Effect of the arterial needle bevel position on puncture pain and postremoval bleeding time in hemodialysis patients: A self-controlled, single-blind study.

AIM: This study aimed to investigate the effect of the bevel orientation (facing upwards or downwards towards the skin) of the needle inserted into the arterial limb of the arteriovenous fistula (AVF) on puncture pain and postremoval bleeding time. METHODS: This study, using a single-blind crossover design, was conducted on 35 maintenance hemodialysis patients who had been dialyzed for at least 6 months and in whom blood access was via an AVF. AVF cannulation was performed with the needle bevel pointing upward in the first six sessions and the needle bevel pointing downwards (towards the skin) in the subsequent six sessions. Needles were always inserted in the direction of blood flow. At each dialysis session, cannulation pain was measured using a visual analog scale (VAS), and the bleeding time at the end of dialysis after needle removal was recorded. FINDINGS: The VAS score and postremoval bleeding time were lower when the needle bevel pointed downwards towards the skin during insertion (P < 0.05). DISCUSSION: Insertion of the needle with the bevel pointed downward decreased puncture pain during cannulation and bleeding time postdialysis on needle removal.

Evaluating the Novel Coronavirus infection outbreak surveillance results in a state hospital: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has raised the global public health concern and has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. OBJECTIVES: This study was aimed to examine the clinical course and outcomes of the patients with COVID-19 in the southeastern part of Turkey. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted on the files of 173 patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19. The "COVID-19 Case Information Form" in the patients' medical records was used. RESULTS: Of the patients with COVID-19, 64.2% were male and 16.2% had a chronic disease. Their mean age was 34.76±25.75 years. Cough and fatigue were the most common clinical symptoms at admission with 38.7%. The patients at the age of 65 and over were treated mostly in the intensive care unit, and the symptoms associated with the cardiovascular and nausea and vomiting were observed more often (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It was found that the majority of the patients were male and there were differences between the age groups in terms of transmission route, the clinic where they were being followed-up, some symptoms, and clinical status outcome. It is recommended that multi-center, prospective, experimental, or observational studies with larger samples should be and the patients should be followed-up for longer periods.

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.

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.

Investigation of the knowledge and attitudes of patients who are undergoing hemodialysis treatment regarding their arteriovenous fistula.

PURPOSE: The major cause of morbidity in hemodialysis patients is arteriovenous fistula deficiency. The patient should have adequate knowledge to ensure arteriovenous fistula patency. Our aim is to investigate the knowledge and attitude of the patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment regarding arteriovenous fistula. METHODS: This study was conducted on 335 patients who met the study criteria. Data collection forms evaluating the "Socio-Demographic and Medical Characteristics" and "Knowledge and Attitudes about arteriovenous fistula" of the patients were developed following a literature review by the investigators. RESULTS: The rules most known and implemented were "to not measure blood pressure" and "to not draw blood from arms with fistula", while the least known and implemented were "to use blood vessels on the hands in arms without fistula for intravenous intervention" and "to know which situations cause hypotension". CONCLUSIONS: Hemodialysis patients with arteriovenous fistulas need to know that developing self-care behavior is a means to reconcile lifestyles with current health status. Accordingly, planned training in self-care should be provided to hemodialysis patients and their families, and nurses should repeat information to patients who demonstrate a lack of knowledge.

Care Burden and Self-Efficacy Levels of Family Caregivers of Elderly People in Turkey.

