ICU nurses in Iran may face many challenges in gaining professional autonomy. The identified inter- and intraprofessional barriers to the exercise of autonomy need to be addressed to promote critical thinking, job satisfaction, and motivation of ICU nurses, which can in turn lead to improved patient outcomes.

Respecting the dignity of the patient results in the reduction of her/his suffering and prepares her/him for a comfortable death.

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Few qualitative studies have focused on the experiences of patients post angioplasty. A deep understanding of patient experiences of care and the way a treatment can affect their everyday life is particularly important in chronic disease management. The aim of this study was to explore experiences that patients undergo after angioplasty. Using a phenomenological study design, 15 patients participated in individual, face-to-face, semistructured interviews. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The following core themes emerged from the analysis, which reflect the experiences of patients post angioplasty: (a) Angioplasty is a milestone in the patient's life, (b) living with a mended heart, and (c) psychological distress as an integral part of the patient's life. Participants after angioplasty went through both positive and negative changes in their life. Understanding these experiences is essential to modifying high-risk behaviors while supporting patients through their rehabilitation.

Background and purpose: This study examined the effects of foot reflexology on agitation and extubation time of male patients following coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Materials and methods:In this randomized three-arm controlled clinical trial, participants (n=120) were randomly assigned to the intervention, placebo, or control groups. The intervention group received foot reflexology massage for 15 minutes. Agitation was assessed using the Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale before the intervention (Time 1) and immediately (Time 2) and 10 minutes after the intervention (Time 3). Extubation time was measured as the time from gaining full consciousness to endotracheal extubation.Results: Agitation reduced in all groups from Time 1 to Time 3 (p˂0.05); however, the intervention group showed a significantly higher reduction at Time 2 (p<0.001) and Time 3 (p<0.001). Also, extubation time was significantly shorter in the intervention group (p<0.01). Conclusion:Foot reflexology may be introduced as a nursing intervention to facilitate the weaning process in the cardiac ICUs.