Assessment of the Oral Health Status of Patients Admitted to Pediatric Intensive Care Units: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: It is important to detect oral health problems early among patients admitted to pediatric intensive care units to establish the diagnosis and consequently allow nurses to plan appropriate oral care practices. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to assess the oral health status of patients admitted to pediatric intensive care units. METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from June to September 2021 in the pediatric intensive care units of 3 hospitals. A total of 88 children were included in the study. An intraoral assessment was performed using a tongue depressor and a flashlight, and data were collected using a patient information form and the Oral Assessment Guide (OAG). RESULTS: The mean OAG score was 8.45 ± 2.876 points. A significant difference was found in the OAG score between the patients 60 months or younger and those 61 months or older (P < .05). The OAG score was significantly associated with the use of diuretics (P < .05) and the frequency of oral care (P < .05). A negative relationship was found between the OAG score and the Glasgow Coma Scale score (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The oral health status of the patients worsened as their age increased, and their state of consciousness decreased. Oral care was more frequently applied to the patients who received artificial respiration. The study provides evidence-based data regarding the early detection of the factors threatening oral health and the necessary precautions.

Effect of an Audible Alarm on the Fluid Consumption of Older Adults Living in a Nursing Home: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of an audible alarm on fluid consumption among older adults living in a nursing home. This single-blind, randomized controlled, prospective experimental study was performed between July 27, 2017, and February 1, 2018. This study comprised 100 participants (intervention group, n = 50; control group, n = 50). The amount of fluid consumed by older adults in the intervention group in relation to the audible alarm increased significantly compared to the control group, and the deficiency of fluid consumption decreased. It was determined that the wristwatch with audible alarm was effective when used as a reminder to increase fluid consumption among older adults with fluid deficiency. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 48(9), 39-46.].

Effectiveness of Biofeedback Therapy on Quality of Life in Patients with Dyssynergic Defecation Disorder.

BACKGROUND: The first option to be considered in the treatment of functional defecation disorder is to correct the dyssynergia. However, limited studies exist to show the effectiveness of biofeedback. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the effect of biofeedback on the severity of constipation, quality of life, and anorectal manometry in patients with dyssynergic defecation in which the biofeedback method was applied. METHODS: Effectiveness of biofeedback method on the quality of life of 24 dyssynergic defecation patients according to Rome III criteria after clinical and balloon expulsion tests (BETs) and colonic transit time was measured. Data were collected with patient identification form, Bristol Stool Chart, Constipation Quality of Life Scale forms, Visual Analogue Scale, diaphragmatic breathing exercises form, constipation diary, and constipation biofeedback monitoring form. Dyssnergic defecation cases received 6-week biofeedback training. For the same timeframe, the control group had a catheter into the rectum without any intervention. RESULTS: Constipation severity was reduced in both groups before biofeedback to post-biofeedback (P < .05). Anal canal pressure, BET, colonic transit time, and quality of life significantly improved in biofeedback patients compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS: Biofeedback has a favorable effect on therapy and quality of life in dyssynergic defecation cases.

Effect of polyethylene cover on the treatment of exposure keratopathy in ICU.

BACKGROUND: Exposure keratopathy may lead to serious complications such as microbial keratitis, corneal perforation, and visual impairment if not treated. AIM: To compare the effect of carbomer eye drops when used alone and in combination with polyethylene covers in the healing of exposure keratopathy. METHODS: A single blind randomized-controlled trial (RCT) in two intensive care units (ICUs) was carried out in a university hospital in Western Turkey between September 2011 and December 2012. The control group received only carbomer, eye drops while the intervention group received both carbomer eye drops and polyethylene covers. The primary outcome was the decrease or absence of corneal damage, which refers to healing. Corneal damage was followed up with a fluorescein dye test (decrease/absence of the corneal staining) by the same ophthalmologist for 10 days. RESULTS: A total of 43 corneas in 24 patients were studied. Corneal epithelial defects decreased in the intervention group by day 2 and progressed or remained unchanged in the control group every day (P = .001). Patient characteristics did not affect the grade ranges of corneal staining in the groups except for level of consciousness. CONCLUSION: Carbomer eye drops, when used in combination with polyethylene covers, were effective in managing exposure keratopathy. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Corneal damage and further ocular complications can be reduced with the utilization of polyethylene covers in nursing care and treatment.

