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Hypertension Management Among Cambodian-Americans In Rhode Island, Rathana Long Jan 2014

Hypertension Management Among Cambodian-Americans In Rhode Island, Rathana Long

Master's Theses, Dissertations, Graduate Research and Major Papers Overview

Hypertension is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke and the focus of much study in the US. However, there is limited transfer of this knowledge in terms of hypertension management in certain recent immigrant groups such as the Cambodian-­‐Americans. Cambodian-­‐Americans are often included among the Asian/Pacific Islanders and are one of the fasting growing populations in the US. The purpose of this study was to explore how Cambodians in Rhode Island manage hypertension. This study used a survey design with a convenience sample of 30 participants who could read, write, and understand English. It was conducted at …


Preventing Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia: Educating Emergency Room Nurses, Dana M. Ferrazzano Jan 2014

Preventing Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia: Educating Emergency Room Nurses, Dana M. Ferrazzano

Master's Theses, Dissertations, Graduate Research and Major Papers Overview

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is the second most common hospital acquired infection and is primarily found in the intensive care units. The presence of an endotracheal tube is the primary risk factor for developing VAP. Many times the process of intubation occurs pre-hospital, in the emergency room (ER) or in the operating room. Ventilator associated pneumonia is associated with increased hospital stay and costs. Evidence-based guidelines have been developed to decrease the occurrence of VAP and decrease patient mortality. Preventative measures are initiated on the intensive care unit once the patient is transferred. The purpose of this study was to evaluate …


Intravenous Acetaminophen Use In Postoperative Pain Management, Selvi K. Kumar Jan 2014

Intravenous Acetaminophen Use In Postoperative Pain Management, Selvi K. Kumar

Master's Theses, Dissertations, Graduate Research and Major Papers Overview

Surgery is a most common source of acute pain and effective postoperative pain management is crucial for wound healing and recovery. Opiods are the mainstay for acute pain management but have various adverse effects including death. The multimodal approach involves the use of multiple drugs with varying mechanism of action to achieve optimal pain relief with less adverse effects. Intravenous acetaminophen (IVAPAP) is a new addition to the multimodal approach that appears to afford effective pain relief with a low risk profile. The purpose of this research study was to examine the impact of IVAPAP use in multimodal pain management …


Timelines Of Oral Care And Early-Onset Ventilator Associated Pneumonia Prevention, Kristen M. Francoeur Jan 2014

Timelines Of Oral Care And Early-Onset Ventilator Associated Pneumonia Prevention, Kristen M. Francoeur

Master's Theses, Dissertations, Graduate Research and Major Papers Overview

Hospital-acquired infections, including ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP), are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality and associated with increased costs and length of stay (Chastre & Fagon, 2002; NNIS, 2004). Ventilator associated pneumonia is believed to primarily result from aspiration of oropharyngeal secretions around the endotracheal tube cuff into the lungs (Grap, Munro, Unoki, Hamilton, & Ward, 2012). A randomized control trial tested early application of oral chlorhexidine (CHG) on oral microbial flora and VAP in trauma patients and suggested that early (within 12 hours of intubation) application may reduce VAP rates in trauma patients (Grap, Munro, Hamilton, Elswick, Sessler …


Examining Chronic Stress In Spouses Of Active Duty Military Members, Cristina L. Joseph Jan 2014

Examining Chronic Stress In Spouses Of Active Duty Military Members, Cristina L. Joseph

Master's Theses, Dissertations, Graduate Research and Major Papers Overview

Even in the absence of wartime stressors, the military lifestyle is characterized by frequent challenges that affect not only the military member, but also his or her spouse and children. Due to frequent relocations and deployments, military spouses are often relied upon to become the primary child-rearers, make occupational sacrifices, deal with financial concerns independently, organize relocations, and cope with lack of social support. These multiple responsibilities can create a myriad of stressors, which over time lend themselves to the formation of chronic stress. The purpose of this exploratory study is to determine if spouses of active duty military members …


Nurses Perceptions Of Family Presence During Resuscitation In The Emergency Department, Jennifer L. Jennings Jan 2014

Nurses Perceptions Of Family Presence During Resuscitation In The Emergency Department, Jennifer L. Jennings