The aim of this research was to determine the level of burden and self-efficacy among family caregivers of elderly people in Turkey. This study is descriptive and cross-sectional. A total of 658 family caregivers of elderly people were included in the study. The data were collected with a caregiver's characteristics form, elderly people's characteristics form, the Zarit Burden Interview, the self-efficacy scale, and the Barthell Index. Data were analyzed using SPSS 16.0 program. What are care burden and self-efficacy levels of the caregivers? Is there a relationship between care burden and self-efficacy levels of the caregivers with variables such as age, duration of care, sex, status of education, type of relationship, and status of employment that belong to the caregiver? Is there a relationship between care burden and self-efficacy levels of the caregivers with variables such as age and Bartell Index that belong to the elderly? The caregiver burden score was 38.65 ± 13.73, which indicates a moderate level of burden. The self-efficacy score was 29.31 ± 6.09, which is in the low range of self-efficacy. There were statistically significant differences between the caregiver burden score and the sex of caregivers, status of education, type of relationship, and the elderly person's score on the Bartell Index (P < .05). The relationship between the employment status of caregivers (P = .01), the age of the elderly (P = .01), and the caregivers' score on the self-efficacy scale (P < .05) was found to be statistically significant. Study revealed that the majority of the caregivers experienced moderate levels of care burden and low levels of self-efficacy. These results will provide beneficial information for nurses to provide the holistic nursing care.

Evaluation of the effect on patient parameters of not monitoring gastric residual volume in intensive care patients on a mechanical ventilator receiving enteral feeding: A randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of not measuring gastric residual volume (GRV) in intensive care patients on a mechanical ventilator and receiving enteral feeding on the feeding intolerance, gastroesophageal reflux (GER) risk, and nutritional adequacy. METHODS: This randomized clinical study was performed in 2 medical intensive care units of 2 university hospitals in Ankara, Turkey. The patients were randomized into 2 groups. In the group with GRV monitoring, GRV was measured 3 times a day, and the GRV threshold was accepted as 250 mL. In addition, 24-hour pH monitoring was used in this group to assess the risk of GER. In the group without GRV monitoring, GRV was not measured. The patients were followed-up for 5 days. RESULTS: The feeding targets were reached more quickly in the group without GRV monitoring (n = 26) with no increase in the complication rate (P < .05). No significant relationship was found between GRV and GER in the group with GRV monitoring (n = 25) (P > .05). CONCLUSION: The discrepancies in GRV measurement make it unreliable for monitoring feeding intolerance and GER. The use of GRV measurements may therefore be discontinued as part of the standard care protocol in medical intensive care units.

Determination of nursing students' expectations for faculty members and the perceived stressors during their education.

BACKGROUND: In nursing education, there are several different factors which can affect the efficacy and quality of the education besides the interaction between the students and the educator. The necessity of giving theoretical and clinical education together may lead to various difficulties. PURPOSE: We aimed to determine the features of faculties that are most sought after by nursing students and to identify the conditions that lead to stress in the education process. METHODS: This was a descriptive study. The data were gathered using a collection form that was prepared by the researchers and included questions about the students' expectations of the faculty and the conditions that caused stress in the students. RESULTS: The students' leading expectations of the faculty were 'doing fair evaluation of being prepared for the lesson and knowing the subject well', 'knowing and using the proper education methods, techniques and strategies while teaching', 'the unprejudiced behaviour of the faculty towards the student and communicating well', 'being objective towards the students and making an objective assessment' and 'being good at both practice and theoretical knowledge'. 'Intensive theoretical lessons', 'crowded classes', 'monotonous and boring lessons', 'the negative behaviours of the nurses/doctors or the patients', 'fear of failure or making mistakes during the clinical practice' and 'seeing a dying patient' were the most stressful conditions for the students. CONCLUSION: The ways in which these factors affect the education process must be evaluated in nursing education based on a combination of theoretical and practical education and learning experiences. The results obtained from this study could be a guide for nursing schools and faculties.

Relationship between dialysis adequacy and sleep quality in haemodialysis patients.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between dialysis adequacy and sleep quality in haemodialysis patients. BACKGROUND: Sleep problems are common in haemodialysis patients. Dialysis adequacy is one of the factors associated with sleep quality. Studies evaluating the association between dialysis adequacy and sleep quality in haemodialysis patients present different results. DESIGN: Descriptive and cross-sectional study. METHODS: This study was performed with a total of 119 patients who had applied to dialysis centres for haemodialysis treatment between January and March 2014. The data collection form consists of socio-demographic and medical characteristics as well as laboratory parameters. A modified Post-Sleep Inventory was used to examine sleep quality in the research. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant relationship between sleep quality and dialysis adequacy (p > 0·05). When the Post-Sleep Inventory scores were evaluated according to sleep quality, 63·0% of patients had poor sleep quality, and 37·0% had good sleep quality. Sleep quality was worse in unemployed patients (X(2) = 4·852; p = 0·025) and patients who smoked heavily (Z = 2·289; p = 0·022). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, there is no statistically significant relationship between dialysis adequacy and sleep quality. However, it was found that the majority of haemodialysis patients had poor sleep quality. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Even if the dialysis adequacy of patients is at the recommended level, their sleep qualities may be poor. Therefore, evaluations of the sleep quality of haemodialysis patients during the clinical practice must be taken into consideration.