The effect of oropharyngeal aspiration before position change on reducing the incidence of ventilator- associated pneumonia.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of oropharyngeal aspiration on ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) incidence just prior to changing patient position. This randomized controlled experimental study was conducted between July 2015 and April 2019 in anesthesiology and reanimation of intensive care unit (ICU). The patients of experimental group underwent oropharyngeal aspiration under surgical aseptic conditions before each position change. Patients of the control group received oropharyngeal aspiration only as needed. The mean age of the patients was 62.87 ± 17.33 years. The mean and median duration of stay in the ICU were 27.28 ± 30.69 and 18.00 days respectively. The mean and median of duration of the mechanical ventilation support were 26.72 ± 30.65 and 18.00 (min 4; max 168) days respectively. Thirty percent of the patients were VAP. The mean duration of VAP development was 7.50 ± 5.07 days. The rate of VAP development was 11.23/1000 mechanical ventilator days. Only 8.3% of the experimental group patients developed VAP; 91.7% of the control group patients developed VAP. The VAP rate in the control group was 16.82/1000 mechanical ventilator days and the VAP rate in the experimental group was 2.41/1000 mechanical ventilator days. Most VAP agents were multidrug resistant. Distribution of isolated microorganisms was as Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Corynebacterium striatum, Staphylococcus aureus, Providencia stuartii, Serratia marcescens, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, and Aspergillus flavus. In our study, it was concluded that oropharyngeal aspiration performed prior to patient position change prevented the development of VAP.

Comparison of the effectiveness of the virtual simulator and video-assisted teaching on intravenous catheter insertion skills and self-confidence: A quasi-experimental study.

BACKGROUND: With the advancement of technology, methods such as clinical scenarios, role playing, video demonstration and simulation are now used to develop psychomotor skills in nursing education. Virtual reality and video-assisted teaching are useful technologies for the development of skills and self-confidence. In the literature, there is a lack of studies comparing the effects of the two methods. OBJECTIVES: The aim of study is to compare the effect of the virtual simulator and video assisted teaching on the level of intravenous catheterization skills and self-confidence of nursing students. Thus, students are enabled to develop skills and work efficiently without the need for an instructor. METHODS: This study was a randomized controlled quasi-experimental study. A total of 60 students was included in the study (30 in the virtual simulator group and 30 in the video group). In the virtual simulator group, each student performed an intravenous catheter insertion in the virtual intravenous simulator. In the video group, each student watched a training video on the peripheral intravenous catheterization skill in a classroom setting. Each of the students' level of intravenous catheterization knowledge, psychomotor skill and self-confidence score was evaluated. RESULTS: Post-test knowledge scores was higher than pretest knowledge scores for both groups. There were no significant difference between the groups in terms of post-test scores. Students' scores of psychomotor skills were found to be higher in the virtual simulator group and self-confidence scores were similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: Teaching with the virtual simulator contributed to the students' skills more than the method used in the video training. Both methods are effective in the development of knowledge and self-confidence related to intravenous catheterization.

Validity and reliability study of the Moral Distress Questionnaire in Turkish for nurses.

OBJECTIVE: to determine the validity and reliability of the Turkish language version of the Moral Distress Questionnaire for nurses. METHOD: methodological study whose sample consisted of 200 nurses working in the internal medicine and surgery clinics of a university hospital. Data was collected using the personal information form and the Moral Distress Questionnaire for nurses. RESULTS: in the Main Components Analysis, the items were grouped under three factors. Findings regarding confirmatory factor analysis: chi-square goodness: 2.28, goodness of fit index: 0.88, comparative fit index: 0.88, non-normed fit index: 0.86, root mean square error of approximation: 0.07. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was found to be 0.79 as a result of the analysis conducted in order to test the internal consistency of the scale. It was seen that these three factors explained 44.92% of the total variance. CONCLUSION: in this present study, the Turkish version of the Moral Distress Questionnaire was found to be valid and reliable for the Turkish society. It is recommended that the Moral Distress Questionnaire for nurses should be used in future studies to be conducted with nurses in order to investigate of issues of ethical dilemma.

