Exploring Critical Thinking Dispositions among Fourth Year BSc Nursing Students of Various Colleges of Nursing, Pakistan

Background: Critical Thinking (CT) dispositions in nursing are prominent predictors of competence in delivering high-quality care, and of professionalism, in newly graduated nurses. CT skills, in isolation of CT dispositions, do not guarantee success in the workplace, because Critical Thinking Dispositions (CTD) are important elements of intellectual reasoning that simulate a person towards using the CT skills. Therefore, nursing educational programs should promote lifelong learning rather than focusing on transferring the content of nursing knowledge only. And for this purpose, quality education is the key. Education should focus on teaching from diverse perspectives, incorporating various teaching learning strategies that are congruent with the modern era. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore critical thinking dispositions among final year Baccalaureate Nursing students of various military colleges of nursing, in Pakistan. Methodology: A descriptive qualitative exploratory study design was used to investigate the CTD of BSc final year nursing students. The study population included twelve willing nursing students, from six military colleges across the country. Demographic information and consent was taken from the participants of the study. In-depth interviews, through a semi structured interview guide, and probes were used to obtain data related to personal experiences of CTD amongst the nursing students. Results: Data analysis showed two broad themes: 1) Perceptions of CT, and 2) Experiences of CT dispositions. In theme one, the emerging category was: Clarity of CT;whereas in theme two, the categories that emerged were: a) Truth Seeking, b) Open Mindedness, c) Inquisitiveness, and d) Self Organization. Conclusion: The findings of the study revealed positive dispositions towards truth seeking, open mindedness, and self-organization, whereas disposition towards inquisitiveness was weak. Self-confidence and maturity also emerged as positive factors that the students possessed. This study recommends that faculty and learners should extend their concept of CTD, and emphasizes its application in daily routine. Additionally, faculty should modify their instructional strategies and focus on the cultivation of dispositions of inquisitiveness, curiosity, and allow questioning by students in the class.

Comparison of Propofol and Fentanyl for Preventing Emergence Agitation Following Sevoflurane Anesthesia in Pediatric Patients: A Single-Center Study in Bangladesh

Background: Emergence agitation (EA) is a common phenomenon observed in pediatric patients following general anesthesia. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of propofol and fentanyl in preventing EA and to compare their associated complications or side effects. Methods: This prospective randomized observational comparative study was conducted at Dhaka Medical College Hospital from July 2013 to June 2014. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of propofol and fentanyl on EA in children aged 18 to 72 months undergoing circumcision, herniotomy, and polypectomy operations. Ninety children were included in the study, with 45 in each group. Patients with psychological or neurological disorders were excluded. Various parameters including age, sex, weight, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class, duration of anesthesia, Saturation of Peripheral Oxygen (SPO2), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) score, duration of post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) stay, incidence of laryngospasm, nausea, vomiting, and rescue drug requirement were compared between the two groups. Results: Age, sex, weight, ASA class, and duration of anesthesia were comparable between the two groups. Perioperative SpO2 and HR were similar in both groups. However, the PAED score was significantly higher in the fentanyl group during all follow-ups except at 30 minutes postoperatively. The mean duration of PACU stay was significantly longer in the fentanyl group. Although the incidence of laryngospasm was higher in the fentanyl group, it was not statistically significant. Conversely, nausea or vomiting was significantly higher in the fentanyl group. The requirement for rescue drugs was significantly higher in the fentanyl group compared to the propofol group. Conclusion: Both propofol and fentanyl were effective in preventing emergence agitation in pediatric patients undergoing various surgical procedures under sevoflurane anesthesia. However, propofol demonstrated a better safety profile with fewer incidences of nausea, vomiting, and rescue drug requirements compared to fentanyl.

Awareness of Chronic Kidney Disease among Patients Attending Tertiary Care Hospital in Bangladesh