Coping strategies for activities of daily living in women whose hands affected by systemic sclerosis.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the challenges experienced by women with systemic sclerosis, whose hands affected, while performing activities of daily living and their coping strategies. BACKGROUND: Many of the patients with systemic sclerosis experience difficulties in performing daily activities. One of the most important reasons for that is the impaired hand function due to their diseases. DESIGN: A descriptive cross-sectional design was conducted and questionnaire was used in this study. METHODS: The study was performed in a Rheumatology Department at a tertiary-care hospital in Turkey between April 2010-December 2011. Nineteen patients with systemic sclerosis with hand involvement were enrolled in this study. The data were collected by using both a demographic data form and an Evaluation of Daily Activity Questionnaire. RESULTS: According to Evaluation of Daily Activity Questionnaire, the most scored dimension that patients can do with much difficulty was 'eating' and the dimension that patients unable to do was 'washing/clothes care'. In 'eating' dimension, the most difficult activities were 'opening glass jar', 'opening juice bottle' and 'opening bottle' that requiring the movement of rotation. Their coping strategies for these activities were as follows: try to open with a towel, try to remove the edge of the palm with a knife, use the hand palm and help from someone else (spouse, neighbour, etc.). In 'washing/clothes care' dimension, the most difficult activities were 'turning up hem of a skirt', 'washing up in bowl' and 'cutting out material'. For these activities, they use some coping strategies such as getting help from tailor, washing in the machine instead of hand washing. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that impaired hand function affects the daily life activities of patients with systemic sclerosis, and patients have developed some coping strategies to overcome these difficulties. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The coping strategies used by patients can be helpful for the other patients with systemic sclerosis.

Determination of the relationship between adequacy of dialysis and quality of life and self-care agency.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between the dialysis adequacy and the quality of life and self-care agency. BACKGROUND: Haemodialysis (HD), which is the leading treatment option for chronic renal failure (CRF), leads to significant changes in the life of the patient. These changes affecting almost all the dimensions of life also negatively affect the quality of life and self-care agency. DESIGN: Descriptive study. METHODS: The research was conducted with a total of 112 patients who had been admitted to two private dialysis centres between May 2009 and September 2010, who met the research criteria. The Data Collection Form for the Socio-demographic and Medical Characteristics, the Biochemical and Medical Parameters Form to determine the adequacy of dialysis, the SF-36 Quality of Life Scale and the Self-Care Agency Scale were used in the research. RESULTS: A significant relationship was found between Kt/V, one of the parameters used for the assessment of dialysis adequacy, and the emotional role scores of the SF-36 Quality of Life Scale and between the URR level and physical functioning (r = +0.192, p = 0.045) and emotional role scores (r = +0.284, p = 0.003). No significant relationship could be found between the self-care agency and the evaluated parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Kt/V and URR, which have an effect on dialysis adequacy, may affect the quality of life. Our results are similar to those of previous studies, which showed that Kt/V and URR affect the quality of life. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: It was recommended to regularly control the parameters used for the assessment of dialysis adequacy and to evaluate their effects on the quality of life, to determine the most affected quality of life subparameters and to address these problems and solve them.