Increasing suction pressure during endotracheal suctioning increases the volume of suctioned secretions, but not procedure-related complications: A comparative study in open system endotracheal suctioning.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the effect of three different suction pressures (80 mmHg, 150 mmHg, 250 mmHg) with the open system suction method in terms of the volume of secretions and complications development in intubated intensive care patients. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY/DESIGN: This study was planned as a prospective, experimental, self-controlled design. The study sample included 47 patients. Data were collected using a data collection and patient follow-up form from patient records. SETTING: Single adult intensive care unit in a university hospital. RESULTS: Fifty five percent of the patients were male, 61.7% were older than 65 years and 38.32% had lung infection. The amount of suctioned secretions tended to increase significantly with increasing negative pressure and there was a significant difference between the pressures in terms of the median volume of suctioned secretions (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the suction pressures in terms of oxygen desaturation, hypertension rates (p > 0.05). Tachycardia, bradycardia, hypoxaemia, tracheal mucosal damage or mucosal bleeding were not observed during suctioning with three different suction pressures. CONCLUSION: It may be assumed that 250 mmHg suction pressure, via compliance with open system suction method related procedures, is being more effective and equally safe for secretion cleaning in comparison to the 80 and 150 mmHg suction pressures.

Validity and reliability study of the Moral Distress Questionnaire in Turkish for nurses / Estudo de validade e confiabilidade do Moral Distress Questionnaire no idioma turco para enfermeiros / Estudio de validación y confiabilidad del Moral Distress Questionnaire en idioma turco para enfermeros

Objective: to determine the validity and reliability of the Turkish language version of the Moral Distress Questionnaire for nurses. Method: methodological study whose sample consisted of 200 nurses working in the internal medicine and surgery clinics of a university hospital. Data was collected using the personal information form and the Moral Distress Questionnaire for nurses. Results: in the Main Components Analysis, the items were grouped under three factors. Findings regarding confirmatory factor analysis: chi-square goodness: 2.28, goodness of fit index: 0.88, comparative fit index: 0.88, non-normed fit index: 0.86, root mean square error of approximation: 0.07. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was found to be 0.79 as a result of the analysis conducted in order to test the internal consistency of the scale. It was seen that these three factors explained 44.92% of the total variance. Conclusion: in this present study, the Turkish version of the Moral Distress Questionnaire was found to be valid and reliable for the Turkish society. It is recommended that the Moral Distress Questionnaire for nurses should be used in future studies to be conducted with nurses in order to investigate of issues of ethical dilemma.

Objetivo: determinar a validade e a confiabilidade da versão em idioma turco do Moral Distress Questionnaire para enfermeiros. Método: estudo metodológico cuja amostra foi composta por 200 enfermeiros atuantes nas clínicas de medicina interna e cirurgia de um hospital universitário. Os dados foram coletados por meio do formulário de informações pessoais e do Moral Distress Questionnaire para enfermeiros. Resultados: na Análise de Componentes Principais, os itens foram agrupados em três fatores. Resultados da análise fatorial confirmatória: qualidade do ajuste do qui-quadrado: 2,28, índice de qualidade do ajuste: 0,88, índice de ajuste comparativo: 0,88, índice de ajuste não normatizado: 0,86, raiz quadrada da média do erro de aproximação: 0,07. O coeficiente alfa de Cronbach foi de 0,79 como resultado da análise realizada para testar a consistência interna da escala. Observou-se que esses três fatores explicaram 44,92% da variância total. Conclusão: neste estudo, a versão turca do Moral Distress Questionnaire foi considerada válida e confiável para a sociedade turca. Recomenda-se que o Moral Distress Questionnaire para enfermeiros seja utilizado em estudos futuros a serem conduzidos, com esses profissionais, para investigar questões de dilema ético.

Objetivo: determinar la validación y confiabilidad de la versión en idioma turco del Moral Distress Questionnaire para enfermeros. Método: estudio metodológico cuya muestra estuvo conformada por 200 enfermeras que trabajaban en clínicas médicas y de cirugía internas de un hospital universitario. Los datos se recopilaron utilizando el formulario de información personal y el Cuestionario de Estrés Moral para enfermeros. Resultados: en el Análisis de Componentes Principales, los ítems se agruparon en tres factores. Resultados del análisis factorial confirmatorio: calidad de ajuste de chi-cuadrado: 2,28, índice de bondad de ajuste: 0,88, índice de ajuste comparativo: 0,88, índice de ajuste no normalizado: 0,86, raíz cuadrada del error de aproximación promedio: 0.07. Se determinó que el coeficiente alfa de Cronbach fue de 0,79 como resultado del análisis realizado para comprobar la consistencia interna de la escala. Se observó que estos tres factores explicaban el 44,92% de la varianza total. Conclusión: en el presente estudio, la versión turca del Cuestionario de Estrés Moral resultó ser válida y confiable para la sociedad turca. Se recomienda que el Cuestionario de Estrés Moral para enfermeros se utilice en futuros estudios, con estos profesionales, para investigar cuestiones de dilema ético.

