[ effect of nursing process-based care on patients' anxiety of candidates for women's elective surgery]

Although surgery as a means of therapy is used today and saves many patients' lives but it has also some complications. One of its most important psychological complications is preoperative anxiety. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of nursing process based care on patients' anxiety of candidates for women's elective surgery. Using a randomized clinical trial, 60 candidates for women's elective surgery in kosar hospital of Qazvin city were randomly assigned to either control or experimental groups. The experimental group was assessed based on nursing process after admission. If any nursing diagnoses including anxiety, knowledge deficit, or fear were found, then the required training was provided to the patients. The control group just received routine care. Data was collected using Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale [APAIS] and a laboratory test for measurement of serum cortisol level. Data analysis was performed by descriptive and inferential statistics [Chi-square test, fisher's exact test, paired t test, independent t test, Wilcoxon and Pearson correlation] using SPSS-PC [v.17]. Paired t test results showed that the mean score for preoperative anxiety in the experimental group [13.6 +/- 3.3] compared to the time of admission [23.33 +/- 3.6] has been significantly decreased [p=0.001, t= - 4.7]. Whereas the mean score for preoperative anxiety in the control group [23/4 +/- 4.28] compared to mean score of anxiety at admission time [17/03 +/- 3.96] had been increased [p=0.001, t= -7.39]. Results of independent t test showed that the mean preoperative anxiety score in the experimental group was significantly less than control group [p=0.001, t=-10.3]. According to the results, nursing care based on nursing process as an effective and non pharmaceutical intervention can be recommended for reducing anxiety and concerns of these patients

[Efficacy of stabilization splint therapy in temporomandibular disorders]

In clinical practice it is commonly assumed that occlusal splints have therapeutic value in the treatment of temporomandibular disorders [TMD], however there is still lack of sufficient evidence to support this claim. The purpose of this double-blind study was to evaluate the short-term [8-week] efficacy of a stabilization splint in subjects with temporomandibular disorders seeking treatment. Seventeen TMD patients were treated with stabilization splints for eight weeks. In addition to filling out questionnaires, all patients underwent a preoperative and postoperative clinical-functional investigation of the masticatory system. Qualitative data were analyzed using Fisher exact and Chi-square tests and Wilcoxon signed ranks test was applied to report quantitative data. A statistically significant decrease was observed postoperatively in the Helkimo clinical dysfunction index [P=0.000] as well as the anamnestic dysfunction index [P=0.020]. In addition there was a statistically significant decrease in muscle tenderness, after treatment [P=.002]. The results of this study indicate that the use of a stabilization splint is beneficial in treatment of the signs and symptoms of TMD, and especially has a positive effect on muscle tenderness