Master's Theses, Dissertations, Graduate Research and Major Papers Overview

Family presence during resuscitation has been a controversial and much debated topic for many years. In the past decade, the movement toward family presence has steadily grown. The Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) and the American Heart Association (AHA) have endorsed family presence and incorporated guidelines for its implementation. Although becoming more accepted in practice, there are still many hospitals without family presence policies, and some nurses and other health care providers continue to identify concerns about its’ use. The purpose of this project was to survey nurses’ perceptions of family presence during resuscitation in the Emergency Department. A researcher developed …


Prevention Management Of Postoperative Nausea And Vomiting In Ambulatory Setting: How Well Are We Identifying Patients With Motion Sickness?, Sheila A. Capasso May 2013

Prevention Management Of Postoperative Nausea And Vomiting In Ambulatory Setting: How Well Are We Identifying Patients With Motion Sickness?, Sheila A. Capasso

Master's Theses, Dissertations, Graduate Research and Major Papers Overview

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and postdischarge nausea and vomiting (PDNV) continue to be a serious problem in the ambulatory setting. These symptoms are among the most undesired complications following surgery and can adversely affect the quality of recovery for many patients. Previous research has concluded that the identification of risk factors for PONV/PDNV is a first step in developing effective prevention strategies. The purpose of this study was to examine the incidence of PONV/ PDNV in the ambulatory setting in female clients who were treated with transdermal scopolamine (TDS) for motion sickness as compared to those patients who were …


Online Learning Modules And Nursing Students' Knowledge Of Tuberculosis, Monica L. Kunkel May 2013

Online Learning Modules And Nursing Students' Knowledge Of Tuberculosis, Monica L. Kunkel

Master's Theses, Dissertations, Graduate Research and Major Papers Overview

Tuberculosis is identified as a major global health issue. Recommendations for increased training for health professionals from both the Institute of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health have been outlined. Nursing curriculum tools developed by the National Tuberculosis Consortium and presented through online learning modules were utilized in an experimental study of baccalaureate nursing students. Knowles’ Theory of Adult Learning provided the theoretical framework for the study. The test scores on a thirty question multiple-choice exam of students who participated in the intervention are compared to those of students who only participated in the regular course content. Although the …


Contributing Factors To Hospital Readmissions, Susan M. Amalfitano May 2013

Contributing Factors To Hospital Readmissions, Susan M. Amalfitano

Master's Theses, Dissertations, Graduate Research and Major Papers Overview

Aims and objectives. To investigate the elderly patient’s perspective about the reasons for discharge to home being unsuccessful, resulting in rehospitalization. Background. Elderly patients have a high rate of readmission to the hospital within 30 days of discharge. Starting in October of 2013, hospitals having a high rate of readmission of patients with heart failure (HF), myocardial infarction (MI), and pneumonia (PNA) will face financial penalties. Evidence indicated that by utilizing risk prediction tools and incorporating transition interventions the risk of a hospital readmission may be reduced. Design. A qualitative, descriptive design was used. Methods. In 2013, a student investigator …


Intra-Femoral Sheath Time: Does It Increase A Patient's Risk For Developing A Hematoma?, Colleen O'Brien Planchon May 2013

Intra-Femoral Sheath Time: Does It Increase A Patient's Risk For Developing A Hematoma?, Colleen O'Brien Planchon

Master's Theses, Dissertations, Graduate Research and Major Papers Overview

Despite advancements in technology and medication therapy, coronary artery disease continues to remain the number one cause of death. Treatment for coronary artery disease requires life style modifications, medication therapy, percutaneous coronary interventions, and sometimes coronary artery bypass surgery. Though percutaneous coronary interventions are considered safe and are commonly occurring procedures, there are still risks for complications. One of the most frequently occurring complications is hematoma of the femoral artery site. The purpose of this study was to determine if there was an increased incidence of hematomas in individuals undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention with associated sheath times of less than …


A Palliative Care Program Evaluation, Kathleen M. Robinson May 2013

A Palliative Care Program Evaluation, Kathleen M. Robinson

Master's Theses, Dissertations, Graduate Research and Major Papers Overview

Palliative care is a growing field in response to the healthcare needs of people suffering with the consequences of serious health issues. As an evolving specialty, palliative care needed criteria to denote and measure quality. National leading specialist in palliative care have developed and promoted standards for care and excellence in this field, however, it is critical for palliative care programs to evaluate the manner and extent to which these standards are incorporated into their care. A program evaluation of an existing Palliative Care Program at a VA hospital was undertaken. National guidelines and standards, that specify preferred structures and …


Booking The Appointment: A Strategy To Reduce Readmissions In Heart Failure Patients, Lindsey Moran May 2013

