Journal of Nursing & Care

Introduction: Inflammatory changes in the pleural cavity often result in restrictive chest wall deformity. Despite successful infection control, a significant number of patients may still experience restrictive chest wall tightness. Effective approaches to alleviate these symptoms are seldom studied in the literature. Therefore, we aim to evaluate whether simple stretch exercises can serve as an effective strategy for relieving chest wall tightness.

Materials and methods: From January 1st, 2014, to December 31st, 2018, we conducted a retrospective review of empyema thoracis cases treated in our department. The inclusion criteria consisted of patients with fibrinopurulent stage empyema thoracis who were successfully treated with surgery. All included patients were instructed to perform simple stretch exercises starting one month after surgery. We evaluated their symptoms at 1, 3 and 12 months post-surgery and compared the effectiveness of stretch exercises in relieving restrictive chest wall tightness.

Results: A total of 103 patients were included in the study. Among them, 30% of patients performed stretch exercises more than 3 times a week, 26% performed stretch exercises between 1-2 times a week and 43% of patients never engaged in stretch exercises. The occurrence of chest wall pain was similar between patients who did and did not perform stretch exercises. However, at 12 months after surgery, patients who engaged in stretch exercises had a significantly lower incidence of restrictive chest wall tightness (p=0.03).

Conclusion: Simple stretch exercise can be an effective approach in alleviating restrictive chest wall tightness.

Nurses play a vital and multifaceted role in the healthcare of elderly individuals. Their contributions extend beyond mere medical care, encompassing holistic support that addresses physical, emotional and social needs. This abstract explores the integral role of nurses in elderly healthcare, highlighting their impact on patient outcomes, caregiver support and the promotion of healthy aging. Through their expertise in assessment, care planning and patient education, nurses serve as linchpins in the provision of comprehensive geriatric care, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for elderly populations.

As our population ages, the demand for geriatric care continues to grow. Older adults often face unique health challenges, requiring specialized care to maintain their well-being and quality of life. In this article, we delve into the diverse facets of geriatric care, exploring the holistic approach needed to address the physical, emotional, and social needs of older adults. From addressing complex medical needs to fostering meaningful connections, the narrative highlights the multifaceted nature of geriatric nursing and underscores the invaluable role of student experiences in shaping compassionate and effective care practices.

Psychiatric nurses play a pivotal role in mental health care, providing holistic support to individuals grappling with psychiatric disorders. Their multifaceted responsibilities encompass assessment, medication management, therapy facilitation and patient education. Through their empathetic approach and specialized training, psychiatric nurses forge therapeutic alliances, fostering recovery and resilience in their patients. Their impact extends beyond clinical settings, as they advocate for destigmatization and promote community-based interventions. This abstract highlights the indispensable contributions of psychiatric nurses in addressing the complex challenges of mental illness and advancing the wellbeing of individuals and communities.

In the dynamic and complex environment of hospitals, nurses play a critical role in fostering patient recovery. Their contributions span across clinical expertise, compassionate care, and patient advocacy, ensuring that patients receive the comprehensive support needed for optimal recovery. This article explores the vital role of hospital nursing care in promoting patient recovery, highlighting the multifaceted responsibilities of nurses and the impact of their care on patient outcomes. Through comprehensive assessment, personalized interventions and ongoing support, they empower patients to navigate their healing journey with confidence and resilience. By recognizing the vitality of hospital nursing care, healthcare systems can enhance patient outcomes, optimize resource utilization and cultivate a culture of compassionate excellence in patientcentered care.