A scoping review of pain resulting from the endotracheal suctioning of paediatric intensive care patients.

BACKGROUND: This scoping review was conducted to summarise and map studies on pain resulting from endotracheal suctioning in paediatric intensive care patients. METHOD: This scoping review conducted in June 2022 was performed by screening articles published in English. Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, MedLine and Ovid databases were used for screening. The keywords 'endotracheal suctioning', 'pain', 'paediatric intensive care' and their synonyms were used in the search. RESULTS: During the review, 280 articles were accessed, and the full texts of 14 articles were evaluated for suitability. After some of the articles were excluded from the study, abstracts of nine articles were given below. CONCLUSION: It is recommended that a greater number of randomised controlled studies should be conducted, because the number of studies with a high level of evidence on the effect of endotracheal suctioning on the pain levels of patients in the paediatric intensive care unit is very few.

[Examination of social media and technology use of mothers in breastfeeding period in a region of Turkey]. / Examen del uso de las redes sociales y la tecnología por parte de las madres en periodo de lactancia en una región de Turquía.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to examine the social media and technology use of mothers during breastfeeding. METHOD: Descriptive cross-sectional study. The study was carried out with mothers who brought their children for follow-up in the pediatric outpatient clinics of a public hospital, a university hospital and a private hospital located in Turkey. A questionnaire developed «ad hoc¼ was used for data collection. RESULTS: The total sample consisted of 275 mothers (n = 275). Mothers participating in the study 89.8% of the mothers used social media, 86.5% sought on the reliability of the information on the internet, 73.8% used the medical information on the internet to decide on any case about breastfeeding and 66.9% of them used cell phone or computer during breastfeeding. A statistically significant difference was determined between the education level of the mothers and social media use (p < 0.05). It was determined that the mothers who were secondary school graduate and those with three or more children talked on a cell phone while breastfeeding. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the mothers used social media and technology at a level limiting their interaction with their children. It is recommended to protect mothers from digital addiction and improve their digital literacy levels.

Complications of peripheral intravenous catheters and risk factors for infiltration and phlebitis in children.

AIM: This study aimed to identify the types of complications of peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) in hospitalised children and possible risk factors for the development of extravasation, infiltration and phlebitis. METHOD: The study was conducted in the largest children's hospital in a region of Turkey, with a bed capacity of 354 and 1400 employees, which provides care only to paediatric patients aged from newborn to 18 years old. In this 5-month prospective study, the complications of PIVCs in hospitalised children and risk factors leading to the development of extravasation, infiltration and phlebitis were recorded. During morning and afternoon daily visits, the researcher examined catheter sites for complications and indications for removal. RESULTS: The study covered 244 patients aged from 1 month to 17 years, 575 PIVCs and 1600 catheter days. The rates of infiltration and phlebitis observed in children with PIVCs were 8.7 % and 15.8% respectively. Logistic regression revealed that using 22- and 24-gauge catheters, hospitalisation in the surgery ward and continuous infusion were significant independent risk factors for the development of infiltration (P<0.001). Direct logistic regression revealed that age in months, hospitalisation in a surgery ward and placement of the catheter in the veins of the antecubital fossa were significant independent risk factors for the development of phlebitis (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Catheter size, hospitalisation in the surgery ward and continuous infusion contributed to the development of infiltration. Age, hospitalisation in the surgery ward and catheter placement in the antecubital vein contributed to the development of phlebitis.

Investigating intercultural effectiveness of paediatric nurses in a Turkish hospital.

BACKGROUND: Cultural competence, an important part of patient-centred care, has been on the nursing agenda for many years. AIM: The aim of this study was to measure the intercultural effectiveness level of paediatric nurses, and to explore relationships between the level of intercultural effectiveness and some sociodemographic variables in paediatric nurses. METHOD: The study was conducted at Izmir Tepecik Training and Research Hospital's children's clinics in Turkey. A convenience sample of 98 paediatric registered nurses practising at the hospital was evaluated. To collect the study data, a sociodemographic characteristics questionnaire, a Cultural Approach in Nursing Care form and the Intercultural Effectiveness Scale (IES) were used. RESULTS: The participating paediatric nurses' intercultural effectiveness levels were moderate, the problem they experienced most was the language problem and although many of them had not received adequate training in cultural care, based on their experiences, they regarded themselves as culturally competent. CONCLUSION: Cultural competence is vital in multi-ethnic and multicultural societies. Cultural competence training should be provided to nurses during nurse education, or in-service training during their professional life.

Effects of the prone position and kangaroo care on gastric residual volume, vital signs and comfort in preterm infants.

