Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy,
2015
Otterbein University
Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy, April Britton
Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)
Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) is one of the most common epilepsies of childhood (Korff, Nordli, & Eichler, 2014). JME typically occurs in otherwise healthy teenagers, and is characterized by one or more of the following seizure types: myoclonic jerks, generalized tonic clonic seizures, and absence seizures (Korff, Nordli, & Eichler, 2014). JME is thought to have genetically mediated factors (Park, Shahid, & Jammoul, 2015). JME is considered to be gender equal (Korff, Nordli, & Eichler, 2014). Most JME patients are diagnosed between 12 and 18 years of age (Korff, Nordli, & Eichler, 2014). Triggers linked to onset of seizure activity …
Prevalence Of Sepsis In Pediatric Populations,
2015
Otterbein University
Prevalence Of Sepsis In Pediatric Populations, Brittany Barnes
Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)
Sepsis and more specifically septic shock in the pediatric population is a diagnosis that is full of complexities. There are instances where a neutropenic oncology patient observes a better outcome than a previously healthy patient who is suffering from the same pathogen related sepsis. Sepsis is the 10th leading cause of death according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and each year between 20,000 and 42,000 children are diagnosed with severe sepsis (Riley & Wheeler, 2012). Even with significant advances in medical treatment, sepsis is still associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. A retrospective study of patient …
Cardiac Tamponade,
2015
Otterbein University
Cardiac Tamponade, Ashley Miner
Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)
The topic the author chose to research is cardiac tamponade. Cardiac tamponade occurs when fluid builds up in the pericardial cavity, which is the cavity that surrounds the heart. Cardiac tamponade can occur due to various reasons, including myocardial infarctions, pericarditis, traumas, and placement of pacer wires. Palpitations, chest pain, and shortness of breath are common symptoms that occur with cardiac tamponade. Pericardiocentesis and a pericardial window are two interventions that are commonly used to treat cardiac tamponade. Cardiac tamponade is a medical emergency and without any intervention, may lead to cardiac arrest and possible death. The author chose cardiac …
Marfan Syndrome In Athletes,
2015
Otterbein University
Marfan Syndrome In Athletes, Chelsey Hastings
Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)
Genetic disorders are widely misunderstood in our society and can lead to early mortality. Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a genetic disorder that affects connective tissue (Harris, Croce, & Tian, 2014). Antoine Marfan, a French pediatrician, first described this disease in 1896 (Elshershari & Harris, 2014). MFS can manifest in several different organ systems. The cardiovascular complications of aortic dilation and dissection often account for the morbidity associated with this disease (Harris et al., 2014). Understanding the inheritance, pathophysiology, and treatment of MFS is important for the advanced practice nurse (APN). Prevalence of the disease is approximately two per 10,000 individuals, …
Raising Awareness: Polycystic Kidney Disease,
2015
Otterbein University
Raising Awareness: Polycystic Kidney Disease, Dana Dendinger
Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)
A young male patient was recently admitted to the intensive care unit at a local hospital with hypertensive urgency and acute renal failure of unknown etiology. A renal ultrasound showed polycystic kidneys and upon further investigation, it was discovered that the patient’s mother passed away last year from end stage renal failure related to polycystic kidney disease (PKD). The aforementioned case and the recent study into inherited disorders are what prompted further investigation into PKD. Liebau and Serra (2013) explain that “inherited cystic kidney diseases, autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) and autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD), are the …
Identifying Acute Organ Dysfunction As A Marker Of Severe Sepsis,
2015
Otterbein University
Identifying Acute Organ Dysfunction As A Marker Of Severe Sepsis, Daniell Mcsweeney
Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)
The current definition of sepsis is suspected or documented infection plus at least one systemic manifestation of infection. Severe sepsis has been defined as sepsis plus evidence of organ dysfunction. Identifying acute organ dysfunction is a marker of severe sepsis. This topic was chosen after witnessing a number a patients fall into septic shock before severe sepsis was diagnosed and treatment initiated. Diagnosis of severe sepsis is important for specific protocol to be implemented in a timely fashion. The current differentiation between sepsis and severe sepsis is evidence of organ dysfunction. There are many examples of organ dysfunction that are …
Implications Of Underlying Pathophysiology Of Osteomyelitis In Diabetics For Nursing Care,
2015
Otterbein University
Implications Of Underlying Pathophysiology Of Osteomyelitis In Diabetics For Nursing Care, Danielle Spencer
Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)
Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone caused by either bacteria, fungi, parasites, viruses or mycobacteria (McCance, et. al., 2014). The infection can enter bone either through an outside source or through the blood from a blood borne infection (McCance, et. al., 2014). The most common bacteria involved with osteomyelitis is Staphylococcus aureus (Hatzenbuehler & Pulling, 2011, p. 1027). Recently, at Dublin Methodist Hospital there has been an increase in the number of osteomyelitis cases in chronic uncontrolled diabetic patients requiring below the knee amputations. Two of the cases specifically were linked to chronic diabetic foot ulcers. Each of these …
Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis (Wegner’S) : Often Mistaken For Tuberculosis,
2015
Otterbein University
Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis (Wegner’S) : Often Mistaken For Tuberculosis, Dawn Palumbo
Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)
