Purpose: This study was to provide understanding about the meaning of nasogastric tube feeding experiences by the cerebral stoke patients with dysphagia. Methods: Data were collected through a face to face interview from five cerebral stroke patients who had dysphagia along with a nasogastric tube insertion. The contents of the interviews were analyzed using the hermeneutics phenomenological method developed by van Manen. Results: The experience of having a nasogastric tube was not only limited to physical problems but also was linked to other psychological problems. Many patients reported that they tolerated the nasogastric tube in order to overcome the stroke along with the desire to eventually take food orally. The essential themes associated with the experience of nasogastric tube insertion were: "The loss of pleasure from food", "The loss of human relationship from surrounding table", "Cower and shrink from the different appearance to others" and "Acceptance for life in painful experiences". Conclusion: This study would highlights the importance of not only physical focused care but also psychological and social aspects. Therefore, nurses should consider all factors when providing nursing care to stroke patient with nasogastric tube feeding.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the features, risk scores and risk factors for deep vein thrombosis in critically ill patients who developed deep vein thrombosis in their lower extremities. Methods: The participants in this prospective descriptive study were 175 adult patients who did not receive any prophylactic medication or mechanical therapy during their admission in the intensive care unit. Results: The mean age was 62.24 (± 17.28) years. Men made up 54.9% of the participating patients. There were significant differences in age, body mass index, and leg swelling between patients who developed deep vein thrombosis and those who did not have deep vein thrombosis. The mean risk score was 6.71(± 2.94) and they had on average 4.01(± 1.35) risk factors. In the multiple logistic regression, body mass index (odds ratio= 1.14) and leg swelling (odds ratio= 6.05) were significant predictors of deep vein thrombosis. Conclusion: Most critically ill patients are in the potentially high risk group for deep vein thrombosis. However, patients who are elderly, obese or have leg edema should be closely assessed and more than one type of active prophylactic intervention should be provided.

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