Booking The Appointment: A Strategy To Reduce Readmissions In Heart Failure Patients, Lindsey Moran

Master's Theses, Dissertations, Graduate Research and Major Papers Overview

Heart failure (HF) is a chronic condition that is the cause for many hospitalizations in the United States. Hospital readmission is a common problem in many chronic conditions, especially heart failure. The purpose of this research was to determine if scheduling a follow-up appointment with a primary care provider (PCP) or cardiologist prior to hospital discharge decreases 30-day readmission rates in patients with a primary diagnosis of HF. A quasi-experimental, two-group study was performed at The Miriam Hospital, a 247-bed acute care hospital, with a sample of 60 patients. A retrospective chart audit was performed to determine if 30-day readmission …


An Exploration Of The Barriers In The Prevention And Control Of High Blood Pressure Among West African Immigrants In Rhode Island, Ntaobasi Patrick Udeh May 2013

An Exploration Of The Barriers In The Prevention And Control Of High Blood Pressure Among West African Immigrants In Rhode Island, Ntaobasi Patrick Udeh

Master's Theses, Dissertations, Graduate Research and Major Papers Overview

This is a report of a pilot study to explore the barriers to the prevention and control of high blood pressure by West African immigrants in Rhode Island. The incidence of high blood pressure is high in African Americans with many possible contributory factors documented. However, little is known about possible barriers to the control of high blood pressure among specific black ethnic populations such as West African immigrants living in Rhode Island. A qualitative research design employing a semi-structured interview was utilize to explore the issue. The barriers to high blood pressure management reported by these West Africans immigrants …


Implementation Of A Nurse-Driven Mobility Protocol In Critical Care, Kim M. Uustal May 2013

Implementation Of A Nurse-Driven Mobility Protocol In Critical Care, Kim M. Uustal

Master's Theses, Dissertations, Graduate Research and Major Papers Overview

Prolonged immobilization plays an important role in negative outcomes of critically ill patients. Immobility is widely documented in the literature as a cause of increased mortality and complications. Despite the growing evidence in support of early mobility, many ICUs are unable to effectively integrate early/progressive mobility into their daily practice. Literature supports early mobilization and physical therapy as a safe and effective intervention that can have a significant impact on functional outcomes. A progressive mobility tool may help to force a daily structured assessment of current mobility status, which supports the critical thinking process by the nurse and team to …


Nurses' Attitudes Towards Drug-Seekers In The Emergency Room, Megan E. Gernt Jan 2013

Nurses' Attitudes Towards Drug-Seekers In The Emergency Room, Megan E. Gernt

Master's Theses, Dissertations, Graduate Research and Major Papers Overview

Emergency department patients often present with a chief complaint of pain. There is a unique population of patients who present with this chief complaint in an effort to obtain narcotics for non-medical use. This population is often referred to as drug-seekers and there is little information available to define what exactly nurses mean when they use this term. This study utilized a descriptive survey design to gain a better understanding of nurses’ use of the term drug-seeker. Respondents agreed on a variety of behaviors that lead them to identify patients as drug-seeking and expressed a frustration with this population of …


School Based Nutrition And Exercise Program, Darlene L. Amalfitano May 2012

School Based Nutrition And Exercise Program, Darlene L. Amalfitano

Master's Theses, Dissertations, Graduate Research and Major Papers Overview

The purpose of this project was to develop a school-based nutrition and exercise program aimed at encouraging and teaching healthful lifestyle choices and facilitating behavior change. A premise of the program was that sustainable changes in diet and physical activity accomplished in childhood may be carried into adulthood and may assist in the prevention of obesity in later years. The Ecological Theory by Urie Bronfenbrenner and Nola Pender's Health Promotion Model (2006) were the frameworks that guided this program development. The program duration was six weeks, and sessions met two times per week with 4th, 5th, and 6th grade participants. …


Gangs And Social Policy, Karen N. Doucette May 2012

Gangs And Social Policy, Karen N. Doucette

Master's Theses, Dissertations, Graduate Research and Major Papers Overview

Youth involvement in gangs in urban areas is significantly increasing. These youth are at high risk for physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Exposure to community violence is linked to aggressive behavior, lower academic performance, lower levels of social competence, and negative mental health outcomes. The purpose of this paper is to set the agenda on how to deal with gangs and gang members from a social policy perspective. This paper will outline the nature of the gang problem in Providence, Rhode Island from three different perspectives: Violence, Forgiveness, and Practice. Literature will be presented and discussed and recommendations for …