonstrating the washing stages, which might lead to behavioural changes.

Effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on Mastectomy Pain, Patient Satisfaction, and Patient Outcomes.

PURPOSE: Mastectomy is one of the most painful surgical procedures. Postoperative pain guidelines recommend transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) as a reliable non-pharmacological analgesic method. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of TENS on postoperative pain and outcomes in patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy (MRM). DESIGN: A single-center, single-blind, prospective, randomized-controlled study. METHODS: This single-center, single-blind, randomized-controlled study included a total of 80 patients who underwent MRM at general surgery clinic of a tertiary center were included. The pain management of the patient outcomes were evaluated using the Turkish Revised American Pain Society Patient Outcome Questionnaire (APS-POQ-R-TR). FINDINGS: The pain levels of the intervention group were lower than the control group. There were significant improvements in the patient outcomes such as mobilization, position, sleep, anxiety, and fear in the intervention group. CONCLUSIONS: Our study results suggest that TENS reduces MRM pain. Thus, TENS can be recommended as a useful analgesic method in MRM.

The Effect of Nail Polish and Henna on the Measures of Pulse Oximeters in Healthy Persons.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to determine the effects of nail polish and henna on pulse oximetry measurements in healthy individuals. METHODS: The study was designed as quasi-experimental and cross-sectional study. The population consisted of 682 women studying in a university's nursing department in the Mediterranean region during the academic year of 2016 to 2017. The sample consisted of 103 female students who agreed to participate in the study and met the inclusion criteria. The data were collected using a personal information form prepared in light of the literature. A single layer of nail polish of the same brand was applied; white on the thumb, red on the ring finger, and black on the little finger of the left hand, while henna was applied on the index finger of the left hand of the students. The middle finger was considered as the control group. A portable Nellcor (N-65) pulse oximeter was used for oxygen saturation measurements. The data were analyzed using means, SD, and paired-samples t test. FINDINGS: There was no statistically significant difference between oxygen saturation measurements of fingers with henna and red nail polish and the control finger (P > .05). However, oxygen saturation levels of fingers with black and white nail polish were lower than the control group's levels, and the difference was statistically significant (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrated that white and black nail polish had an impact on oxygen saturation measurements, whereas henna and red nail polish had no effect on the measurements. Based on these findings, nurses may be advised to remove patients' nail polish before measuring oxygen saturation using the finger. In addition, conducting new studies investigating the effects of nail polish, henna, and false nails, which are increasingly used today, on SpO2 values, is suggested.

The Effect of Education on the Anxiety Level of Patients Before Thyroidectomy.

PURPOSE: The present study aims to evaluate the effect of preoperative education on the level of anxiety provided to patients scheduled for thyroidectomy using education brochures on the level of anxiety. DESIGN: The study design was quasi-experimental. METHODS: The study data were collected using the Patient Information Form and the Turkish version of the Anxiety Specific to Surgery Questionnaire (ASSQ). Study group patients were informed by brochure before 24 hours. Control group patients were informed verbally during routine preoperative preparation or 1 day before surgery. Test and control group patients were resubjected to the ASSQ before being transported from their unit beds to the operating room. FINDINGS: There was no significant difference in the mean scores of the pretest and final test ASSQ scores for the test and control groups (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study results showed that education provided to the patients scheduled for thyroid surgery using written materials did not affect anxiety.

Effect of Lavender Oil on the Anxiety of Patients Before Breast Surgery.

PURPOSE: Anxiety is a common problem before surgery. This study aimed to investigate the effects of inhaling lavender oil on anxiety levels in patients before breast surgery. DESIGN: A randomized controlled design was used. METHODS: The study was conducted in surgery clinics of a university hospital in Adana, Turkey. The study included a total of 80 patients, 40 patients in the intervention group, and 40 patients in the control group, who were scheduled for breast surgery. Lavender oil was used by inhalation. A Personal Information Form and the State Anxiety Inventory were used to collect data. FINDINGS: The mean State Anxiety Inventory pretest and post-test scores were 43.00 ± 11.48 and 37.28 ± 9.93, respectively, in the intervention group, indicating a statistically significant difference (P < .05). The mean pretest and post-test State Anxiety Inventory scores were 44.6 ± 11.45 and 42.43 ± 11.48, respectively, in the control group; however, the difference was not statistically significant (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Inhalation of lavender oil before breast surgery decreased anxiety levels of patients. Our study results suggest that the inhalation of lavender oil offered by nurses has positive effects in reducing anxiety levels.

