Mental stress and nursing intervention in critically ill patients after cardiovascular surgery

Abstract

Introduction: In a serious illness state, the patient is more vulnerable to environmental hazards and psychic tension.
Objetivo: To identify the triggers of mental stress in critically ill patients and enable the nursing staff to treat it.
Método: A prospective exploratory study was carried out at the Intensive Care Unit of Cardiovascular Surgery at “Cardiocentro de Villa Clara», Cuba, from January to December 2013. A total of 332 patients who underwent surgery were selected by purposive sampling, those 22 who were in critical condition. 40 nurses were also included.
Resultados: Patients identified the most important factors of psychological stress in critically ill patients. Among them were the bad impression caused by the medical devices around them (95.4%), inability to sleep (90.9%), physical isolation (86.4%), inability to communicate (77.3%) and dependence on ventilation equipment (72.7%). Nurses had a good level of knowledge concerning the triggers of such psychic tension (80.0%) and acceptable regarding measures to reduce it (77.5%). A comprehensive action plan was drawn up and a postgraduate course was taught.
Conclusiones: The main mental stress triggers were the bad impression caused by medical devices, inability to sleep and physical isolation. Nurses generally had a good level of knowledge, and acceptable procedures.