A Survey of the Knowledge of General Dentists about the Accurate Prescription of Dental Radiographic Techniques in Rasht, Iran

Introduction:Radiography is among the most effective paraclinical methods used for accurate diagnosis and treatment in dentistry. Considering the possible risks of X-ray exposure for patients, dentists are professionally obliged to have adequate knowledge in the accurate prescription of various radiographic techniques to minimize unnecessary radiographs. The present study aimed to survey the knowledge of general dentists regarding the correct prescription of various radiographic techniques in Rasht, Iran. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive, cross-sectional study, 126 practicing dentists were visited and asked to complete designed questionnaires. Knowledge level of the participants was evaluated in nine domains regarding the accurate prescription of oral radiographs, and each domain was compared in terms of age, gender, and work experience. Data analysis was performed in SPSS version 21 using Chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: Overall knowledge of the general dentists about the accurate prescription of oral radiographic techniques was acceptable. The highest knowledge level was observed in the pediatric field (78.6%), followed by the Bitewing techniques (54%) and panoramic radiography (40.5%). The lowest knowledge level was denoted in the case of high-risk patients for caries (40.5%). No significant association was observed between the gender and knowledge of the dentists (P=0.333), while age had a significant correlation with the level of knowledge (P=0.024). Conclusion: Despite the acceptable overall knowledge of the dentists, the level of knowledge was variable in the nine studied domains. Therefore, it is recommended that retraining courses be implemented based on valid guidelines in order to improve the knowledge of dentists about dental radiographic techniques, particularly in cases of high-risk patients for dental caries, periapical techniques, and periodontal techniques

Nursing Students' Attitude toward the Importance of Patient Privacy

Background: Observing patient privacy is one of the most important nurses' ethical responsibilities. Objective: This study is aimed to investigate nursing students' attitudes toward the importance of patient privacy in nursing care. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2018 and April 2019 in the School of Nursing and Midwifery of Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Iran. One hundred and fifty nursing students responded to the study questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Results: A total of 142 nursing students with a mean age of 21.91 ± 4.67 years participated in this study. A majority of the students (63.5) were female, 82.2 were single and 31.8 had clinical experience. The mean students' attitudes scores were, respectively, 8.36 ± 1.53, 6.84 ± 2.04, 6.24 ± 2.23, and 11.42 ± 2.17 for the physical, psychological, spatial, and informational dimensions of patient privacy. Conclusion: The mean students' attitude toward patient privacy was at a moderate level. Nurse educators and all the authorities of nursing education should instruct nursing students to pay special attention to the observance of patient privacy

Changes in Serum Analytics and Biochemical Urinary Parameters Following Brain Tumor Operation

Background: Changes in the body fluid and serum electrolyte status following major operations, such as brain tumor resection, are always expected. These changes can increase post-operation morbidity and mortality. Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the changes in serum electrolyte levels and renal function parameters in brain tumor patients after operation. Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 168 patients with supratentorial tumors in Poursina Hospital, Rasht City, Iran, in 2020. The study parameters included patients’ demographics, hemodynamic stability, serum sodium, potassium, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels, urine specific gravity, and urinary output, measured immediately and 12 hours after the operation. Results: This study revealed statistically significant increases in serum sodium level (from 139.70±5.60 meq/L to 140.34±6.23 meq/L, P=0.002), urinary output (from 1043.70±455.00 mL to 1967.50±661.10 mL, P=0.008), urine specific gravity (from 1.010±0.007 to 1.012±0.008, P=0.011), and in serum BUN level (from 17.46±6.92 to 18.41±6.40, P=0.001), but significant decrease in serum potassium level (from 3.88±0.49 meq/L to 3.78±0.28 meq/L, P=0.017) during the first 12 hours after operation. However, the change in serum creatinine level was not significant (from 1.18±2.08 mg/dL to 1.17±2.08 mg/dL, P=0.787). Conclusion: Significant changes in serum electrolytes (sodium and potassium) and renal function indicators (urine output, specific gravity, and serum BUN) are expected within the first 12 hours after brain tumor operation