Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Prenatal Alcohol And Nicotine Exposure And The Subsequent Cognitive And Behavioral Deficits Seen In Children, Abigail P. Stewart

Senior Honors Theses

Prenatal alcohol and nicotine exposure have well known physiological effects on the fetus. However, it is the goal of this thesis to inform the reader of of the deleterious effects that these substances can have on cognitive and behavioral development in children. A literature review in relation to this topic was conducted through online databases using key words. Though some of the results were inconsistent, enough evidence exists for women to be educated on the increased risks for cognitive and behavioral deficits in children exposed to alcohol and nicotine in utero.

A Review Of The Evidence: Prewarming Adults Prior To General Anesthesia In The Prevention Of Unplanned Perioperative Hypothermia, Paige F. Wrigley

Senior Honors Theses

Unplanned perioperative hypothermia (UPH), a common event in the surgical setting, is associated with many adverse patient outcomes. In current perioperative practice, patient core temperature is monitored and active warming interventions are implemented during the intraoperative and postoperative phases in response to UPH. The literature suggests preoperative warming of patients as a proactive measure may be more effective in the prevention of UPH. In the form of an integrative review, this thesis seeks to address the research question: For adult patients undergoing general anesthesia, how does preoperative warming compared to no preoperative warming affect UPH incidence? A database search yields …

Osteoporosis In Men, Seunggee Hong

Senior Honors Theses

Osteoporosis is a progressive bone disease that is characterized by a decrease in bone mass and density. Osteoporosis can occur in both genders. Women are more likely to be diagnosed with osteoporosis. Since men have larger bones than women, it is difficult to diagnose osteoporosis. However, presently, the occurrence rate of osteoporosis in men is increasing. It is very important to be aware of an increase of the true frequency of osteoporosis in men which is essential for prevention and long-term health. The purpose of this thesis is to examine pathogenesis of osteoporosis, hormone-related factors, lifestyle, diet, and exercise habits …

Relationships Between Experiential Learning And Effects On Senior Nursing Students’ Self-Efficacy And Knowledge: A Non-Experimental Predictive Correlation Multiple Regression Analysis, Shanna Akers

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Preparing nursing students to transition into the professional registered nurse role is the task of nurse educators. These educators must train students to function in multiple nursing specialties post-graduation, to include critical care. As more nursing graduates enter into areas such as intensive care units and emergency rooms, nurse educators must prepare them to work with critically ill patients. Increased exposure to critical care clinical experiences and simulations may be one method to prepare them for these complex, high-acuity patient situations. In order to determine whether or not a relationship exists between increased hours of experience and effects on self-efficacy …

The Short- And Long-Term Effects Of Child Abuse And Their Implications For The Suggested Length Of Physical And Psychosocial Treatment Regimens, Christine M. Ruff

Senior Honors Theses

Child abuse is the physical, psychological, or neglectful maltreatment of a child by a caregiver. Intimate partner violence relates closely to child mistreatment. Children are not likely to disclose that their parent or guardian is abusing them. Child abuse may result in short-term consequences, long-term consequences, or death. Some negative outcomes of maltreatment include delinquency, mental health issues, physical problems, educational underachievement, and socioeconomic disparities. The cycle of mistreatment is when a parent who suffered abuse as a child is more likely to maltreat his or her own child. There are factors that protect from the consequences of mistreatment. Research …

Thermal Burns And Smoke Inhalation Injuries, Anna Cox

The Kabod

In this pathophysiology paper, the reader is presented with a profile of an elderly patient who recently suffered thermal burns and smoke inhalation injuries as a result of a nursing home fire. This patient’s severe burns were classified as deep partial-thickness and full-thickness and her total body surface area (TBSA) of burns was over 15%. This paper details the different types of burns, the varying clinical manifestations of thermal burns, smoke inhalation injuries, laboratory values associated with burns, and the multitude of treatment necessary for each stage of burn management. Wound healing is described as well as potential risks and …

Pain Management In The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Holly N. Hagy

Montview Journal of Research & Scholarship

While pain management in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) was thought to be useless due to the infants’ inabilities to experience pain, research has confirmed that infants can and do experience pain at the same, if not greater, level of intensity as adults experience pain. Painful stimuli cause a system-wide sympathetic nervous system response that can cause damage when prolonged or unmanaged. There are multitudes of ways to treat an infant’s pain, but there seems to be a discrepancy between the knowledge that health care workers have regarding pain management in the NICU and the actual implementation of that …

Use Of Immunotherapy In The Treatment Of Peanut Allergies In The Pediatric Population, Bethany Rauscher