AIM: Prone and kangaroo care positioning of preterm infants during intragastric tube feeding were compared with regard to post prandial gastric residual volume, vital signs and infant comfort. METHODS: The study sample included 30 28-36-birth-week old preterm infants who were hospitalized at the neonatal intensive care unit. Infants were fed in two positions: prone and kangaroo care. All the infants were placed in the prone position after feeding. Vital signs and comfort scores were recorded 30 min after feeding, and the gastric residual volume was measured 3 h after feeding. RESULTS: After 3 h of feeding, the heart rate was lower in the kangaroo care position than in the prone position. After 30 min and 3 h of feeding, the mean comfort scores and the mean distress scores were lower in the kangaroo care position than in the prone position. It was also determined that there was no significant difference between the kangaroo care position and prone position regarding their effects on the residual volume measured 3 h after feeding. CONCLUSIONS: The infants fed in the kangaroo care position have a lower heart rate, better comfort levels and less distress after feeding. These positive effects ensure that preterm infants experience less stress and consume less energy. What is currently known? It has been determined that kangaroo care reduces the pain response and heart rate of the newborn, increases the duration of sleep, reduces the length of stay in the hospital, facilitates breastfeeding, reduces the risk of hypothermia, decreases the mother's anxiety level by initiating the relationship between the mother and infant, and improves the infant's growth and development. What does this article add? While there were no differences between prone and kangaroo positions during feeding with regard to gastric residual volumes, we found that the heart rate, comfort scores and distress scores were lower in the kangaroo care position than in the prone position.

Effect of An Evidence-Based Nursing Intervention on the Diagnosis of Oral Mucositis in the Pediatric Stem Cell Transplant Unit.

OBJECTIVE: This quasi-experimental, single-group study with a pre- and post-repeated measures design was carried out at the Pediatric Stem Cell Transplant Unit of a University Hospital. The study was aimed at investigating the effect of an evidence-based nursing intervention program, held for nurses providing care for pediatric stem cell transplant patients, on their skills in diagnosing oral mucositis (OM). METHODS: Before training, data were collected from all the nurses using a sociodemographic characteristics questionnaire. Six patients who were admitted to the clinic and started chemotherapy (CT) were followed up for a maximum of 1 month during their hospitalization to find whether the diagnosis of OM was performed. During the intervention stage, the researcher provided nurses with training on the importance of the use of evidence-based research results in the clinic, including evidence regarding OM. After the training, the records of six patients who were admitted to the clinic and started CT were tracked for up to 1 month during their hospitalization to find whether the diagnosis of OM was performed. RESULTS: At the end of the study, the rate of OM diagnosis was performed by nurses, which was 2.8% before the program and increased to 8.7% after the program. The difference between the percentages of performing OM diagnosis by the nurses before and after the program was 5.9%, which was considered statistically significant (χ2 = 11.004, P < 0.01). The postprogram rate of diagnosis of OM was 3.12 times higher (212% increase) than the preprogram rate (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: One of the most important recommendations of the present study is to provide regular and continuous training sessions for nurses to improve and update their knowledge on oral care. It is also concluded that the establishment of oral diagnosis as a follow-up parameter, similar to vital signs in the clinic, will enable nurses to improve their skills in performing daily diagnosis and keeping proper records of the patients' outcomes.

Nasogastric Tube Feeding Experiences in Pediatric Oncology Patients and Their Mothers: A Qualitative Study.

The aim of this qualitative research study is to reveal children's and their mothers' views and experiences related to nasogastric tube feeding, which is the most frequently performed nutrition delivery method in pediatric oncology. The present study was carried out at an university pediatric oncology inpatient service. A total of three children and 14 mothers participated in the study. The analysis of the data was conducted according to Kolcaba's Comfort Theory. The findings resulting from the content analysis were explained under four main themes: (1) physical: includes the inability to be fed orally, nasogastric tube intervention, comfort because of feeding, medication administration, and satisfaction; (2) psychospiritual: includes anxiety, fear, distorted body image, and compliance; (3) sociocultural: includes conflicts with the child about feeding and advice on feeding via the nasogastric tube to other mothers and children; and (4) environmental: includes unrestricted/freedom of feeding. Gastroenterology professionals can also provide basic counseling and resources to children and mothers about the importance of maintaining an optimal weight and of enteral nutrition.

Effects of watching cartoons on pain scores in children undergoing venepuncture.

BACKGROUND: Children experience pain and restlessness during invasive procedures. AIM: To determine the effect of watching cartoons on pain scores and the duration of crying in children aged 3-6 years undergoing venepuncture. METHOD: The study included 81 children, aged 3-6 years, who presented to the blood collection unit of a teaching and research hospital. The children were divided into an experimental group (n=41) and a control group (n=40). Those in the experimental group watched a cartoon and then venepuncture was initiated. Their pain levels and the duration of crying were assessed during venepuncture. After venepuncture, they continued to watch the cartoons and their pain levels were assessed again. During the process, another researcher calculated the duration of crying. The children in the control group were subjected to the same process but were not shown the cartoon. RESULTS: Significant differences in pain levels, duration of crying after the procedure and total duration of crying were found between the groups. There was no significant difference in terms of duration of crying during the procedure. CONCLUSION: Watching cartoons is a non-pharmacological method of pain relief, which reduces perception of pain by distracting a child's attention.

