Nutritional Experiences of Patients Undergoing Total Gastrectomy Surgery: A Qualitative Study.

The aim of this study was to determine the nutritional experiences of patients who underwent total gastrectomy surgery. This qualitative study was conducted using the phenomenological research design. The sample consisted of 18 individuals who underwent total gastrectomy surgery. The research data were collected using the semistructured in-depth interview method. Interviews were conducted and recorded using audio/visual tools during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data analysis was carried out by two researchers according to the hermeneutic phenomenological approach. The nutritional experiences of the informants were organized under three themes, namely, First Feeding Experiences may remain, Gastrointestinal Problems, and Coping Methods. It was determined that individuals face various problems after total gastrectomy, both physical and psychological. They have developed coping methods to deal with the nutritional problems they experience. Development of a patient-specific nutrition program is recommended to support adaptation to new eating habits after total gastrectomy.

Determining the incidence and risk factors of medical device-related pressure injury in intensive care patients.

AIM: This study aims to determine the incidence and risk factors of Medical Device-Related Pressure Injury (MDRPI) in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study involved 300 patients who did not have an MDRPI at the time of admission to the ICU of a university hospital in Turkey. The data was collected using the Patient Information Form, the Medical Device-Related Pressure Injury Follow-Up Chart, and the Jackson/Cubbin Risk Assessment Scale. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 71.88 ± 14.82 years old. Precisely 31% of patients were found to be at risk for pressure injuries, and MDRPI occurred in 18% of them. It was found that patients most commonly experienced stage 1 MDRPI in the hand-finger region due to pulse oximetry. It was also determined that nasal cannulas caused MDRPI the fastest. Patients with MDRPI had low Jackson/Cubbin scores, low albumin and hematocrit levels, and longer hospitalization durations (p < .05). Dependence on -respiratory support device, bedridden, and experiencing non-device-related pressure injuries were associated with MDRPI (p < .05). CONCLUSION: It was found that factors causing non-device-related pressure injuries may also pose an MDRPI risk for patients in intensive care. It was also observed that devices used in ICU could cause pressure injuries even in very short periods in cases where necessary precautions are not taken. Periodic evaluation of the area the medical devices are in contact with, removal of unused devices as quickly as possible, and the use of prophylactic dressings can play an important role in preventing MDRPI.