Background: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at increased risk of morbidity & mortality. Educational interventions aimed at empowering patients are successful in chronic disease management including CKD. Objective: To explore the awareness regarding CKD among patients attending in a tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh. Methodology: This was a descriptive observational study, which includes 100 adult patients attending the department of Medicine in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh from January 2013 to June 2013. Data were collected on a pre-tested questionnaire by face-to-face interview to investigate awareness toward: 1) basic knowledge of personal health;2) perceptions of factors increasing the risk of CKD;3) knowledge of therapies to slow CKD progression;4) perceptions of CKD increasing the risk of other medical conditions and 5) demographic information. Main outcome variables were demographic parameters, socio-economic status and awareness about chronic kidney disease. Data were analyzed and compared by statistical tests. Results: Almost one third (32.0%) respondents were in 3rd decade and male to female ratio was 1:1.5. Majority (43.0%) patients came from lower-middle income family. In all age groups, the majority (60%) respondents had low knowledge of CKD. Among the study population, 44.0% believe that smoking increases risk of CKD;42.0% believe that restricting salt intake reduces the progression of CKD;34.0% mention that CKD increases the risk for hypertension and 82.0% mention that renal transplantation is the treatment of choice in CKD. Among the participants, 32.8% had knowledge of increasing risk factor of CKD, 30.8% had knowledge of the method of slow progression of CKD, 30.3% had knowledge of conditions for increase risk of CKD and 41.7% respondent had knowledge of treatment of CKD. Conclusion: Most of the study participants had inadequate knowledge of CKD. Lack of CKD screening and educational programs have contributed to the inadequate patient knowledge about the condition.

Use of Trans-Vaginal Ultrasound to Diagnose and Treat Infertility and Its Performance

The use of trans-vaginal ultrasound (TVU) has become increasingly popular in diagnosing and treating infertility. TVU allows for a detailed examination of the female reproductive organs and can aid in identifying abnormalities that may be contributing to infertility [1]. Additionally, TVU can assist in monitoring fertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilization. By TVS diagnosis of focal intrauterine lesions, uterine malformations and leiomyomas are easily delineated and nearly approaches the sensitivity of hysteroscopy. Abnormality of uterine cavity may affect fertility by inhibiting implantation [2]. TVS seems very accurate in the diagnosis of presence or extension of frank pelvic inflammatory disease and also promising in augmenting the outpatient diagnosis of PID among patients referred for lower abdominal pain. In addition to these conditions trans-vaginal sonography has also been described in the diagnosis of pelvic abscesses, pelvic mass, endometriomas, hydrosalpinx, intra uterine adhesions (Asherman’s syndrome), uterine hypoplasia and other developmental anomalies like mullerian or vaginal agenesis associated with infertility. In this study, it was established transvaginal sonography as a new and reliable diagnostic method by which was able to proceed accurately with more confidence in diagnosing infertility. The Study was a cross sectional study which was conducted at Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Cumilla. During the ultrasound exam, the Study physician evaluated 45 patients by TVS. Among 45 Patients, 8.89% of Leiomyoma, 11.11% of endometrioma, 6.67% of developmental abnormalities i.e. absent uterus, rudimentary uterus, ovarian agenesis, vaginal agenesis and short vagina. 15.56% of bulky uterus with PID, 24.44% of PCOD, 4.44% of retroverted uterus, 6.67% have adnexal cyst and 2.22% are found to have hydrosalpinx. The study found 20% (9 cases) of normal findings of pelvis. We found correlation between clinical findings and TVS findings subsequently 44.44% of leiomyoma, 71.43% of Endometrioma, 60% of Developmental anomaly, 69.23% of Normal Study, 77.78% of Bulky uterus with PID, 84.62% of PCOD, 66.67% of Retroverted Uterus, 60% of adnexal Cyst.

Anterior Chamber Depth Changes in Narrow Iridocorneal Angles after Phacoemulsification

Background: The burden of cataract and glaucoma has been increasing. Primary angle closure occurs as a result of crowded anterior segment anatomy causing appositional contact between peripheral iris and trabecular meshwork. Lens extraction has been proposed as a method of deepening anterior chamber and managing intraocular pressure. Purpose: To assess changes in anterior chamber depth after phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation in narrow angle eyes. Design: Prospective controlled trial (before-after) study. Method: The study was conducted from March 2015 to August 2017 among the patients of department of Ophthalmology of BSMMU who were diagnosed as cataract with narrow angles. Anterior chamber angle grading of 2 or less (Shaffer grading) in 3 or more quadrants was considered narrow angle (NA). The purposive type sampling technique was applied to collect sample from the study population, as per inclusion and exclusion criteria. Complete clinical evaluation including history, physical examination, relevant ocular examinations and systemic examinations were performed. In this prospective study, subjects underwent phacoemulsification with foldable lens implantation. A scan ultrasonography was performed preoperatively and 10th and 30th postoperative days of surgery. Results: Thirty eyes of 29 patients included in the study, male: female ratio was 1:1, with an overall mean age of 62.03 ± 8.95 years. The mean preoperative central ACD was 2.95 ± 0.35 mm. At 10th and 30th POD mean central ACD were 3.94 ± 0.32, and 3.92 ± 0.28 mm respectively. Mean of increase in central ACD at final follow-up was 0.96 mm (p Conclusion: Phacoemulsification with posterior chamber in bag lens implantation can deepen the anterior chamber depth in patients with narrow angles. Based on these findings, it is concluded that phacoemulsification with foldable intraocular lens implantation is an effective tool in deepening the anterior chamber.