Evaluation of an education and follow-up programme for implantable cardioverter defibrillator-implanted patients.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the experiences, problems and the need for care and education of implantable cardioverter defibrillator-implanted patients and to assess the effects of an education and nurse follow-up programme on their quality of life, anxiety, depression and knowledge level. BACKGROUND: Although implantable cardioverter defibrillator has become a well-established therapy for people experiencing potentially lethal dysrhythmias, implantable cardioverter defibrillator patients may have physical and psychosocial problems due to the implantation. Applying a planning education and follow-up programme to implantable cardioverter defibrillator-implanted patients may prevent the need for more intensive treatment during the postimplantation period. DESIGN: A mixed methods design that used both qualitative and quantitative data collections and analysis was used for this study. METHODS: The study was performed in the cardiology department in Turkey between 2009-2010. The data were collected using the 'Semi-Structured Interview Form', 'Form for Assessment of Patients' Knowledge Level about implantable cardioverter defibrillator', 'Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory', 'Beck Depression Inventory II' and 'The Short-Form 36 Health Survey'. All forms were completed at the beginning of the study and at six months. The study included 27 patients in the experimental group and 27 patients in the control group. RESULTS: The results showed that the patients were living with various physical and psychosocial problems and insufficient knowledge regarding the implantable cardioverter defibrillator. Education and follow-up programme increased knowledge levels, decreased anxiety and depression scores and improved several subscales of quality of life in the experimental group patients. CONCLUSION: It was recommended that education and follow-up programme be used for patients scheduled to undergo implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation, starting before implantation and continuing thereafter, to help patients adapt to a life with implantable cardioverter defibrillator. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Planned education and follow-up programme conducted by nurses may improve the knowledge levels and quality of life, anxiety and depression scores of the implantable cardioverter defibrillator-implanted patients.

Effectiveness of local cold application on skin burns and pain after transthoracic cardioversion.

BACKGROUND: Transthoracic cardioversion (TTC) is widely used in emergency departments and daily clinical practice. TTC may cause skin lesions on the application of apical and sternal paddle areas. The lesions are characterised by redness, erythema and blister(s), and can be defined as first degree burns locally causing pain and increased sensitivity. AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of local cold application on reducing the incidence, severity and pain/sensitivity of skin burns in patients who underwent TTC. METHODS: The study was conducted in the intensive care unit of the cardiovascular surgery department. The patients were assigned to study (n=24) and control groups (n=24). Local cold application was performed for a 1 hour period on patients in the study group, whereas only clinical procedures were applied in the control group following TTC. Incidence and severity of burn was evaluated 2 h after TTC, and pain/sensitivity scores were evaluated at 2, 4 and 24 h after TTC. Results The incidence of burn was significantly lower in the study group (3/24) compared to the control group (21/24) (12.5% vs 83.3%, p<0.001). Pain/sensitivity scores were significantly lower in the study group compared to the control group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Local cold application following TTC is an effective means of reducing the incidence and severity of burns and pain/sensitivity. It is cost-effective and can easily be applied by nurses in medical/surgical units and emergency departments.

Health promotion and risk behaviors among adolescents in Turkey.

Adolescents experience the onset and development of several health-related behaviors. The purpose of this study is to determine health risk and promotion behaviors of adolescents between the ages of 11 and 19 who were attending and to test the reliability and validity analysis of the Turkish version of Adolescent Health Promotion Scale (AHPS). The study was a cross-sectional survey and the sample consisted of 1,351 participants. A questionnaire that included demographic information, health risk behaviors, and AHPS was used to collect data. In the current study, the Cronbach's α coefficient for the AHPS was calculated as .92. Female students had significantly higher mean total scale scores than males (p < .05). The 11-14 age group had a statistically significant higher scale total mean score than the 15-19 age group (p = .001). International directives highlight the important function nurses fulfill in health promotion. Nurses may play a key role in school health services.

Patient and nurse perceptions of stressors in the intensive care unit.

