Medical Surgical Nursing Case Study Topics

We at TopicSuggestions know case studies power clinical judgment in medical-surgical nursing and turn classroom facts into safe bedside actions. We work with students who need concise, realistic scenarios that track common conditions, perioperative care, and complication management without fluff. We will share a fresh set of unique case study topics built to strengthen assessment, prioritization, teamwork, and patient education while aligning with course outcomes.

Good Medical Surgical Nursing Case Study Topic Ideas

We organize the list by body systems and essential skills, and we note suggested angles—key labs, red flags, meds, cultural factors, interprofessional calls, and discharge planning—so you can choose the depth that matches your level.

1. Case study: Nurse-facilitated sibling co-regulation coaching during pediatric oncology procedures

– We ask how training siblings, coached by child health nurses, alters the index patient’s procedural pain, anxiety, and sedation needs.
– We examine whether sibling-led co-regulation affects nurse workflow, room dynamics, and safety events.
– We evaluate how this approach influences sibling distress, family resilience, and follow-up adherence.

2. Case study: Night-shift NICU light-sound micro-dosing protocol guided by nurses and infant wearables

– We test whether nurse-delivered micro-doses of light and sound, titrated by wearable physiologic signals, improve preterm autonomic stability and sleep consolidation.
– We examine effects on short-term biomarkers (heart rate variability) and longer-term neurodevelopmental screening.
– We evaluate nurse workload, protocol fidelity, and parent satisfaction with the sensory environment.

3. Case study: Community drone-delivered pediatric asthma rescue kits with tele-nurse follow-up

– We ask if drone logistics plus immediate tele-nurse coaching reduce time-to-bronchodilation and ED utilization in geographically isolated children.
– We examine safety events, adherence to nurse-guided action plans, and equity of access across neighborhoods.
– We evaluate nurse decision algorithms for launch criteria, weather contingencies, and family readiness.

4. Case study: Nurse-prescribed “screen-time swaps” to nature micro-doses for preschool obesity prevention

– We test whether nurse-designed weekly “green minutes” prescriptions replace discretionary screen time and shift BMI z-scores and sleep quality.
– We examine parental feasibility under variable work schedules and neighborhood safety constraints.
– We evaluate incremental cost-effectiveness and the sustainability of nurse follow-up via brief calls/texts.

5. Case study: Biofeedback-guided pelvic floor play for neurodivergent children with functional constipation in nurse-led clinics

– We ask if game-based pelvic floor biofeedback, coached by nurses, reduces laxative reliance and encopresis episodes.
– We examine sensory accommodations and communication strategies that optimize engagement and learning.
– We evaluate caregiver burden, school absenteeism, and nurse training requirements for scale-up.

6. Case study: Nurse case-management using gig-shift volatility to predict pediatric medication nonadherence

– We test whether integrating caregiver gig-schedule variability into nurse alerts improves on-time dosing for chronic conditions.
– We examine algorithm fairness across languages, income levels, and caregiver roles.
– We evaluate nurse-driven interventions (pickup rescheduling, refill bundling, micro-reminders) on refill gaps and clinical outcomes.

7. Case study: Culturally co-designed bedtime rituals for refugee families led by child health nurses

– We ask how nurse-facilitated, family-authored sleep rituals affect pediatric insomnia, nightmares, and daytime functioning.
– We examine feasibility across languages, housing density, and trauma histories.
– We evaluate nurse cultural humility training outcomes and fidelity to family-driven practices.

8. Case study: Nurse-calibrated social robot coaching for venipuncture analgesia in young children

– We test whether nurse-tuned robot scripts and timing reduce pain scores and need for restraint compared with standard distraction.
– We examine personalization parameters (voice, pacing, cultural idioms) that nurses adjust in real time.
– We evaluate downstream effects on procedural throughput, staff stress, and child memory of pain.

