Evaluation of motor efficiency with respect to self-care of neurological patients.

Based on the data obtained from the individual measurements, progress was noted in locomotor and self-service activities. In the experimental group, patients who were immobilized during the initial stage of the study, regained independence to a considerable extent to the end of the study--more so in Group E (experimental), compared to Group K (control). Non-significant differences were noted between the two groups in the values concerning self-service independence; however, the effects were higher in Group E, and the differences indicated by means of the test function remained on the level of significance p = 0.001.

Essence of measurement in neurological nursing.

Measurement consists in ascribing symbols to observed values of the investigated traits and in comparing the established indicators of the object measured with a proper standard equipped with a scale. In nursing, measurement means specific activities realized by a nurse in order to obtain information concerning the quantitative description of certain traits occurring in an individual patient. Measurement is performed by means of a scale. The following scales are distinguished: nominal, ordinal, quotient and interval, the latter being most frequently applied in nursing. Self-care efficiency of a neurological patient, functional independence of a neurological patient and the level of health education in neurology were examined, among other things, by means of this scale.

Health education in circulatory system diseases--cerebral strokes.

Cerebral stroke usually affects people over 60, however, it becomes increasingly more frequent among the younger population. Early mobilization and preparation of a patient for self-service by the encouragement to active participation in washing, using the toilet, eating, dressing, etc. is of the utmost importance in preventing complications and regaining independence. The main educational tasks concerning patients who have undergone cerebral stroke are, among others, life style, locomotor activity, nutrition, elimination of alcohol and cigarette smoking as well as patients' abilities to cope with stress. The scale presents the level of health education of patients after stroke.

Level of health education among neurological patients.

The task of health education is to develop health-promoting attitudes. The training of neurological patients and their families on how to care for own health and cope with the disease is a primary task of a nurse. The aim of the study, carried out among neurological patients, was to evaluate the effectiveness of health education. The study covered 60 patients. The following components of health education were examined: life style, the technique of the measurement selected variables of arterial blood pressure, calculation of the BMI index, determination of the lipids level, demand for calories, control of life functions of the body, procedures in selected pathological symptoms in order to reduce their consequences and prevent complications. Health education activities resulted in a considerable improvement in the patients' state of knowledge and skills. In general, the percentage of patients who represented the proper level of health education was 26.5% during the first stage of the study, and 64.2% during the second stage, i.e. a two-fold increase was observed.

Effect of nursing care on self-care efficiency of patients with hemiparesis.

The aim of the study was to determine the role of a nurse in rehabilitation of patients with hemiparesis. The study covered 60 patients--21 males and 39 females, aged 39-65, who underwent cerebral stroke and retained good verbal contact. While the patients were performing various instrumental-manual activities they were trained for self-care activities, and the effects were analysed. Self-care activities included hygienic activities and control of the body functions, such as: control of cardiovascular parameters, consumption of meals, control of sphincter muscles, prevention of muscular contractures and atrophy, as well as bed-sores and hemi-neglect syndrome. At Stage 1 of the study a considerable percentage of patients (approx. 50%) represented a lower category of self-care, while at Stage 2 the greatest number of patients attained a higher category (approx. 73.0%). In general, a considerable increase was noted in the percentage of patients who were efficient with respect to self-care, i.e. by 23.0%.

Regaining functional independence by neurological patients.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of nursing care on the process of regaining functional independence by neurological patients. The study covered 80 patients--28 males and 52 females, aged 39-67. The data concerning patients were collected by means of a questionnaire and observation. The results obtained were expressed as a definite number of scores on the Neurological Patient's Functional Independence Scale developed by the author. The study was conducted twice among the same patients.

The study of the level of self-care among neurological patients.

The assumption of the study was to show the differences in shaping self-care by patients in two different models of nursing: traditional and modern (nursing process). In Group E self-care efficiency increased from the initial value of 10.02 to 31.13 in the third measurement, i.e. over three times, whereas in Group C--from 9.93 to 19.15 i.e., it was nearly twice as high. Only positive effects of changes were observed in both groups which consisted of patients attaining higher categories of self-care.

Shaping of psycho-social independence in neurological patients.

The aim of the study was to determine the degree of psycho-social independence among neurological patients. The study was conducted by means of the Neurological Patients' Psycho-Social Independence Scale developed by the author, and covered 120 patients--51 males and 69 females aged 21-72; unmarried--34 and married--86, with the level of education: elementary--33, secondary school--79 and university--8; who had cerebral stroke--67, multiple sclerosis--31, radicular syndrome--22. During the first stage of the study psycho-social independence remained primarily on the medium level with respect to the knowledge concerning life style, apart from the consumption of alcohol, strong tea and coffee, the patients showing a good knowledge of this problem prior to the implementation of the education programme. With respect to skills and the remaining psycho-social aspects (motivation, self-acceptance, social functioning, intellectual efficiency) the respondents represented primarily a very high or high level during the second study. Unfortunately, a considerable number of patients still showed a medium or low level. Population who represented a very high and high levels of psycho-social independence, increased by 25.0%.