Effect of the Buzzy Application on Pain and Injection Satisfaction in Adult Patients Receiving Intramuscular Injections.

AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the Buzzy application on pain and satisfaction during injections. BACKGROUND: Intramuscular injections usually cause some degree of pain at the injection site. Patients are often afraid of receiving injections because they perceive that it will be painful. DESIGN: The study was a single-blind, randomized controlled trial. METHOD: Patients (n = 65) who receive diclofenac sodium intramuscularly at a state hospital in a city in the western region of Turkey were included in the study. The study data were collected by The Patient Information Form and Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Pain intensity and injection satisfaction scores were evaluated using the VAS. RESULTS: According to the findings of this research, the post-injection pain intensity and injection satisfaction scores of patients in the application group were found to be higher than in the control group. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the Buzzy device has the potential to reduce injection related pain in adult patients who may be fearful of receiving such injections.

Ethical Decision Making Levels of Nursing Students.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was conducted to determine nursing students' levels of ethical decision-making. METHODS: The sample of the descriptive study consisted of 240 nursing students. The data were collected using the Student Information Form and "Nursing Dilemma Test". RESULTS: It was found that Principled Thinking (PT) mean score (48.38±7.97) of nursing students was above average while their Practical Consideration (PC) mean score (17.87±4.13) was close to average. It was also determined that the nursing students participated in the study were not familiar (17.75±2.77) with the dilemmas included in the Nursing Ethical Dilemma Test. CONCLUSION: The students paid attention to consider ethical principles when making decisions about ethical dilemmas; however, they are also affected by environmental factors as well. Sex and class level were found to be influential in the process of ethical decision making.

Nurses can play an active role in the early diagnosis of exposure keratopathy in intensive care patients.

AIM: This study was conducted in order to determine nurses' ability to diagnose exposure keratopathy reliably in the early stage in intensive care patients. METHODS: This methodological and descriptive study was carried out between 2011 and 2012 in the Neurology and Anesthesiology and Reanimation Intensive Care Units of a teaching hospital in western Turkey. The sample consisted of 4354 ocular assessments in 156 corneas of 78 patients. A patient identification form and a fluorescein test patient tracking chart were used in the data collection. The corneas of the patients were checked by a fluorescein dye test by the same nurse and ophthalmologist. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 59 ± 15.5 years and 47.4% of them were female. The consistency between the nurse and the ophthalmologist was almost perfect in terms of determining the presence of exposure keratopathy, characteristics, and the grade of corneal staining. Exposure keratopathy was detected at a rate of 2% by the ophthalmologist. A significant relationship was found between the presence of lagophthalmos and the development of exposure keratopathy. A positive correlation was found between the grade of corneal staining and the degree of the eyelid position of the patients and the duration of mechanical ventilation therapy. CONCLUSION: After eye care and assessment training, intensive care nurses can play an effective role in detecting early-stage exposure keratopathy in intensive care patients.

Examination of intensive care unit patients' oral health.

BACKGROUND: Oral health problems are common complications that most intensive care unit patients experience. There are many factors that affect oral health negatively and nurses have important responsibilities in this regard. AIM: The aim of this study was assessment of the intensive care unit patients' oral health and risk factors. METHODS: This study was planned as a descriptive study and conducted between December 2015 and June 2016, with 202 patients in 20 intensive care units of 6 hospitals in Turkey. Data were collected via Data Collection Form and Bedside Oral Exam guide. Oral health assessment of patients was made using a source of light and a tongue depressor. RESULTS: We observed a significant difference in score of the Bedside Oral Exam guide by age, consciousness, type of respiration and feeding, the frequency of oral health, the total number of drugs, and technique of oral care (P < 0.05). None of the intensive care units were using the oral assessment guide. CONCLUSION: The result of this study shows that there are various risk factors that adversely affect the oral health of intensive care unit patients. Nurses should undertake assessments on the basis of oral care protocols for patients at risk and carry out evidence-based individualized oral care applications.