9. Case study: Microbiome-aware diaper dermatitis triage with nurse-guided probiotic skincare

– We ask if nurse-directed selection of probiotic vs barrier regimens, guided by simple stool/skin indicators, shortens rash duration and recurrence.
– We examine caregiver adherence, product safety, and antimicrobial stewardship implications.
– We evaluate the accuracy of nurse triage heuristics against lab-based microbiome profiles.

10. Case study: School nurse–led vaping harm-reduction using motivational micro-texts and real-time exposure badges

– We test whether nurse-authored, just-in-time SMS plus wearable carbonyl exposure badges reduce adolescent vaping frequency and intensity.
– We examine impact on withdrawal symptoms, academic functioning, and peer influences.
– We evaluate privacy safeguards, parental engagement strategies, and nurse caseload sustainability.

11. Impact of intraoperative ambient noise patterns on postoperative delirium in older adults after non-cardiac surgery

We propose investigating whether specific intraoperative noise signatures (frequency, intermittency, peak events) predict postoperative delirium. We ask: Do measured noise pattern metrics correlate with incidence and duration of delirium independent of anesthetic depth and analgesia? We ask: Can noise-modifying interventions during surgery reduce delirium risk? We will perform a prospective cohort with continuous OR sound recording, standardized delirium assessments (CAM) postoperatively, and multivariable modeling adjusting for age, comorbidity, anesthetic agents; we will pilot a controlled noise-mitigation arm (ear-protective strategies, sound dampening) for proof-of-concept.

12. Effectiveness of nurse-led digital analgesia titration protocols using wearable biosignals after major abdominal surgery

We propose testing an intervention where nurses use wearable-derived physiologic indices to titrate analgesia via a digital protocol. We ask: Does nurse-led titration guided by HR variability and respiratory pattern reduce opioid consumption while maintaining pain control? We ask: Does this approach reduce opioid-related adverse events and shorten time to ambulation? We will develop an algorithm mapping biosignal thresholds to titration steps, train nursing staff in protocolized use, and run a randomized pilot comparing usual care versus the wearable-guided protocol with outcomes of opioid dose, pain scores, adverse events, and feasibility metrics.

13. Role of perioperative circadian-aligned room lighting on wound-healing biomarkers and recovery after elective orthopedic surgery

We propose studying whether circadian-aligned lighting in patient rooms influences objective wound-healing processes. We ask: Does exposure to time-locked blue-depleted evening and bright daytime lighting accelerate wound collagen deposition and reduce inflammation markers? We ask: Are functional recovery and analgesic needs improved? We will conduct a randomized ward-based trial with lighting interventions, collect wound fluid/biopsies for cytokine and collagen assays, measure melatonin/cortisol rhythms, and track clinical recovery metrics.

14. Feasibility and diagnostic accuracy of bedside ultrasound performed by surgical nurses to detect postoperative pleural effusions and pulmonary atelectasis

We propose evaluating nurse-performed thoracic ultrasound after high-risk abdominal and cardiac surgery. We ask: Can trained surgical nurses achieve diagnostic sensitivity and specificity comparable to sonographers for clinically significant pleural effusions and atelectasis? We ask: Does nurse-performed scanning reduce time to therapeutic intervention (thoracentesis, physiotherapy)? We will design a training curriculum, validate nurse scans against a reference standard (radiologist ultrasound/CT), assess inter-rater reliability, and measure impact on time-to-intervention and patient outcomes.

15. Impact of structured family-mediated delirium prevention bundles on post-ICU ward outcomes for surgical patients

We propose testing a family-mediated, nurse-facilitated delirium prevention bundle applied during ICU-to-ward transition. We ask: Does engaging family in orientation, mobility encouragement, sensory aid management, and sleep hygiene reduce delirium recurrence and readmission? We ask: Does the bundle improve functional recovery and shorten ward length of stay? We will co-design the bundle with families, implement a stepped-wedge rollout across surgical wards, and measure delirium rates (CAM), functional scales, readmissions, and family/nurse acceptability.