Possible Effect of Video and Written Education on Anxiety of Patients Undergoing Coronary Angiography.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate possible effects of video and written education on anxiety of patients undergoing coronary angiography. DESIGN: The study design was quasi-experimental. METHODS: This randomized controlled semitrial model included patients who underwent coronary angiography between October 2015 and May 2016 at the Department of Cardiology of a university hospital. The number of subjects determined by power analysis was 90 patients in three groups. Written education, video education, and control groups were included. Data were collected using personal information forms, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and physiological variables. FINDINGS: There was a statistically significant difference in the mean scores of state anxiety, satisfaction, and physiological variables after education, compared with baseline, in both patient and control groups (P < .005). CONCLUSIONS: Our study results suggest that education given by the nurse before the procedure reduces level of anxiety and affects physiological variables positively.

Vital signs: Valid indicators to assess pain in intensive care unit patients? An observational, descriptive study.

Pain is a stressor for intensive care unit (ICU) patients, and inadequate pain assessment has been linked to increased morbidity and mortality. One hundred and twenty patients were evaluated during three periods: (T1) 1 min before, (T2) during, and (T3) 20 min after the nociceptive procedure. For each patient, data were obtained through at least two nociceptive procedures. Conscious patients' self-reports of pain were assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale and Visual Analog Scale. For unconscious patients, the Behavioral Pain Scale was used instead. Descriptive statistical methods, Friedman's test, and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient were used for the data analysis. Significant changes were observed in heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2 ) during nociceptive procedures. The HR, RR, and pain scores increased, while the SpO2 decreased. Positive correlation coefficients were observed between the pain intensity and HR and RR levels. According to our study findings, vital signs are not strong indicators for pain assessment in neurosurgery ICU patients. However, HR and RR can be used as cues when behavioral indicators are not valid in these unconscious patients.

A review of postoperative pain assessment records of nurses.

Background: Although there are many recommendations and guidelines for adequate pain assessment, the quality of postoperative pain documentation does not meet the acceptable standards. Aim: The aim of the study is to review the pain assessment and analgesic records of nurses within the first 48 h in the postoperative period. Methods: This retrospective and descriptive study was conducted in a University Hospital. The records of a total of 421 patients who underwent surgery between January 2014 and January 2015 were analysed. The data of the patients were obtained using the patient files. Results: Pain assessment scale was not used, and the pain records did not include intensity, location, duration and quality of the pain. The analgesic records indicated that the highest percentage (70.8%) of analgesic use was within the first postoperative two hours. Diclofenac sodium was the most commonly administered and recorded analgesic, while pethidine HCl was the least used one. More than half of the all analgesic injections (63.9%) were administered by intramuscular route. No non-pharmacological intervention including massage, hot­cold application, or positioning was reported in the nursing records. Conclusion: The postoperative pain was not assessed properly as recommended in the acute pain guidelines. Therefore, nurses should increase the awareness on the pain assessment records for effective pain management. In addition, the administration of the hospital should support the use of standard pain assessment and recording via electronic patient record system, continue online education courses and give feedback on the records of nurses regarding pain management.

The Sexual Beliefs of Turkish Men: Comparing the Beliefs of Men With and Without Erectile Dysfunction.

Sexual beliefs underlying male sexual dysfunction are known to emphasize excessively high sexual performance, among other inaccuracies. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of certain sexual beliefs among Turkish men with and without erectile dysfunction. In this comparative-descriptive study, demographic data and participant views regarding 50 common sexual beliefs were collected with a questionnaire. The study was conducted at the urology clinic of a university hospital in Turkey between May 2011 and August 2013. Participants were 815 men: 304 with erectile dysfunction and 511 without. Men with erectile dysfunction endorsed 8 beliefs about sexual activity more frequently than did men without erectile dysfunction. Findings indicate the association of certain cognitions with erectile dysfunction. Most of these cognitions concerned high expectations of male sexual function.

