Indian Journal of Surgical Nursing

A study was conducted to assess the knowledge regarding prevention of road traffic accidents among adolescents. The sample of this study comprised of 60 adolescents.Probability Simple random sampling technique in that lottery method was used to draw the sample for the study. Collected data was analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed the post-test mean knowledge score was found higher (81.1%) when compared with pre-test mean knowledge score (47.3%). The pre test mean knowledge score is 17.98 and standard deviation is 3.74. Post test mean knowledge is found to be 30.80 and standard deviation is 3.30. Enhancement is 33.7% and statistical paired ‘t’ test value is 28.12.The statistical paired ‘t’ test indicates that enhancement in the mean knowledge score found to be significant at 5 % level for all the aspects under study. 

Keywords: Video assisted teaching; Prevention of road traffic accidents; Adolescents. 

Objective: To assess the learning needs of the Post Operative Neurosurgical patients and of their relatives regarding the care after discharge. Materials and Methods: A descriptive design was used. Orem’s Supportive - Educative Nursing Model provided the conceptual framework for this study. Dr Achanta Lakshmipathi Neurosurgical Centre (ALNC), Voluntary Health Services, Chennai was the setting for the study. Samples meeting the inclusion criteria were selected from patients undergoing Cranial and Spinal surgeries and their relatives using Non probability convenient sampling. The learning needs under the aspects namely Therapeutic care, Self care, Psychosocial care and Rehabilitative care were assessed using a structured interview schedule. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results and Discussion: Almost all the patients (96%) and Majority (84%) of the relatives had more learning needs regarding Rehabilitative care. A little above half (56%) of the patients and three fourth (76%) of the relatives had moderate learning needs regarding Therapeutic care. There was a significant association (P < 0.05) found between the Educational status and learning needs of the patients. Among the relatives there were statistical associations between the Sex (P < 0.01), Occupation (P < 0.05) and their learning needs since majority of them were females (64%) and unemployed (60%).Conclusion: The findings of this study provided the base line information needed to design the discharge planning and teaching. 

Keywords: Learning needs; Post operative neurosurgical patients; Relatives and care after discharge.  

Background: Cancer affects everyone and represents a tremendous burden on patients, families and societies. The principal means for treating cancer (surgery, Chemotherapy and radiation therapy) are very effective; however, all such therapies come with the risk of substantial side effects. Aims and Objectives: The present descriptive study was conducted to assess for side effects experienced and the coping strategies adopted among 50 cancer patients receiving Radiation therapy treatment at Pravara Rural Hospital. The data were collected by using the self prepared; and validated rating scales. The results were analyzed and interpreted using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Result revealed that patients receiving Radiation therapy had variety of side effects with wide range; and patients followed many things to make the side effects more acceptable and easier to adopt with. There was Significant association was found between the side effects and type of cancer; coping strategies with sex and type of cancer (Pd” 0.05 level). There was significant positive relationship were found between side effects and coping strategies. Conclusion: It is essential to raise awareness on cancer treatment and its impact on health; and develop health seeking behaviors among the patients and caregivers to provide better cancer care and improve the quality of life.

Keywords: Side effects; Coping strategies.  

Stroke is an important cause of morbidity and mortality, and is an economic burden. Diabetes is an important modifiable risk factor for stroke. Patients with diabetes have a higher incidence of stroke and a poorer prognosis after stroke. An experimental approach was adopted in the present study. A self- administered knowledge questionnaire was prepared and used to assess the level of knowledge of patients with diabetes mellitus regarding risk factors and primary prevention of stroke. Data were collected from 60 patients using non probability convenience sampling. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis, the level of significance set at 1% and 5%.The post test mean knowledge score of patients with diabetes mellitus in experimental group who received STP in significantly higher than their pre-test knowledge score as evidenced from paired‘t’ test value of 10.13, degree of freedom t (29) at 0.05 level of significance. The mean gain in post knowledge scores of patients in experimental group is significantly higher than the control group as evidenced from independent’t’ value of 15, df (58) at 0.05.There is significant association of pre-test knowledge scores with demographic variables such as education (χ2 – value = 9.16df = 1) p< 0.05 level in the experimental group.There is significant association of pre-test knowledge scores with demographic variables such as education (χ2 – value = 9.16df = 1) p< 0.05 level in the experimental group.The study has indicated that it is the responsibility of the health personnel to provide teaching programme to the patients who are at risk for developing stroke to reduce its occurrence. 

Keywords: Structured teaching programme; Diabetes mellitus; Primary prevention; Stroke.  

Assertiveness is the ability to express one’s feelings and one’s rights without violating the rights of other people. Assertiveness as a form of behavior is also based on principles of equality, respect and responsibility. This article highlights the need for assertion among nursing professionals in the field of nursing education and practice as well. It further augments the benefits and techniques for being assertive. It also clarifies the difference between assertive behavior, aggressive behavior and non-assertive behavior that would allow the nurses to utilize with emotional intelligence and handle the situations tactfully. Assertiveness is highly influenced by the situation, that is, the relationship of the individual and with others. Professional nurses are expected not only to have knowledge and technical skills but also to influence the team of nurses to manage their jobs and create an assertive climate in the work environment.

Keywords: Assertive behavior; Aggressive behavior; Non-assertive behavior.