16. Influence of perioperative glycemic variability (not mean glucose) measured by continuous glucose monitoring on surgical site infection in non-diabetic patients

We propose assessing whether glucose variability during the perioperative period independently predicts surgical site infection (SSI) among patients without diagnosed diabetes. We ask: Are metrics of glycemic variability (SD, coefficient of variation, time-above-range) more predictive of SSI than mean glucose values? We ask: Can early identification of high variability inform targeted glycemic-management nursing interventions? We will enroll a prospective cohort with CGM placement preoperatively, capture glycemic metrics across 7 days, and relate variability indices to SSI incidence while adjusting for BMI, smoking, and operative factors.

17. Effect of a structured intraoperative nurse-anesthesia handover checklist on postoperative medication errors and opioid-related complications

We propose implementing a standardized checklist for intraoperative nurse-to-nurse and nurse-to-anesthesia handovers focused on medication reconciliation. We ask: Does checklist use reduce postoperative medication errors and opioid dosing discrepancies? We ask: Does it reduce opioid-related complications (respiratory depression, naloxone use)? We will use a stepped-wedge design introducing the checklist across operating suites, audit medication charts and adverse events, and assess checklist adherence and staff perceptions.

18. Association between initiating in-hospital opioid tapering protocols and 90-day new persistent opioid use in postoperative patients

We propose examining whether initiating protocolized opioid tapering before discharge affects the rate of new persistent opioid use at 90 days. We ask: Does a nurse-facilitated taper with written plan and primary-care handoff reduce persistent opioid prescriptions compared with usual discharge counseling? We ask: Are pain control and functional recovery preserved? We will perform a pragmatic randomized trial where discharge nurses deliver the taper protocol versus standard discharge, and follow opioid prescription fill data, pain scores, functional outcomes, and patient satisfaction.

19. Use of a predictive machine-learning trigger integrated into the EHR to prompt nursing-led early mobilization for high-risk postoperative patients

We propose building and deploying an EHR-integrated ML model that flags patients at high risk for immobility-related complications to trigger nursing early-mobilization protocols. We ask: Does ML-triggered mobilization increase mobilization rates and reduce complications (DVT, pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, delirium)? We ask: Is nurse workload and adherence acceptable with automated prompts? We will develop the model from retrospective data, pilot integration in select wards, monitor mobilization events, complications, length of stay, and nurse feedback.

20. Impact of ward-level biophilic design (indoor green spaces/views) on nurse burnout and patient recovery metrics in surgical wards

We propose testing whether introducing visible indoor plants, window views, or nature imagery in surgical wards affects both nurse well-being and patient recovery. We ask: Does biophilic intervention reduce nurse-reported burnout (Maslach scores) and turnover intentions? We ask: Are patient outcomes such as pain scores, analgesic requirements, and length of stay favorably impacted? We will implement a cluster-controlled before-after study with environmental changes, survey nursing staff longitudinally, and correlate patient clinical outcomes and resource use with exposure to the biophilic environment.

21. Nurse-modulated ambient scent in the perioperative suite to reduce postoperative nausea in older adults

We ask: (1) Does introducing a nurse-selected, standardized ambient scent protocol during induction and emergence reduce incidence and severity of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in patients ≥65? (2) How does scent exposure interact with anesthetic type and antiemetic use to affect patient-reported outcomes? We will design a randomized controlled cluster trial across operating rooms, train perioperative nurses to apply the scent protocol, collect standardized PONV scores at 2, 6, and 24 hours, and use mixed-effects models adjusting for anesthesia and antiemetic covariates.

22. Nurse-led AI triage prompts to prevent postoperative delirium in high-risk surgical patients

We ask: (1) Can an integrated nurse-facing AI alert system, prompting nonpharmacologic delirium prevention interventions, reduce delirium incidence after major surgery? (2) Which nurse actions triggered by alerts mediate the effect? We will implement a stepped-wedge trial of an EHR-integrated AI risk score with structured prompts for nurses (orientation, mobility, hydration, sleep hygiene), collect delirium assessments (CAM-ICU) and fidelity logs, and perform mediation analysis to link nurse behaviors with outcomes.