The effect of different essential oils used in stoma bags of individuals with colostomy remooval of odor, life satisfaction and effect on stoma fit: Randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the research was conducted as a randomized controlled interventional study to determine the effect of lavender/mint essential oils placed in stoma bags on odor removal, life satisfaction and stoma compliance in individuals with colostomy. METHOD: The research population is patients with permanent colostomy registered in a university hospital's stoma therapy unit. The sample consisted of 60 (20 lavender oil, 20 peppermint oil, 20 control group) patients who met the sampling criteria and voluntarily agreed to participate in the study. In the evaluation of the data the 'Numerical Evaluation Scale' (NES), the 'Satisfaction with Life Scale (SLS), and the 'Ostomy Adjustment Scale' (OAS-23) were used. RESULTS: The lavender oil and peppermint oil groups had lower mean odor intensity, mean scores, higher life satisfaction, and stoma compliance scores than the control group. A statistically significant difference was found between the groups (p<0.05). In comparisons made within the groups, statistically, significant differences were found in the mean scores of odor intensity level, life satisfaction, and stoma compliance after the process (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: It was determined that lavender/peppermint oil placed in the stoma bag in patients with colostomy decreased the level of odor intensity, and increased life satisfaction, and stoma compliance. The trial was registered in the Clinical Trial (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05716711.

Metaphorical perceptions of surgical nurses regarding care for earthquake victims.

BACKGROUND: The physical, psychological, and social effects of the earthquake affect a person's functionality directly. It challenges individuals because it is often traumatizing, intense fear is experienced, and it is unpredictable, uncontrollable, and destructive. Nurses are one of the professional groups that have important duties in social disasters, and they are constantly exposed to the details of the traumatic situation, sometimes physically and sometimes by listening. To understand the severity of the trauma caused by this exposure, it is important to understand the emotions and thoughts that nurses feel while caring for earthquake victims. AIMS: This study was planned to reveal the perceptions of nurses, who were themselves earthquake victims, regarding caring for earthquake victims through metaphors. METHODS: This study was conducted as a phenomenological study with a qualitative research approach, in a province affected by the earthquake, with 85 surgical clinic nurses who were also earthquake victims and cared for earthquake victims. RESULTS: The metaphors produced were examined together with their reasons and grouped under 3 categories (positive, negative, both positive and negative). CONCLUSIONS: As a result, when the metaphors used by earthquake victims are evaluated, the effects of nurses being earthquake victims themselves can be seen in the metaphors. It is revealed through metaphors that nurses' earthquake-related traumas are triggered while caring for earthquake victims.

Effect of music on postoperative pain and physiologic parameters of patients after open heart surgery.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of listening to personal choice of music on self-report of pain intensity and the physiologic parameters in patients who have undergone open heart surgery. The study design was quasiexperimental. Patients were selected through convenience sampling in the Cardiovascular Surgery Intensive Care Unit at a university hospital. The study was conducted with a total of 87 patients who underwent open heart surgery: 44 in the music group, 43 in the control group, ages between 18 and 78 years. Through pretest-posttest design, postoperative first-day data were collected. First, physiologic parameters (blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and respiratory rate) were recorded and a unidimensional verbal pain intensity scale applied to all participants. Later, the control group had a rest in their beds while the music group listened to their choice of music for 30 minutes. Physiologic data were then collected and the pain intensity scale applied once more. In the music group, there was a statistically significant increase in oxygen saturation (p = .001) and a lower pain score (p = .001) than in the control group. There was no difference between the groups in the other physiologic parameters. Results of this research provide evidence to support the use of music. Music might be a simple, safe, and effective method of reducing potentially harmful physiologic responses arising from pain in patients after open heart surgery.