The objective of the study was to determine the perceptions of a group of patients on intensive care units' (ICUs) stressors and the perceptions of nurses on ICU patients' stressors in Turkey, and compare the differences in patients' and nurses' perception of the stressors in ICUs. In this descriptive study, 155 patients who were admitted to medical or surgical ICUs and 152 nurses who are employed in the same units of two training and research hospitals in Turkey were enrolled in this study. The ICU Environmental Stressor Scale (ICUESS) was used to determine intensive care stressors. According to total ICUESS mean scores, patients (91.41 ± 34.91) perceived significantly less stress than the ICU nurses (133.23 ± 32.20) perceived them to have. Both patients and nurses ranked 'fear of death' as the greatest stressor. Physiological stressors were identified as the most important stressors by both patients and nurses. Patients and nurses in medical ICUs were more affected by stressors than their counterparts in surgical ICUs. Patients with unplanned or emergency admissions perceived higher stress than that of patients with planned admissions. Several factors could help reduce these stressors, such as having familiar arrangements, humane ICU environment, individual patient assessments and appropriate nursing interventions.

Women's breast cancer risk perception and attitudes toward screening tests.

This study's objective is to identify women's breast cancer risk perceptions and their attitudes and knowledge on screening tests. The cross-sectional research. Gulhane Military Medical Academy, Ankara, Turkey. The population of 188 females who applied for gynecological examination. The study employed a semistructured questionnaire form. Questions such as female's demographic data, attitudes based on screening tests of breast cancer, family history, perceived risk breast cancer, and questions with regard to patients' fear of breast cancer were included in the survey. In this study, it is determined that the rates of the women, who conduct breast self-examination (BSE), clinical breast examination (CBE) and mammography at least once, are very low. The reason for not performing the BSE was declared with a rate of 50.8% as "Do not know how to perform." Of the women 20.2% were fully acknowledged about BSE. Nearly half of the women perceived 50% or more risk of developing breast cancer, and this rate increases as they get older. The risk perception and educational status increased CBE and mammography rates and BSE knowledge positively, but because of insufficient BSE application abilities BSE rate cannot increase as expected. It is recommended that nurses put forward the initiatives in training programs to increase women's BSE abilities. In planning such an education program risk perception and information of women about breast cancer should be considered.

Analysis of patient-related barriers in cancer pain management in Turkish patients.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Barriers Questionnaire II (BQ-II) for Turkish patients and to define the patient-related barriers to cancer pain management in Turkey. For this, 170 patients with cancer who used or were still using analgesic medication for pain related to cancer participated in the study. It was found that patients have beliefs that may be barriers to optimal pain management, mostly in relation to addiction, and to a small extent, physical side effects. It was ascertained that male, unmarried patients, patients with cancer who also have another chronic disease, patients whose "average pain" intensity is more than 5 for the past 24 hours, and patients who use an inadequate analgesic have more beliefs that may be barriers to optimal pain management. It was concluded that the BQ-II is a valid and reliable scale in Turkey for defining patient-related barriers to cancer pain management.

Nurses' perceptions of the barriers to and the facilitators of research utilization in Turkey.

The aim of this study was to determine nurses' perceptions of the barriers to and facilitators of research utilization in Turkey. Barriers Scale was utilized in the research, and the population was 631 nurses. According to the research results, the first three important barriers were inadequate authority (63.6%), lack of time (54.0%), and insufficient facilities (52.8%). Nurses have perceived the organizational management support as the most important easing factor in their applications (n = 156). It is highly recommended that nurses be trained in research methods and evidence-based practice, that research articles be written more clearly, and that Research and Development centers where nurses could get consultation services be established.

Global case management: using the case management model for the care of patients with acute myocardial infarction in a military hospital in Turkey.

This study was planned in an experimental manner to use the "case management model" for the care of patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI), and to determine the effect of this method on the quality of care, patient and nurse satisfaction, and the patient's inpatient duration at the hospital. Data for the study were obtained using the Patient Information Form, Acute MI Care Protocol (Clinical Pathway), Care Monitoring Scale and Scoring Form, Acute MI Nursing Care Plan, Patient Education Booklet, and a Patient and Nurse Satisfaction Evaluation Survey. Evaluation results showed that the patient group where the case management model was used had increased quality of care, decreased inpatient stay, and increased satisfaction of the patient and the nurse. Therefore, it was suggested that the case management model be used in healthcare institutions in Turkey, care protocols for various diagnoses be developed, and nurses should be trained as case managers to increase the quality of care at healthcare institutions.