Beneficial short-term effects of aquatic exercise were found in adults with osteoarthritis of the hip or knee. Although the programme may not offer pain relief or self-reported improvements in physical functioning, results suggest that aquatic exercise does not worsen the joint condition or result in injury. Nurses engaging in disease management and health promotion for these patients should consider recommending or implementing aquatic classes for patients.

Nurses should try to reduce external environmental stimuli and maintain an almost undisturbed period between midnight and 5:00 a.m. to enhance patients' sleep in a surgical intensive care unit.

Similar outcomes could be possible with the two programmes. Health care professionals may consider suggesting well-designed aquatic or land-based exercise classes for patients with osteoarthritis, based on their preferences and convenience.

Patients with heart failure should be taught sleep hygiene and to increase leisure time activities, disease self-management, and emotional adjustment skills to improve their sleep quality. These patients should also be observed for night time safety risk due to nocturia.