Knowledge and practice of intensive care nurses for endotracheal suctioning in a teaching hospital in western Turkey.

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to determine intensive care nurses' knowledge and practice levels regarding open system endotracheal suctioning and to investigate if there is a relationship between nurses' demographic characteristics and their knowledge and practice. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY/DESIGN: The study was conducted as a cross-sectional and non-participant structured observational design. Data were collected using a 45-item structured and self-administered questionnaire and a 31-item observational checklist. The study sample included 72 nurses. SETTING: Three adult intensive care units in a teaching hospital. RESULTS: The nurses' mean scores of knowledge and practice were 23.79±3.83 and 12.88±2.53. Their level of knowledge was very good in 59.7%, good in 34.7%, and the level of practice was fair in 79.2% and good in 18.1%. The relationship between the type of unit and the nurses' knowledge scores was statistically significant (p=0.013). The correlation between the nurses' scores of knowledge and practice was not statistically significant (r=0.220; p=0.063). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the knowledge level of most of the nurses was good and their practice level was fair. Intensive care nurses must perform suctioning procedures safely and effectively to ensure delivery of quality of care and eliminate complications.

Intensive Care Nurses' Views and Practices for Eye Care: An International Comparison.

Eye care is an important area of critical care. However, lack of eye care studies is a common issue across the globe. The aim of this study is to determine the views and practices of intensive care unit (ICU) nurses on eye care in Turkey and Palestine. This descriptive study was conducted using a self-administrated questionnaire. The data were collected from 111 nurses in nine kinds of ICUs in two education hospital. Normal saline (75.9%) was the most commonly reported solution for eye hygiene among the Palestinian nurses, and gauze soaked in normal saline or sterile water (64.3%) were the most frequently used supplies by the Turkish nurses. Although both Palestinian and Turkish ICU nurses took some precautions to prevent eye complications in critical patients, there were some gaps and insufficiencies in the eye care of ICU patients. There is a need for continuing training in this area.

Effects of Cold Therapy on Pain and Breathing Exercises Among Median Sternotomy Patients.

The most painful activities during the days following cardiac surgery are coughing and deep breathing exercises. Cold therapy is an effective nonpharmacological method that decreases the pain during coughing and mobilization. In this study, the effects of cold therapy on pain and breathing exercises among patients with median sternotomy following cardiac surgery were investigated in a randomized crossover clinical trial. Data were collected from patients with median sternotomy (N = 34) in the first two postoperative days. Because of the crossover design of the study, each patient was taken as a simultaneous control. Gel pack application was used as the cold therapy. Patients underwent four episodes of deep breathing and coughing exercises using an incentive spirometer (volumetric). Patients were evaluated according to the visual analogue scale for pain intensity before and after deep breathing and coughing exercise sessions. The pain score was 3.44 ± 2.45 at baseline for deep breathing and coughing exercises on the first day. The reported postoperative pain in the gel-pack group was not significantly different before and after the deep breathing and coughing exercises, but it significantly increased in the no-gel-pack group (p < .001). Although the interaction between the treatment and time was significant (partial eta-squared: .09), the gel-pack group had a lower change in average pain levels. This interaction was not significant in terms of spirometric values. In conclusion, cold therapy had a positive effect on pain management in the early period of post-cardiac surgery but was not effective for the pain associated with breathing exercises.

The Null Effect of Chewing Gum During Hemodialysis on Dry Mouth.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The study was conducted to determine the effect of chewing gum during hemodialysis on dry mouth and its symptoms. BACKGROUND: The imposition of fluid restriction and the use of medications that reduce saliva production may lead to dry mouth. DESIGN: This study is a randomized, controlled, single-blind, crossover experimental study. METHODS: The subjects consisted of 61 hemodialysis patients recruited from 4 dialysis centers in southern Turkey. The data were collected using a Patient Identification Form, a Form for Assessing the Symptoms of Dry Mouth, and a Patient Follow-up Form. Saliva samples were obtained for analysis of flow rates. RESULTS: The salivary flow rates of the patients increased during the first hour on the day when gum was chewed, and this increase was statistically significant. However, no significant difference was found between the salivary flow rates at the 0- and 4-hour time points on the day when gum was chewed (P > .05). In addition, the salivary pH values were in the normal range on both days, although the pH values tended to be more acidic on the day when gum was not chewed. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, it was found that chewing gum for 15 minutes each hour during a hemodialysis session did not increase the saliva amount, maintain the pH value of the saliva within a normal range, or control dry mouth symptoms.