Senior Honors Theses

Peanut allergies are a serious issue that must be monitored and treated effectively to avoid severe adverse effects and death. In the last decade, their incidence has increased significantly, due to indeterminate factors. Because people typically do not outgrow peanut allergies and the effects of exposure can be life-threatening, it is important that a cure or management method is developed and refined. Recent research regarding treatment for peanut allergies has focused on the use of immunotherapy, a process aimed at desensitizing children's immune systems so that they do not reject foods that contain peanuts. Some studies utilizing immunotherapy have provided …

The Correlation Between Maternal Diabetes And Birth Defects, Erin Stanton

Senior Honors Theses

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common health problems in the United States, and it is shown to have negative outcomes in infants born to women who are diabetic. Although gestational diabetes mellitus is linked with a few birth defects, research has shown that women with pre-gestational diabetes mellitus have an increased risk of giving birth to infants with birth defects. Among all the defects studied, cardiac and neural tube defects occur most commonly. Appropriate measures should be taken to provide patient teaching, as well as appropriate and effective prenatal care, to women who are at the highest risk …

Pain Management In The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Holly N. Hagy

Senior Honors Theses

While pain management in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) was thought to be useless due to the infants’ inabilities to experience pain, research has confirmed that infants can and do experience pain at the same, if not greater, level of intensity as adults experience pain. Painful stimuli cause a system-wide sympathetic nervous system response that can cause damage when prolonged or unmanaged. There are multitudes of ways to treat an infant’s pain, but there seems to be a discrepancy between the knowledge that health care workers have regarding pain management in the NICU and the actual implementation of that …

Diabetes Self-Management Education For Adolescent Patients: The Importance Of A Developmentally Sensitive Approach, Laura Mumme

Senior Honors Theses

The attention of healthcare providers to the developmental level of adolescent patients with type one diabetes (T1D) maximizes effective patient education and glycemic control. Due to the dynamic changes that occur in the mind and body during adolescence, self-care for adolescent T1D patients is overwhelming as it envelopes activities of everyday life. The disease process and the unique aspects of adolescence in relation to T1D are important for caregivers to consider. Developmentally appropriate teaching during the initial onset of the disease must inform the patient and the patient’s family of the basics of the disease process and the daily care …

Statins And Kidney Failure, Rebekah Pemberton

Senior Honors Theses

Use of the HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors, also known as statins, in patients with renal dysfunction is laden with controversy. Studies on statin use in renal patients have given varying reports. Some research has indicated that these medications may exacerbate existing renal dysfunction and induce further progression of renal disease. Furthermore, some researchers have suggested statins may actually cause some cases of renal dysfunction through the effects of rhabdomyolysis, acute interstitial nephritis, or necrotizing immune-mediated myopathy, while other researchers have asserted that the statins can have nephroprotective effects. The use of statins is believed to be ineffective in patients who are …

Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Autoimmune Deficiency Syndrome: A Pathophysiology And Cultural Perspective Of Treatment In Sub-Saharan Africa, Kari N. Stanley

Senior Honors Theses

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that attacks the body’s immune system increasing risk for development of opportunistic infections and ultimately acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Without treatment HIV can run its course within 10 years; however, several categories of antiretroviral therapy now exist that have various mechanisms of action designed to stop a patient’s viral load from increasing so rapidly. The prevalence and risk for transmission is highest in Sub-Saharan Africa where resources and access to treatment is limited and underutilized. In order for health care providers to begin changing the statistics, cultural competence must be the foundation …

Childhood Type Ii Diabetes: The Risks And Complications, Danielle R. Kapke

Senior Honors Theses

Type II Diabetes Mellitus is an endocrine disorder that affects people of all ages. Type II Diabetes was once considered adult-onset diabetes, as it was nearly exclusively diagnosed in adults. Over the last three decades, the number of children diagnosed with Type II Diabetes has greatly increased. This rapid increase in childhood Type II Diabetes has prompted researchers to investigate why the epidemic exists and what its life-long ramifications may be for those diagnosed. Childhood Type II Diabetes is a heterogeneous disorder, meaning it is caused by both genetic and environmental factors. The incidence of childhood Type II Diabetes can …

The Benefits Of Breastfeeding, Helen L. Byers

Senior Honors Theses

It is important to educate women of childbearing age, their families, and society of the benefits that breastfeeding has over bottle-feeding and formula-feeding. The benefits of breastfeeding are in three main categories. First, the developmental, physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits of the baby will be discussed. Then the physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits for the mother will be talked about along with possible contraindications or difficulties. Finally, the financial benefits of breastfeeding over feeding an infant from the bottle will be discussed as it relates to the family and government. The goal is to persuade that breastfeeding is a superior …