23. Effect of standardized nurse communication scripts on informed consent comprehension in emergency appendectomies

We ask: (1) Does a brief, nurse-delivered consent script improve patient/guardian comprehension and satisfaction when surgeons obtain consent in emergency appendectomy? (2) Does improved comprehension change refusal rates or postoperative expectations? We will perform a randomized trial in the ED where trained nurses deliver a 3-minute script before surgeon consent, measure comprehension with validated questionnaires pre- and post-consent, and analyze differences using intention-to-treat methods.

24. Nurse-managed perioperative glycemic variability protocol and immediate postoperative outcomes in diabetes mellitus

We ask: (1) Does a nurse-driven protocol for intraoperative and PACU glucose adjustments reduce glycemic variability (not only mean glucose) and short-term complications? (2) Which nursing actions most strongly predict stable glucose trajectories? We will develop an algorithmic bedside protocol empowering nurses to titrate insulin/fluids, perform a controlled before-and-after study, continuously record glucose values, and use time-in-range and coefficient-of-variation metrics with logistic regression for complications.

25. Bedside adaptive music therapy administered by nurses to reduce opioid consumption after thoracotomy

We ask: (1) Does nurse-delivered, patient-tailored music therapy (real-time adaptive selection) reduce opioid use and pain scores after open thoracotomy? (2) What elements (timing, genre matching) maximize analgesic-sparing effects? We will train acute pain nurses to run brief adaptive music sessions triggered by pain scores, randomize patients to music plus usual care vs usual care, track opioid consumption in morphine milligram equivalents, and analyze dose-response and subgroup effects.

26. Short micro-break protocols for circulating and scrub nurses and their association with intraoperative contamination events

We ask: (1) Do scheduled 3–5 minute micro-breaks for scrub/circulating nurses during long procedures reduce sterile field lapses and surgical site contamination markers? (2) How feasible and acceptable are micro-breaks from the nursing perspective? We will pilot an observational interventional study with video/audit of sterile field breaches, implement micro-break schedules, collect contamination swabs and nurse surveys, and use time-series analysis to assess change.

27. Nurse-directed perioperative hydration adjustments to reduce acute kidney injury in elderly CKD patients

We ask: (1) Can a protocol that empowers perioperative nurses to adjust IV fluid composition and rate based on serial point-of-care creatinine and urine output reduce postoperative AKI in patients with chronic kidney disease? (2) What safety signals emerge from nurse-driven adjustments? We will run a pragmatic randomized trial comparing standard orders vs nurse-directed hydration algorithm, monitor renal biomarkers and urine output hourly for 24 hours, and apply survival models for AKI incidence and adverse events.

28. Family-mediated orientation bundles delivered by nurses to reduce ICU-acquired weakness after major abdominal surgery

We ask: (1) Does a nurse-facilitated family orientation and mobilization bundle (family-assisted early mobilization, encouragement, orientation cues) shorten ICU length of stay and reduce ICU-acquired weakness? (2) How do family characteristics influence bundle effectiveness? We will cluster-randomize surgical ICU units to implement nurse training for family inclusion, measure grip strength, MRC-sum scores, LOS, and perform multilevel modeling including family engagement metrics.

29. Intraoperative nurse-applied low-cost pressure-mapping cushions to prevent sacral pressure ulcers during long surgeries

We ask: (1) Do nurse-implemented, repositioning-triggered pressure-relief cushions with simple time-pressure indicators reduce incidence of perioperative pressure injuries in procedures >4 hours? (2) What is the cost-effectiveness compared with standard padding? We will test a nurse-driven intervention in a randomized controlled design using indicator cushions, document repositioning events, assess skin at 24 and 72 hours, and perform cost-effectiveness analysis from the hospital perspective.

