Aim. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of cardiac rehabilitation on hemodynamic parameters

in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG).

Background. Nowadays, CABG is common to treat complications of cardiovascular disease in many

patients.

Method. This clinical trial study was conducted on 50 patients after CABG. The patients were selected

based on objective and with regard to the inclusion criteria. Rehabilitation program was conducted for 24

sessions. Data were collected by demographic questionnaire and hemodynamic parameters checklist at the

beginning of rehabilitation, 12th session and 24th session of cardiac rehabilitation. The data were analyzed

by using Chi-square, RMANOVA tests and SPSS software.

Findings. The groups in terms of demographic variables were not significantly different with each other.

The findings showed statistically significant differences in variables such as systolic blood pressure, pulse

rate and arterial hemoglobin saturation. There were significant differences in these variables between the

first and the last sessions (session 24), also between the first session and during the rehabilitation (session

12). There was a significant difference between the 12th and the end of rehabilitation (session 24) in the

diastolic blood pressure (p=0.045), but no significant differences in other hemodynamic parameters were

seen.

Conclusion. The results indicate a relative improvement in some hemodynamic parameters with cardiac

rehabilitation intervention therefore, it is necessary to pay more attention to the cardiac rehabilitation.

Abstract

Aim.The aim of this study was to modify and validate FOUR coma scale.

Background.Critically ill patients  admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) have fluctuating levels of consciousness. It is necessary to have a valid scale to provide an appropriate care of these patients. Presently, the Glasgow coma scale (GCS) is widely used but it has some problems. Recently, the FOUR coma scale proposed to determine the level of consciousness and it is gradually gaining wide acceptance.

Method.This study is a methodological research. After translation and modification of FOUR com scale, the final version used for determining validity. For evaluating convergent construct validity, the original and modified FOUR scale compared with the APACHE II in 15 intensive care unit patients and using 40 critical care nurses by 104 pair-wise ratings.

Findings.Correlation of original and modified FOUR Coma scales with APACHE II was 0.02 and -0.04, respectively. Regression of original and modified FOUR scales with APACHE II was 0.03 and 0.3, respectively.

Conclusion.The FOUR scale doesn't have an item for those intubated patients who are not connected to ventilator. It seems that replacing new item in respiratory section of the scale could increase the validity of FOUR scale.

Abstract

Aim. This study assessed the knowledge of nurses about arterial blood gases interpretation in intensive care units of selected hospitals in Tehran.

Background. Measurement of arterial blood gases are widely used in intensive care units. The knowledge and mastery in interpretation of arterial blood gases is an essential skill for critical care nurses.

Method. This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 117 nurses working in intensive care units at selected military hospitals in Tehran in 2013. Data were collected using a questionnaire consisted of 45 questions about personal and professional information, also in the domain of blood gases interpretation based on Bloom's classification of knowledge (judgment and evaluation phase). Data are analyzed by SPSS and descriptive and inferential statistics were presented.

Findings. Knowledge of intensive care unit (ICU) nurses was moderate to poor in arterial blood gas interpretation. A statistically significant difference was seen between the knowledge of the subjects in terms of some variables. Conclusion. Given the importance of arterial blood gases interpretation in ICUs, it is necessary to pay attention to in-service and continuing education programs for nurses.