Attitudes Towards An Evidence-Based Clinical Decision Support Tool To Reduce Exposure To Ionizing Radiation, Raymond Zakhari

Faculty Publications and Presentations

Patients who suffer minor brain injuries experience unnecessary ionizing radiation in the form of a non-contrast head CT scan despite the dearth of evidence supporting standard CT scans for all brain injuries. Exposure to ionizing radiation increases the incidence of certain types of cancer. This evidence-based practice change project assesses the attitude of clinicians towards evidence-based clinical decision support tools, specifically the Canadian CT head rule. The use of highly sensitive clinical decision support tools is supported in the literature to help healthcare providers mitigate the risk associated with unnecessary use of CT scan imaging studies. The project was conducted …

Microbial Exposure And Asthma: Applying Strachan’S Hygiene Hypothesis To Nursing Practice, Elisabeth M. Campbell

Senior Honors Theses

The incidence of asthma has risen significantly in recent decades. Asthma is a complex disease process affected by multiple factors including environmental exposure, genetics, epigenetics, and lifestyle. In 1989, the hygiene hypothesis was proposed based on Strachan’s findings suggesting increased exposure to microbes may have protective benefits against allergic rhinitis and eczema. Since that time, research in this arena has exploded as investigators seek to establish a causal link between increased microbial exposure and decreased incidence of allergic disease. The aim of this literature review is to synthesize the current research regarding Strachan’s hygiene hypothesis and identify the nursing implications …

The Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative, Kathryn E. Brackett

Senior Honors Theses

Abstract

The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) is a worldwide movement started by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) that is aimed at providing hospitals with a certification that guarantees the best possible patient-centered care for mothers and infants. It focuses on breastfeeding as optimal infant nutrition, and implements strategies to encourage and support mothers to breastfeed their infants exclusively for six months after birth. The Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding are a set of 10 simple, easy to understand guidelines developed by WHO and UNICEF for implementing this initiative in the hospital setting and …

Women’S Understanding Of The Effects Of Obesity On Pregnancy, Rachel A. Daniel

Senior Honors Theses

Obesity is a serious issue and is becoming a significant problem around the world. Obesity in general causes and complicates many health problems. As obesity increases in the population at large, the incidence of obesity in pregnancy continues to increase. Obesity during pregnancy has been linked in numerous studies to multiple complications, and the issues and risks have been clearly established. Also becoming pregnant or having multiple pregnancies increases the likelihood of developing obesity. Obese women of childbearing age many times do not even know these risks exist. There is a need to educate these women before they become pregnant, …

Childhood Obesity And Familial Hypercholesterolemia: Genetic Diseases That Contribute To Cardiovascular Disease, Alyssa Caudle

Senior Honors Theses

Childhood obesity occurs as the result of an imbalance between caloric intake and energy expenditure. Genetic risk factors for obesity have become an area of research due to its permanency. Mutated genes such as Fat Mass and Obesity Associated (FTO), Leptin (LEP), Leptin Receptor (LEPR), Melanocortin 4 Receptor (MC4R), Adiponectin C1Q and Collagen Domain Containing (ADIPOQ), Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 1 (PCSK1), and Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma (PPARG) all contribute to the development of childhood obesity. In the presence of high cholesterol caused by obesity, the genetic condition known as familial hypercholesterolemia is exacerbated. Familial hypercholesterolemia is caused by a …

Caring For Caregivers: Assessing Grief And Coping Of Pediatric Palliative Care Nurses, Sophia Undseth

2014-2016 Undergraduate

The definition and implementation of pediatric palliative care has been increasingly studied in recent years. Within the United States, where children generally have adequate nutrition and access to advanced technology, the population of dying children is relatively small. Nevertheless, the number of pediatric patients suffering from both cancer and other chronic and life-threatening diseases has increased. While there has been a focus upon the need for support of the child and the family, the emotional response and grief of the caregivers, especially nurses, has often gone unnoticed. The five different kinds of loss that may be experienced by caregivers help …

Impact Of Family Presence In The Healthcare Setting, Michelle Mccabe

Senior Honors Theses

Family presence at the patient’s bed side is promoted and encouraged within the healthcare arena. Healthcare staff strive for reports of satisfaction from patients and families. Positive and negative outcomes of family presence on units within the hospital have been assessed, with suggestions for visitation practices and solutions for common concerns. Positive patient outcomes, including accelerated recovery time, increased reports of comfort, and decreased duration of hospital stay are the ultimate goals of hospital care. Research shows that patient outcomes are impacted greatly by family presence. Patient- and family-centered care represent the future model of healthcare. Knowledge of these policies …