Assessment of individualized nursing care in hospitalized patients in a university hospital in Turkey.

AIM: This study was planned to evaluate the perceptions of individualised nursing care of hospitalised patients in an orthopaedics and traumatology clinic. BACKGROUND: Nurses who have adopted the individualised care approach are aware that their patients are unique individuals in their own right and plan their programme of care together with the patient, taking into consideration the patient's own experiences, behaviour, thoughts and perceptions. METHOD: The sample in this cross-sectional study consisted of 151 patients. Patients' awareness and perception about individualised nursing care was evaluated using an Individualised Care Scale. RESULT: The mean score of the study population in the Individualised Care Scale-A section was 3.41 ± 1.23; the mean score in the Individualised Care Scale-B section was 3.72 ± 1.15. No significant association was found between Individualised Care Scale and the subscales in terms of the patients' gender, age, education, employment, the presence of a history of hospitalisation, the existence of a chronic illness and self-sufficiency. CONCLUSION: Patients had lower levels of awareness and perception about nursing actions designed to support patients' individuality in their personal life situations. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: In order for nursing care to be wholly individualised, nurses should not overlook patients' individuality in their personal life situations.

Interruption of the medication preparation process and an examination of factors causing interruptions.

AIM: This study was conducted in an attempt to examine the number and duration of interruptions during the medication preparation process and to identify the factors causing these interruptions. BACKGROUND: Interruptions during the medication preparation process can cause medication errors owing to nurses' lack of attention. METHOD: A descriptive study was conducted at the Internal Diseases and General Surgery services of a university hospital between 15 June 2012 and 30 July 2012. The data were collected using the 'Observation Form of Preparing Medication.' RESULT: A total of 122 observations were made in the study. It was found that there was an interruption during the process of preparing medication in 95.9% of observations. The average number (±SD) of interruptions was 5.8 ± 4. The individuals causing the interruption during medication preparation were primarily nurses working in the same service. Receiving from or giving materials to the treatment room were the main reasons for the interruptions. CONCLUSION: This study found a very high interruption rate during the process of preparing medications. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: As interruptions during medication preparation can cause medical errors, in-service teaching should be provided to raise awareness for this important issue. The findings of the study can be useful for enhancing the conditions of the physical environment, separating the treatment rooms and using the treatment rooms only for preparing medication.

Effects of Reiki on Post-cesarean Delivery Pain, Anxiety, and Hemodynamic Parameters: A Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Reiki on pain, anxiety, and hemodynamic parameters on postoperative days 1 and 2 in patients who had undergone cesarean delivery. The design of this study was a randomized, controlled clinical trial. The study took place between February and July 2011 in the Obstetrical Unit at Odemis Public Hospital in Izmir, Turkey. Ninety patients equalized by age and number of births were randomly assigned to either a Reiki group or a control group (a rest without treatment). Treatment applied to both groups in the first 24 and 48 hours after delivery for a total of 30 minutes to 10 identified regions of the body for 3 minutes each. Reiki was applied for 2 days once a day (in the first 24 and 48 hours) within 4-8 hours of the administration of standard analgesic, which was administered intravenously by a nurse. A visual analog scale and the State Anxiety Inventory were used to measure pain and anxiety. Hemodynamic parameters, including blood pressure (systolic and diastolic), pulse and breathing rates, and analgesic requirements also were recorded. Statistically significant differences in pain intensity (p = .000), anxiety value (p = .000), and breathing rate (p = .000) measured over time were found between the two groups. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in the time (p = .000) and number (p = .000) of analgesics needed after Reiki application and a rest without treatment. Results showed that Reiki application reduced the intensity of pain, the value of anxiety, and the breathing rate, as well as the need for and number of analgesics. However, it did not affect blood pressure or pulse rate. Reiki application as a nursing intervention is recommended as a pain and anxiety-relieving method in women after cesarean delivery.