Experiences of Infant and Child Care of Mothers with Disabilities in Turkey: A Qualitative Study.

Mothers with disabilities have difficulties fulfilling their gender and motherhood roles. The purpose of this study was to determine the infant and child care-related experiences of mothers with disabilities in Turkey. A conventional content analysis was used in this qualitative design. Fourteen mothers with disabilities participated in semi-structured in-depth interviews consisting of open-ended questions about their infant and child care experiences. Three themes and eight subthemes emerged from the data analysis. The themes were: role fulfillment, barriers, and coping and support. All of the women said that they wanted to become mothers, and when they did so, they felt they had fulfilled their roles in society. However, there was a societal misconception that woman with disabilities 'could not give birth to children or would not properly care for them. Measures should be taken to eliminate negative social perceptions of mothers with disabilities. Public support should be provided to meet the needs of mothers with disabilities.

Determination of school-related problems in children treated for cancer.

This descriptive and case-control study was carried out in a pediatric oncology outpatient clinic to determine the school-related physical, social, and psychological problems and problems experienced in academic achievement of children treated for cancer. The sample of the study consisted of 56 Turkish patients with cancer, aged 7-18 years, who were in remission and attending school as well as their parents, a control group of patients who did not have cancer, and their teachers. A Child Information Form, a Child Health Questionnaire Parent's Form of 50 questions, a Behavior Evaluation Scale for Children, and Young People and a Teacher's Report Form were used as data collection tools in the study. Of the children, 30.3% experienced various physical difficulties stemming from cancer therapy that affected their school life. The number of late enrollments, the number of children repeating a grade, and the rates of school absenteeism were also found to be higher in the survivors than in the controls.

Asthma and quality of life in adolescents in Manisa, Turkey.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of asthma and the association between asthma and quality of life in sixth, seventh, and eighth graders in the city of Manisa. METHOD: The population of this cross-sectional study includes the sixth, seventh, and eighth grades of primary schools located in the city of Manisa (n = 59, 135). The study sample included 763 students from nine schools with different socioeconomic features selected by the Directorate of National Education. Data were collected under the supervision of the researcher with a socio-demographic questionnaire, International Study of Asthma and Allergy in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire and Kiddo-KINDL, a quality of life scale. Descriptive statistics, Student's t-test and chi2-test were used for the evaluation of the data. RESULTS: In total, 83 children (10.9%) were diagnosed with asthma by doctors and 82 children (10.7%) had wheezing or asthmatic attacks in the past 12 months. The children with life-long asthma had significantly lower scores for quality of life than those without asthma (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of asthma is different in different geographical regions in Turkey. Our results are similar to the results of Western society and asthma has a negative effect on the quality of life of children.

Health screening: a survey of children's growth and development in Turkey.

AIM: To determine the status of children's growth and development, visual acuity and blood pressure at four to six years of age. METHODS: This descriptive study included 447 children enrolled in kindergartens in Turkey. Height, weight, developmental level, visual acuity and blood pressure of each child were assessed. RESULTS: Most children were in the normal ranges for height and weight. Application of the Denver II Developmental Test revealed no children in the abnormal category. The authors identified 66 children (14.8 per cent) with visual acuity problems. Five children (1.1 per cent) had systolic blood pressures above the recommended value for their age. CONCLUSION: A preschool screening programme is needed when children begin education, either kindergarten or primary school.

Students' opinions about and expectations of effective nursing clinical mentors.

Nursing practice is an integral part of nursing education in which clinical mentors play an important role. Mentors' attitudes, experience, and knowledge influence nursing students and help them to complete their nursing practice with success. The purpose of this qualitative study was to determine nursing students' opinions about and expectations of effective nursing clinical mentors. Focus group interviews were used to obtain data from 24 students after completion of their third year of nursing school. The students, who had nursing practice experience in internal diseases, surgery, gynecology, pediatrics, psychiatry, and public health, were divided into three groups of 8 students. The students noted that effective clinical mentors should be able to communicate without prejudice, give positive feedback, have empathy, require students to do their own research, and offer the students information.

Experiences of mothers of children with Down syndrome.

This qualitative study explored the experiences and lifestyles of families in Turkey with children with Down syndrome, including the impact on family members. Twelve mothers with a Down syndrome child (three from each of the age groups 1-3 years, 4-6 years, 7-12 years and 13-18 years of age) participated in the study. The data were collected during in-depth interviews and were evaluated using qualitative data analysis methods. Families were affected socially, physically, economically and emotionally by having a child with Down syndrome.