30. Feasibility of real-time nurse-driven wearable monitoring alarms to detect early postpartum hemorrhage after cesarean

We ask: (1) Can nurse-monitored wearable hemodynamic trend alerts (pulse, perfusion index) identify occult postpartum hemorrhage earlier than routine vitals? (2) Do nurse-initiated rapid-response actions triggered by wearables reduce transfusion or reoperation rates? We will conduct a feasibility pilot deploying validated wearables in the PACU, train nurses to respond to trend-based thresholds, compare time-to-detection and clinical outcomes with historical controls, and evaluate usability and alarm burden.

31. Impact of intraoperative ambient noise levels on postoperative delirium in older adults undergoing non-cardiac surgery

Research questions: How do we quantify the association between continuous operating-room noise exposure and postoperative delirium incidence? Can we reduce delirium rates by implementing nurse-led noise-reduction protocols?
We will design a prospective cohort with continuous decibel monitoring and standardized delirium screening (CAM) for 72 hours post-op, adjust for anesthetic depth and analgesia, and then test a pragmatic nurse-driven intervention (earplugs, minimized overhead announcements, clustered care) in a stepped-wedge trial.

32. Nurses’ bedside use of augmented reality (AR) for central line maintenance and its effect on catheter-related bloodstream infection rates

Research questions: How do we compare AR-guided bedside maintenance to standard care in adherence to bundle elements and CRBSI incidence? What barriers do nurses report when using AR in routine line care?
We will pilot an RCT where nurses use head-mounted AR checklists and visual overlays during dressing changes; measure adherence, CRBSI rates, time-per-procedure, and conduct mixed-methods usability interviews to refine implementation.

33. Effects of personalized circadian lighting schedules on wound healing times in postoperative orthopedic patients

Research questions: How do we create and implement patient-specific light exposure schedules to enhance circadian entrainment and accelerate wound healing? What biomarkers mediate any observed effect?
We will randomize patients to standard lighting versus sensor-driven personalized lighting (timed blue-depleted night and daytime spectral enrichment), measure wound healing (digital planimetry), sleep quality, melatonin/cortisol rhythms, and perform mediation analysis.

34. Role of nurse-led smartphone audio coaching to reduce postoperative opioid consumption after abdominal surgery

Research questions: How do we evaluate the effectiveness of brief, nurse-developed audio coaching modules delivered post-discharge on opioid use and functional recovery? Which audio content elements most reduce opioid reliance?
We will co-create scripted audio coaching with nurses, deliver via smartphone app in an RCT, track opioid pill counts and PROMIS pain/interference scores, and use A/B testing of message framing to isolate effective components.

35. Influence of a nurse-led deprescribing decision-support rounds on medication-related falls in med-surg units

Research questions: How do we operationalize nurse-facilitated deprescribing rounds with embedded clinical decision support to reduce high-risk polypharmacy and falls? What are the unintended consequences on symptom control?
We will implement a cluster RCT where nurses lead daily medication review huddles using an electronic deprescribing tool, measure fall rates, medication counts, symptom scales, and evaluate acceptability via clinician and patient interviews.

36. Effect of patient-specific microbiome-informed skin antisepsis protocols on surgical site infection in colorectal surgery

Research questions: How do we use preoperative cutaneous microbiome profiling to select targeted antiseptic agents, and does this reduce SSI compared with standard povidone/CHG protocols?
We will conduct a feasibility RCT: pre-op swabs with rapid microbial profiling to guide antiseptic choice, compare SSI rates, perform cost-effectiveness modeling, and monitor for antiseptic resistance patterns.

37. Impact of bedside 3D-printed organ models used by nurses on patient comprehension and postoperative anxiety in complex general surgery

Research questions: How do nurse-delivered consultations using personalized 3D organ models change patient comprehension, shared-decision metrics, and perioperative anxiety versus standard verbal/2D imaging explanations?
We will randomize patients to usual education or nurse-facilitated 3D-model education, measure knowledge retention, validated anxiety scales, decisional conflict, and collect qualitative feedback on communication dynamics.

