Purpose:The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of using gauze frozen with normal saline or ice on thirstrelief and oral condition of laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients. Methods: A quasi-experimental nonequivalent control group, pretest-posttest design was used. Participants (n=53) received either gauze frozen with normal saline (n=17), ice (n=18) or wet gauze (n=18) for thirst-relief. The subjective thirst level and oral condition of the participants were assessed before the intervention, 15 min after the first intervention and 15 min after the second intervention. Results: After oral care was provided twice, there were significant differences in thirst level among the groups. When oral care was provided twice, the oral condition of tongue, saliva, mucosal membrane, and gingiva was improved in patients receiving gauze frozen with normal saline or ice. Conclusion: Gauze frozen with normal saline and ice can be effective for oral care in reducing the thirst level and improving the condition of the oral cavity.

BackgroundThe number of individuals with dementia is increasing substantially due to South Korea’s rapidly aging society. Undergraduate nursing students need to have adequate knowledge about dementia to deliver appropriate nursing services. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge about dementia among undergraduate nursing students.MethodsA total of 148 students ranging from freshmen to seniors at a nursing university participated in this study. Data were collected through self-reports using 12-item questionnaires with true/false responses. Knowledge levels about the general characteristics including demographic categories and dementia- related education and training were determined. Factors affecting the score of dementia knowledge were also investigated.ResultsThe average score and standard deviation for knowledge about dementia were 10.26 and 1.24 out of 12 points. They had relatively low knowledge about the “prevention and treatment” and “causes” of dementia, with overall correct rate of 78.6 % and 85.4 %, respectively. Higher level of knowledge about dementia was associated with increase in grade level (p < 0.001), experience in education on dementia (p = 0.01), previous experience in caring for people with dementia during clinical practice (p < 0.001), and acquiring information on dementia (p = 0.02). Factors that influenced knowledge about dementia included grade level and experience in caring for dementia patients during clinical practice.ConclusionsThis study showed that the level of knowledge about dementia among nursing students was reasonably good. Integrating dementia education and clinical experience into the curricula of undergraduates could improve knowledge about the causes, prevention, and treatment methods for dementia.

Purpose: This study was to examine the effects of self-foot reflexology on stress, fatigue and blood circulation in premenopausal middle-aged women. Methods: A quasi-experimental nonequivalent control group, pretest-posttest design was used. Participants were 59 premenopausal, middle-aged women in their 40s and 60s living in G city: 30 in the experiment group and 29 in the control group. Data were collected from May to August 2008. Self-foot reflexology was performed three times a week for 6 weeks for 40 min at each session. Results: The results showed that self-foot reflexology was effective in reducing perceived stress and fatigue and helped blood circulation in premenopausal middle-aged women. Conclusion: Self-foot reflexology may be an effective nursing intervention in reducing perceived stress and fatigue and in improving blood circulation.

Purpose:The purpose of this study was to compare reported physical symptoms, hope and family support of cancer patients between general hospitals and long-term care hospitals. Methods: Subjects were 175 patients diagnosed with cancers from two general hospitals and six long-term care hospitals located in G city. Subjects completed a questionnaire with questions about general characteristics and questions about the disease, physical symptoms, hope and family support. Data was collected from February to April and the data were analyzed using an independent t-test and one-way ANOVA. Results: The subjects in long-term care hospitals showed higher percentage in pain, nausea, fatigue, sleep disorder, and change in appearance. There was a significant difference in family support between two groups. A significant positive correlation was found between hope and family support in subjects in general and long-term care hospitals. Conclusion: Significant differences were found in some physical symptoms and family support between cancer patients in general hospitals and long-term care hospitals. Thus, nurses in long-term care hospitals need provide care suitable for the characteristics of cancer patients in long-term care hospitals.

Purpose:The purpose of this study was to investigate factors related to happiness in first year women nursing students. Methods: The sample consisted of 209 first year women nursing students in three colleges located in S and C cities. Data were collected during October and November 2011. The major variables for this study were depression, self-esteem, optimism, interpersonal relation, and happiness. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, correlation coefficient, and multiple stepwise regression with SPSS/WIN 17.0. Results: There were significant differences in student happiness according to economic status, satisfaction with major, satisfaction with the present college, and health status. Happiness was significantly correlated with depression, self-esteem, optimism, and interpersonal relations. Self-esteem, optimism, interpersonal relations, and satisfaction with major were significant predictors of happiness for first year women nursing students and these four factors accounted for 71% of the variance in happiness. Conclusion: Self-esteem, optimism, interpersonal relations, and satisfaction with major should be considered when addressing ways to increase happiness in first year women nursing students.