ABSTRACT
Background@#Family support and medical staff support of hemodialysis patients are related to sick-role behavior, and sick-role behavior is related to physiological indicators such as interdialytic weight gain and control of potassium and phosphorus in the blood. @*Methods@#The subjects were 139 hemodialysis patients. Data were collected on demographic and disease- related characteristics, social support (family support and medical staff support), sick-role behavior, and physiological indicators (interdialytic weight gain, blood potassium, and blood phosphorus). @*Results@#Degrees of family support and medical staff support were both nearly 3.85 points, and sick-role behavior was 3.96 points. Family support (r=0.449, P<0.001) and medical staff support (r=0.421, P<0.001) were positively correlated with sick-role behavior, and sick-role behavior was inversely correlated with interdialytic weight gain (r=-0.218, P=0.010) and blood phosphorus (r=-0.170, P=0.045). @*Conclusions@#The higher the degree of family support and medical staff support, the higher the degree of sick-role behavior. In addition, the higher the level of sick-role behavior, the lower the physiological indicators of interdialytic weight gain and blood phosphorus. Therefore, in order to improve sick-role behavior and physiological indicators, it is necessary to develop and apply an enhanced intervention program through family support and medical staff support.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to identify effects of oral care protocol on bacterial floras of the oral cavity and oral health status of intubated patients in an intensive care unit. METHODS: The participants were 60 intubated patients who were recruited from an intensive care unit of a university hospital from Dec. 28, 2010 to Mar. 25, 2011. The participants were randomly assigned into 3 groups of 20 patients according to the application time of oral care (1-minute oral care, 2-minute oral care, and 3-minute oral care groups). The numbers of bacterial flora colonies in the oral cavity was assessed before and after the oral care. Oral health status was assessed using a Korean version of the Oral Assessment Guide developed by Elier et al. originally. RESULTS: The numbers of bacterial flora colonies were less after oral care than those before the care, but there was no significant differences among the 3 groups after the care. Oral health status was better after the oral care than it was before the care, but there was also no significant differences among the 3 groups. CONCLUSION: If well-trained nurses perform oral care for 1 minute using a chlorhexidine swab on intubated patients, the numbers of bacterial flora colonies will be reduced and healthy oral status will be maintained.