The Benefits Of Breastfeeding, Avery Kordus

Senior Honors Theses

Breastfeeding research is plentiful, and the majority of the literature shows that breast milk is the superior form of infant nutrition except in the rare circumstances of infant metabolic disorders, maternal drug use, or positive HIV status. In comparison to formula, breast milk provides improved cognition, development, behavior, bonding, nutrition, digestion, immunity, and long-term health with fewer diseases and conditions in infants. Mothers are benefited by breastfeeding through bonding, faster weight loss, and reduction in certain cancers and conditions. Breast milk contains the proper amount of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, and is also specialized for each infant and …

Perception, Expression And Management Of The Pain Of Childbirth, Mary H. Christenson

Senior Honors Theses

In order to be a competent nurse on an American labor and delivery unit it is important to have an understanding of the pain of childbirth. This includes a thorough understanding of pain as a sensation and its manifestation during the birthing experience. An understanding of pain is useless, however, unless standardized pain assessment practices are used. The most accurate pain assessment is associated with a general understanding of cultural trends in pain perception and expression. Along with culture, other factors also influence how a woman senses and copes with the pain of labor. Anxiety is one of these influential …

The Effects Of Nursing Care On The Patient Experiencing A Stillborn Birth, Katherine Totten

Senior Honors Theses

Childbirth has the potential of being one of the most joyous and fulfilling experiences a woman goes through in her entire life. Being a mom, driving the kids to soccer practice, and sitting around the Christmas tree with the family can easily be seen as an ideal life. Conversely, the negative experiences with childbirth are rarely discussed. There is an overlooked category: moms who conceive but lose the baby in the womb. Not only are these women overlooked, but also the hospital care they receive proves inconsistent with the latest research. Nurses and doctors should be aware of the latest …

Malnutrition And Diseases Affecting The Children Of Uganda, Crystal Brooke Baldwin

Senior Honors Theses

Every day there are children in underdeveloped countries, such as Uganda, who are struggling to survive on minimal food, money, and other resources. These children do not have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of a normal childhood because their main focus is on survival. Many of these children will die because of preventable disease and starvation that have resulted from the endless cycle of poverty and lack of education. Those who are lucky enough to survive must fight a daily battle to find the nutrients they need and to combat the diseases they may acquire. It is heartbreaking to …

Nurses’ Perspectives On Neonatal Massage Therapy In The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Kayla R. Hanson

Senior Honors Theses

Research in neonatal massage therapy has shown many possible benefits to the baby and family. Though there has been a growing trend towards family-centered care, along with a substantial and growing body of research, the practice of neonatal massage therapy is not routine in most NICUs. This study was conducted to evaluate neonatal intensive care nurses’ perspectives and attitudes towards neonatal massage therapy before and after evidence-based education. Willingness to discuss benefits of neonatal massage therapy significantly increased after education on neonatal massage therapy. The findings suggest that with proper training on the techniques and safety monitoring of massage therapy, …

Providing Holistic And Spiritual Nursing Care, Jessika D. Gore

Senior Honors Theses

Holistic nursing is care of the whole person, which addresses physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and relational aspects of health. Historically, nursing has always integrated these aspects into providing care. Nursing developed out of religious orders and was predominantly a way to serve God by serving the poor and the sick. Florence Nightingale believed that nursing was her calling from God and her faith and spirituality influenced every aspect of her care. Nurses today are often fearful of addressing the spiritual needs of their patients, despite research that demonstrates the importance of providing care in these areas. Nurses can use interventions …

Travesty Of Trust: A Critical Look At Racial And Ethnic Discrimination In The Healthcare Setting, Thea A. Beaty

Senior Honors Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to review the overarching purpose of healthcare, examine race-related disparities in minority patient outcomes within specific fields of medical practice, and discuss whether these disparities are the result of racial discrimination within the clinical setting, or are due at least partially to genetic and environmental factors, followed by an examination of how cross-cultural education for healthcare professionals can be improved to equip medical personnel with the attitudes, knowledge, and skills necessary to provide effective care to a culturally diverse patient populace. The benefits of recruiting a culturally and linguistically diverse team of healthcare providers …

The Challenges And Blessings Of Missionary Nursing In Africa, Jordan E. Woosley

Senior Honors Theses

Nursing is a popular career choice in the twenty-first century, and there are many opportunities within the profession to serve. An American nurse has the ability to utilize nursing skills in Africa and share knowledge with the locals. The American nurse may face challenges when adapting to the African culture and healthcare but also may be blessed by the work and ministering to the people. The American nurse faces specific challenges such as educational differences, lack of facilities and equipment, unique diseases, and poor sanitation. In spite of these challenges, the American missionary nurse is able to grow through this …