Abstract Objective: To compare the effects of extended- versus short-time noninvasive positive pressure ventilation on pulmonary function, tissue perfusion, and clinical outcomes in the early postoperative period following coronary artery bypass surgery in patients with preserved left ventricular function. Methods: Patients were randomized into two groups according to noninvasive positive pressure ventilation intensity: short-time noninvasive positive pressure ventilation n=20 (S-NPPV) and extended-time noninvasive positive pressure ventilation n=21 (E-NPPV). S-NPPV was applied for 60 minutes during immediate postoperative period and 10 minutes, twice daily, from postoperative days 1-5. E-NPPV was performed for at least six hours during immediate postoperative period and 60 minutes, twice daily, from postoperative days 1-5. As a primary outcome, tissue perfusion was determined by central venous oxygen saturation and blood lactate level measured after anesthetic induction, immediately after extubation and following noninvasive positive pressure ventilation protocols. As a secondary outcome, pulmonary function tests were performed preoperatively and in the postoperative days 1, 3, and 5; clinical outcomes were recorded. Results: Significant drop in blood lactate levels and an improvement in central venous oxygen saturation values in the E-NPPV group were observed when compared with S-NPPV group after study protocol (P<0.01). The E-NPPV group presented higher preservation of postoperative pulmonary function as well as lower incidence of respiratory events and shorter postoperative hospital stay (P<0.05). Conclusion: Prophylactic E-NPPV administered in the early postoperative period of coronary artery bypass surgery resulted in greater improvements in tissue perfusion, pulmonary function and clinical outcomes than S-NPPV, in patients with preserved left ventricular function. Trial Registration: Brazilian Registry of Clinical trial - RBR7sqj78 - http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br

Os autores através de entrevistas individuais analisaram como os portadores de câncer tiveram conhecimento de sua doença e como estas informações influíram na sua vida pessoal, familiar e nos seus sentimentos. Sugestões são formuladas após avaliação dos resultados obtidos nesta pesquisa.

The authors through individual interviews have analised the way cancer patients got to know about their illness and how these information influenced their lives, family and their feelings. Suggestions have been made after evaluating the results reached in this research.

The authors through individual interviews have analised the way cancer patients got to know about their illness and how these information influenced their lives, family and their feelings. Suggestions have been made after evaluating the results reached in this research.

Os autores através de entrevistas individuais analisaram como os portadores de câncer tiveram conhecimento de sua doença e como estas informações influíram na sua vida pessoal, familiar e nos seus sentimentos. Sugestões são formuladas após avaliação dos resultados obtidos nesta pesquisa.

As teorias de enfermagem, apesar das diferentes percepções quanto o que é realmente uma Teoria, representam uma parcela fundamental na constituição de um corpo de conhecimentos específicos de enfermagem. Considerando a importância do aprofundamento nos estudos e nas aplicações práticas das teorias de enfermagem, os autores analisaram criticamente uma metodologia de assistência ambulatorial ao paciente diabético, implementada num hospital universitário, a partir dos conceitos básicos da Teoria de Orem e seu processo de enfermagem. Observou-se que apesar da metodologia ter sido planejada sem uma fundamentação teórica específica, em alguns aspectos vai de encontro aos preceitos da Teoria de Orem.

Nursing theories, however different perceptions are concerning wat a theory really is, represent a fundamental portion in the constitution of a "body of Knowledge" Owned specifically by nursing. Considering the importance of making more profound studies of the theories and their practical application, the authoresses have critically analysed an ambula-torial systematic nursing care for the diabetic patient at a Universiatry Hospital, based on Orem's theory concepts and her nursing process. It was observed that, even though the methodology was not planned grounded on specific theoretical basis, in some aspects it does meet, Orem's theory concepts.