Mobile phones in the orthopedic operating room: Microbial colonization and antimicrobial resistance

BACKGROUND Surgical site infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality following orthopedic surgery.Recent efforts to identify sources of contamination in the operating rooms have implicated mobile phones.AIM To investigate microbial colonization on the mobile phones of health care professionals in the orthopedic operating room.METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study involving culture and sensitivity analysis of swabs taken from the mobile phones of orthopedic and anesthesia attendings,residents,technicians and nurses working in the orthopedic operating rooms over a period of two months.Demographic and cell phone related factors were recorded using a questionnaire and the factors associated with contamination were analyzed.RESULTS Ninety-three of 100 mobile phones were contaminated.Species isolated were Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus(62%),Micrococcus(41%)and Bacillus(26%).The risk of contamination was increased with mobile covers and cracked screens and decreased by cell phone cleaning.CONCLUSION Mobile phones belonging to health care workers are frequently contaminated with pathogenic bacteria with the potential of transferring drug resistance to nosocomial pathogens.Studies investigating the relationship to surgical site infections need to be conducted.The concept of"mobile hygiene"involving the change of mobile covers,replacement of cracked screens or even wiping the phone with an alcohol swab could yield the cost-effective balance that contaminated cell phones deserve until they are established as a direct cause of surgical site infections.

Clinical,biochemical and imaging characteristics of adrenal histoplasmosis in immunocompetent patients in a non-endemic area:A case series

Objective:To document the clinical,biochemical and imaging phenotypes of immunocompetent patients with adrenal histoplasmosis.Methods:The clinical,biochemical and radiologic data of 18 immunocompetent patients[age:45.00(39.25,56.25)years,median(IQR),m/f(16/2)]with adrenal histoplasmosis presenting in the Department of Endocrinology,BSMMU between 2014 and 2020 were retrospectively analyzed.Results:All patients were seronegative for HIV infection,and 27.8%(5/18)had well controlled diabetes mellitus.The median duration of the symptoms was 6.00(IQR:4.00,11.25)months.All had significant weight loss,anorexia and weakness.Fever was present in 61.1%(11/18)patients and night sweat was present in 27.8%(5/18)cases.Hypotension and hyperpigmentation were present in 55.6%(10/18)and 66.7%(12/18)cases,respectively.Three of 18 patients presented with adrenal crisis.Hyponatremia occurred in 55.6%(10/18)cases,but none had hyperkalemia.Thirteen of 18 patients had adrenal insufficiency whereas 83.3%(15/18)had high adrenocorticotropic hormone.CT scan revealed bilateral adrenal enlargement in all cases with oval shape and regular margin.All were hypodense having radiodensity 21-90 hounsfield unit,and 11.1%(2/18)were heterogeneous in contrast enhancement.None had noticeable calcification whereas 1.1%(2/18)cases had central necrosis with peripheral rim enhancement.Hepatomegaly was present in 6 cases,splenomegaly in 3 cases and 5 patients had abdominal lymphadenopathy.Histoplasmosis were confirmed by positive fine needle aspiration cytology of adrenal tissue.Conclusions:Adrenal histoplasmosis should be considered in the list of differentials of bilateral adrenomegaly in immunocompetent individuals even living in non-endemic areas.

Clinico-Demographic Characteristics of Intestinal Tuberculosis in Pre-Operative Unsuspected Laparotomy as Incidental Findings in Bangladesh

Background: Clinical presentation of intestinal tuberculosis is varied. It is also essential to know the clinical and demographic characteristics of incidentally detected intestinal tuberculosis patient. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to find out the clinic-demographic characteristics of intestinal tuberculosis in clinically and preoperatively unsuspected laparotomies. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Surgery at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka from March 2002 to March 2004 for a period of two (2) years. All the patients underwent laparotomy presented without any suspicion of pulmonary or intestinal tuberculosis were included as study population. Patients who were without the history of cough, haemoptysis, antitubercular drug therapy were included. Per operative suspicion was raised due to enlarged lymph nodes in mesentery, omental masses, ileocaecal masses, suspicious growth in ileum, omental thickening, perforation suspected by tuberculosis. Biopsy was taken from suspicious lesions. Histopathology was confirmed the tubercular lesion. Results: A total number of 300 patients under laparotomy were recruited for this study of which 38 positive cases were found in the study with a percentage of 12.7%. Maximum affected age group was 21 to 30 years which was 16 (42%) cases. Male was predominant to female which was 28 (73.7%) cases and 10 (26.3%) cases respectively. Low socioeconomic people are affected more (76.3%). Most common presentation in positive cases was acute and sub-acute intestinal obstruction 20 (52.6%) followed by intestinal perforation (26.31%). Conclusion: In conclusion young age male patient is the most commonly affected intestinal tuberculosis which is frequently presented with sub-acute intestinal obstruction among the preoperatively unsuspected laparotomy patients.