38. Efficacy of nurse-coordinated “quiet hours” to reduce nocturnal blood pressure surges and arrhythmias after cardiac surgery

Research questions: How do we implement nurse-led unit-wide quiet hours (clustered care, noise/light reduction) and measure effects on nocturnal BP variability, arrhythmic events, and sleep quality?
We will use a before-after design with continuous noninvasive BP/telemetry monitoring, sleep questionnaires, and evaluate fidelity of quiet-hour protocols and downstream clinical events (AF, ischemia).

39. Use of integrated machine-learning risk dashboards in med-surg units to prompt standardized nurse response bundles and reduce unplanned ICU transfers

Research questions: How do we co-design ML risk alerts with nurses and measure whether paired nurse response bundles reduce deterioration, ICU transfers, and in-hospital mortality?
We will run a stepped-wedge implementation trial where ML-derived risk scores trigger a standardized nurse-led rapid response bundle (assessment, escalation criteria, bedside interventions), measure timeliness, transfer rates, and perform implementation process evaluation.

40. Impact of culturally tailored mobility programs co-developed with Indigenous communities on VTE prophylaxis adherence and postoperative recovery after lower-limb arthroplasty

Research questions: How do we co-design nurse-delivered mobility and education protocols incorporating traditional practices to improve adherence to VTE prophylaxis and mobility milestones? What is the effect on VTE incidence and patient-reported recovery?
We will conduct community-based participatory research to develop interventions, then test them in a cluster RCT comparing standard physiotherapy versus culturally tailored programs led by nurses, measuring prophylaxis adherence, mobility scores, VTE events, and community-defined recovery outcomes.

41. We study the impact of nurse-controlled circadian lighting modulation on postoperative recovery metrics.

We test whether timed lighting adjustments by bedside nurses improve sleep quality, pain scores, opioid consumption, delirium incidence, and length of stay. Research questions: 1) Does a nurse-managed circadian lighting protocol reduce postoperative delirium? 2) Does it improve objective sleep and pain outcomes compared with usual care? 3) What staffing and workflow changes are needed for implementation? Overview: We design a cluster-randomized trial with lighting schedules, train nursing staff on protocol triggers, collect actigraphy, validated sleep and delirium scales, analgesic use, and perform implementation fidelity audits.

42. We evaluate nursing interventions to prevent catheter-related bladder discomfort (CRBD) in patients with spinal cord injury undergoing urological surgery.

We explore nonpharmacologic and bedside nursing strategies to reduce CRBD severity and opioid escalation. Research questions: 1) Which nurse-applied bladder management maneuvers reduce CRBD incidence and severity? 2) Can a nurse-delivered multimodal bundle reduce opioid rescue use? 3) What patient characteristics predict response? Overview: We conduct a randomized pilot comparing standard care versus a nurse-delivered bundle (timed bladder irrigation, positioning, distraction techniques, catheter securement), measure CRBD scales, pain, opioid consumption, and perform subgroup analysis by injury level.

43. We assess whether nurse-led alveolar recruitment maneuver (ARM) protocols immediately after extubation reduce postoperative pulmonary complications in major abdominal surgery.

We determine safety and efficacy of standardized ARMs performed and monitored by trained nurses in PACU. Research questions: 1) Does a nurse-led ARM protocol lower atelectasis and hypoxemia rates? 2) What are the hemodynamic and patient tolerability profiles when nurses perform ARMs? 3) What training and monitoring are required for safe delegation? Overview: We implement a stepped-wedge study where PACU nurses are trained to perform ARMs with monitoring criteria, compare imaging/oxygenation outcomes, record adverse events, and evaluate competency retention.

44. We investigate bedside nursing use of targeted olfactory stimulation to improve appetite recovery and glycemic control in postoperative patients with diabetes.

We explore whether nurse-administered aroma interventions (e.g., savory vs neutral scents) influence oral intake, glucose variability, and satisfaction. Research questions: 1) Does scheduled olfactory stimulation increase early postoperative caloric intake in patients with diabetes? 2) Are glucose excursions reduced by earlier oral intake mediated by scent stimulation? 3) How feasible is routine olfactory intervention in surgical wards? Overview: We run a randomized feasibility trial with nurse-delivered scent sessions, track intake logs, continuous glucose monitoring, nausea scores, and conduct staff workflow assessments.

