The present study aimed to determine the effects of aromatherapy through thyme oil inhalation on respiratory symptoms, hemodynamic parameters and vital signs in COPD patients. The pre-test post-test randomized controlled experimental study was conducted with inpatients COPD (intervention group = 60, control group = 60). Data were collected using the "Patient Information Form", "COPD Symptoms Form", and "Hemodynamic Parameters and Vital Signs Monitoring Form" as well as a saturation device. Following the pre-test, patients in the intervention group inhaled thyme oil 3 times a day for 5 days but the control group did not receive anything. COPD symptoms and hemodynamic parameters were measured on the fifth day as the post-test. Vital signs were measured and recorded 3 times every day over 5 days. It was found that thyme oil application through inhalation significantly reduced all COPD symptoms (dyspnea, cough, secretion, etc.) in the intervention group compared to the control group. pH and O2 levels were higher while CO2 levels were lower in the intervention group, and as of the third day, saturation levels were higher whereas respiratory rates were lower. In this regard, thyme oil is recommended as a non-pharmacological treatment method for COPD patients.
Reiki has been used for various medical problems. The present study aims to determine the effects of Reiki therapy on the self-efficacy, death anxiety, and sleep quality of patients diagnosed with COPD. The present used a quasi-experimental model with a pretest-posttest control group. The subjects (n = 75) were recruited from a hospital in Turkey, between February and June 2019. Subjects were then assigned to Reiki (n = 39) and placebo (n = 36) groups. In this study, it was determined that there was a statistically significant difference in the mean scores of self-efficacy, death anxiety, and sleep quality between the Reiki and placebo groups (P < .05).These results suggest that Reiki exercise increased the self-efficacy and sleep quality levels and decreased the death anxiety.
This parallel-group randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the effect of progressive relaxation exercises on dyspnea and comfort level in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The study utilized a stratified and block randomization methodology, with 42 patients completing the trial. Patients in the intervention group received 30-min progressive relaxation exercises for 6 weeks. The mean dyspnea level scores of the patients in the intervention group at week 6 were found to be lower than those of the control group, with a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P < .05). Furthermore, a statistically significant decrease in patients' mean comfort level scores in the intervention group was observed over the follow-up periods (P < .05). The study results demonstrate that progressive relaxation exercises constitute an effective nursing intervention for managing dyspnea in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
This article presents a tarot-informed reflective developmental framework that integrates self-reflection, experiential learning, and professional role identity formation using the symbolism of Major Arcana tarot cards to describe nursing career milestones and draws upon Benner's novice-to-expert model and O'Rourke's Professional Role Identity Formation Theory. The cards of the Major Arcana provide archetypal symbols and narrative through which nurses can explore the ethical and professional meaning of their experiences. These archetypes function as catalysts for holistic reflection across the interconnected dimensions of being, becoming, knowing, caring, and wisdom. Tarot imagery can complement journaling, mentorship, ethical reflection, and career development across all stages of nursing practice. Further research must evaluate the framework's acceptability, cultural relevance, and impacts on clinical reasoning, resilience, and job satisfaction. Tarot should be used as a self-reflective prompt rather than divination and not as a substitute for evidence-based clinical judgment, education, or supervision.