Changes in Tear-Film Status and Ocular Surface Disease Index Score Following Prolonged Use of Face Mask

Background: Dry eye is characterized by tear film instability, decreased tear volume and a high Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score. Face masks have been linked to dry eye complaints in recent studies. Purpose: To evaluate the changes in tear-film status and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score following prolonged use of face mask. Design: Cross-sectional study. Method: Patients between 18 to 70 years using masks regularly for at least 2 hours/day for at least 5 days/week from different eye-care centres in Dhaka were included. All subjects were divided into 4 groups. Mask use lasted approximately 2 hours/day in Group 1, 4 hours/day in Group 2, 6 hours/day in Group 3 and 8 hours or more/day in Group 4. Evaluation of symptoms, tear- film stability and tear volume was done by Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) scores, Tear-film Break-Up Time (TBUT) and Schirmer-1 test. Average of right & left eye’s Tear-film Break Up time (TBUT) and Schirmer-1 value were noted. Results: Total 100 patients were enrolled (n = 100). The TBUT (p < 0.001) and Schirmer-1 measurement (p = 0.01) were significantly lesser and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score were significantly higher in patients using face-masks for longer time (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Patients who wore masks for prolonged time had tear film instability, reduced tear volume and higher Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score.

Clinical Study on Pathogenic Factors and Screening Strategies of Retinopathy of Prematurity

Objective: To investigate the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), analyze the risk factors of ROP, and put forward effective screening strategies, to reduce its incidence. Background: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is an eye disease that can happen in new born premature (born early) babies or have weigh less than 3 pounds at birth. ROP happens when abnormal blood vessels grow in the retina. There are multiple risk factors, which are causing the ROP. In our study we will analyses the risk factors of ROP. Methods: From February 2016 to August 2021, 190 premature infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) who received inpatient care and ophthalmic screening was selected as study subjects. ROP group (n = 32) and non-ROP group (n = 158) were selected, and the clinical data of the two groups were compared. Including oxygen concentration, mechanical ventilation, broncho pulmonic dysplasia, delivery mode (cesarean section, vaginal delivery), blood transfusion, anemia, gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension, fetal distress, preterm birth weight, gestation age, etc. Women were divided into two groups according to whether they had gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) or not: gestational diabetic (n = 38) and non-gestational diabetics (n = 152). Age, pregnancy times, birth times, oxygen inhalation, birth weight, and gestational age were compared between the two groups. The X2 test for counting data and the t-test for measuring data are then conducted according to the distribution characteristics of the data, The correlation analysis between ROP and a single risk factor was performed by chi-square test, and the analysis of the correlation between many risk factors and ROP was conducted by Logistic regression analysis. Results: 1) The incidence of ROP in the GDM group was higher than that in the non-GDM group (P P > 0.05). 3) Univariate analysis showed that oxygen use, birth weight, gestational age, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and fetal distress in the ROP group and non-ROP group were statistically significant (P P > 0.05). 4) Logistic multivariate analysis showed that oxygen use, gestational hypertension, diabetes mellitus during pregnancy, fetal distress, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, birth weight, and gestational age were the main risk factors for ROP. Conclusion: 1) Gestational diabetes mellitus is a high-risk factor for ROP. 2) Oxygen inhalation, birth weight, and gestational age are related to the occurrence and development of ROP. 3) In determining the initial screening time for ROP.

Bilateral spontaneous anterior shoulder dislocation： A missed orthopedic injury mistaken as proximal neuropathy

A number of orthopedic injuries can occur during epileptic seizures. Anterior shoulder dislocation is one such orthopedic injury that is quite rare. The shoulder dislocation may injure the brachial plexus. Besides seizures, the nerves can also be damaged by anticonvulsive therapy. Muscle wasting following a seizure can misguide a clinician to investigate only neural or muscular pathologies. We report here an individual with epilepsy who was referred to us for electrodiagnostic evaluation of proximal muscle wasting related to a suspected proximal neuropathy. He was found to have a normal electrodiagnostic evaluation and later on discovered to have had bilateral shoulder dislocation on X-rays. This report advocates a thorough clinical appraisal, radiographs, and electrodiagnostic evaluation in a case with muscle wasting following a seizure.