45. We implement nurse-driven early mobilization algorithms guided by wearable inertial sensors for elderly orthopedic postoperative patients.

We test whether sensor-informed, nurse-executed mobilization protocols improve mobility milestones and reduce complications. Research questions: 1) Does real-time inertial feedback allow nurses to optimize timing/intensity of mobilization to reduce LOS and DVT? 2) What thresholds predict safe progression of activity? 3) How does this change nurse workload and patient adherence? Overview: We prototype an algorithm integrating wearable step/angle data, train nurses to adjust mobilization plans per sensor outputs, compare outcomes to standard early mobilization, and collect qualitative feedback.

46. We examine the effect of nurse-administered point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) for vascular access decision-making on complication and success rates.

We evaluate a training program that empowers bedside nurses to perform focused POCUS to guide peripheral and midline access selection. Research questions: 1) Does nurse-performed POCUS reduce failed attempts and central line conversions? 2) What is the impact on infection and thrombosis rates? 3) What curriculum produces and maintains competency? Overview: We design a pre/post intervention study with competency assessment, measure access success, complications, time-to-access, and cost implications.

47. We pilot nursing assessment of peripheral tissue microcirculation using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to predict wound healing after vascular surgery.

We ask whether nurse-performed NIRS readings at the bedside provide early prognostic information on graft and incision healing. Research questions: 1) Can serial NIRS measurements by nurses predict delayed wound healing or need for reintervention? 2) What thresholds should prompt escalation? 3) How reproducible are nurse measurements relative to clinicians? Overview: We conduct a prospective observational cohort where trained nurses record NIRS at standardized sites postoperatively, correlate values with wound outcomes, and establish nurse training protocols.

48. We test nurse-led personalized prehabilitation using virtual reality (VR) breathing and exercise modules to improve postoperative pulmonary function in thoracic surgery patients.

We explore whether VR-guided, nurse-supervised prehab shortens time to respiratory recovery and reduces PPCs. Research questions: 1) Does a nurse-facilitated VR prehab program improve preoperative inspiratory capacity and reduce postoperative complications? 2) What adherence and safety issues arise with nurse supervision? 3) Is the intervention cost-effective? Overview: We perform a randomized pilot where nurses deliver tailored VR sessions (incentive spirometry gamified, breathing retraining), monitor adherence, measure PFTs, PPC rates, and collect patient and nurse feedback.

49. We develop nursing protocols to mitigate ventilator-associated dysphagia (VAD) in patients with prolonged mechanical ventilation.

We study nurse-driven screening and early rehabilitative measures to reduce VAD incidence and aspiration events. Research questions: 1) Does a standardized nurse-conducted dysphagia screening and positioning/oral care bundle lower VAD rates? 2) Which bedside nursing interventions most effectively expedite safe oral intake? 3) How does early nurse-led intervention affect ventilator days and pneumonia? Overview: We implement and evaluate a nurse training package for dysphagia screening, oral hygiene, cuff management, and swallowing exercises, track swallow study results, aspiration pneumonia, and length of ventilation.

50. We evaluate the impact of nurse-implemented “stealth” communication strategies (neutral attire cues and scripted language) on preoperative anxiety and physiological stress markers.

We investigate whether subtle modifications in nurse appearance and communication reduce patient stress without altering clinical efficiency. Research questions: 1) Do stealth communication strategies by nurses reduce cortisol, heart rate variability, and self-reported anxiety preoperatively? 2) Are there trade-offs in clarity of clinical communication or workflow? 3) Which elements (attire, tone, script) have the greatest effect? Overview: We design a randomized controlled trial where trained nurses employ discreet attire adjustments and neutral, reassuring scripts, measure biochemical and physiological stress markers, anxiety scales, and assess operational impacts.