The exact cause of GPA has yet to be identified. Dinić et al. (2013) defines GPA/WG as “anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCAs)- associated systemic vasculitis of unknown etiology” (p. 887). According to Alam, Dastider, Ahmed, and Rabbani (2012) both cellular and humoral immunity are thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of wegener’s granulomatosis. “ The initial pathologic lesion is granuloma believed to be caused by cellular immune process. The strong association on C-ANCA with this disease suggests the role of humoral immunity” (Alam et al., 2014, p. 98). Huang et al. (2013) suggest, “The main pathological features of limited Wegeners’ …
Pathological Jaundice,
2015
Otterbein University
Pathological Jaundice, Dianna Contosta
Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)
Neonatal jaundice is a common condition present in infants after birth. It is caused by elevated bilirubin in the blood. It can affect up to 84% of term infants and is one of the most common cause for hospital readmission for the neonatal department (Muchowski, 2014). It typically appears within 24 hours of life and is normally present in otherwise healthy newborns. Physiologic jaundice, also known as unconjugated bilirubin, is a normal process that happens in neonates because the hepatic system is not matured yet (Kirk, 2008). Majority of the time physiologic jaundice resolves on its own. Pathological jaundice, also …
Antithyroid Drug-Induced Agranulocytosis,
2015
Otterbein University
Antithyroid Drug-Induced Agranulocytosis, Elizabeth Spears
Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)
We live in a culture that is busy and constantly on the go. With little time to spare, often symptoms of an alteration in bodily function are pushed to the side and attribute to the stress of everyday life. With symptoms including nausea, fatigue, weight loss, nervousness, and irritability, one may be more inclined to disregard these symptoms, only to attribute them to effects of a busy lifestyle. The presentation of the previously listed symptoms can formulate a medical diagnosis of hyperthyroidism. According to the American Thyroid Association, 20 million Americans will develop some type of alteration in thyroid function …
Gout As A Significant Risk Factor For Cardiovascular Disease: A Case Study,
2015
Otterbein University
Gout As A Significant Risk Factor For Cardiovascular Disease: A Case Study, Emily Leonhard
Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)
Gout, an inflammatory arthritis caused by elevated serum uric acid levels, is emerging as a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Recently, a nurse practitioner (NP) was caring for a patient who was suffering from a particularly severe gout attack while being treated in the ICU for new onset Atrial Fibrillation. The patient reported that he had never had an attack this severe before. He asked the NP if his history of gout could be related to his recent heart problems. The nurse practitioner, in order to answer the patient’s question, spent time researching the disease process of gout, …
Malignant Hyperthermia: A Clinical Crisis,
2015
Otterbein University
Malignant Hyperthermia: A Clinical Crisis, Eric Reing
Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)
Malignant hyperthermia, though uncommon, is a serious and life threatening condition. Malignant hyperthermia is an autosomal dominant disorder that affects skeletal muscle. It can be caused by various general anesthetic agents like succinylcholine and several inhaled anesthetics. Malignant hyperthermia is a relevant topic to certified registered nurse anesthetists due to the potentially fatal result if not recognized and treated promptly. In understanding the pathophysiology, risk factors, signs and symptoms, epidemiology, and current treatments the health care provider can help to prevent complications due to this disorder (Nagelhout, 2014).
Malignant Hyperthermia,
2015
Otterbein University
Malignant Hyperthermia, Hailey Jones
Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)
According to the Malignant Hyperthermia Association of the United States (2015), “Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a potentially fatal, inherited disorder usually associated with the administration of certain general anesthetics and/or the drug succinylcholine.” Malignant hyperthermia has been presented to me during hospital skills days over the past year due to the increased need for knowledge regarding this topic. I choose this topic because I find it interesting due to the fact that I could encounter this in the remainder of my days in the intensive care unit, but most importantly because I will be dealing with these drugs on a …
Acute Immune Thrombocytopenia Purpura,
2015
Otterbein University
Acute Immune Thrombocytopenia Purpura, Erin Woodworth
Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)
Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), formerly known as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, is a relatively rare, but potentially life threatening autoimmune disorder that involves the destruction of platelets by autoantibodies. The resultant decreased platelet count leaves the patient at risk for excessive bruising and bleeding (Hunt, 2010). ITP can occur in both adults and children, and also occurs as an acute or chronic disorder. It is thought that the cause of acute ITP may differ from that of chronic ITP, however, the underlying disease processes that occur are very similar (Johnsen, 2012). Acute ITP, the most common form of the disease, most …
Type Ii Diabetes And Its Treatment,
2015
Otterbein University
Type Ii Diabetes And Its Treatment, Gregory Mountain
Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)
Approximately 28.9 million Americans have been diagnosed with type II diabetes (Jia-Haur Hu, Lin, Miller, Nguyen, & Nguyen, 2014). It is a disease that can cause or potentiate numerous comorbidities that negatively affects multiple body systems if left untreated (Jia-Haur Hu, et al., 2014). In 2012, the total estimated cost for treatment of type II diabetes in America was an astronomical $245 billion (Jia-Haur Hu, et al., 2014). Type II diabetes is a result of many cellular processes that lead to insulin resistance resulting in increased blood glucose levels (Jia-Haur Hu, et al., 2014). Treatments for type II diabetes include …
Nonimmune Hydrops Fetalis,
2015
Otterbein University
Nonimmune Hydrops Fetalis, Heather Walker
Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)
Hydrops fetalis is an excessive accumulation of fluid within the fetal extravascular compartments and body cavities generally characterized by: •placental enlargement •ascites •pericardial effusions •pleural effusions (Bellini, 2014, p. 1082). Nonimmune hydrops fetalis (NIHF) develops as a result of one or more nonimmune factors, distinguishing it from immune hydrops fetalis that results from a maternal antigen-body fetal antigen-mediated red blood cell hemolysis (Randenberg, 2010, p. 281).
Lyme Disease: A Tick’S Risky Bite,
2015
Otterbein University
Lyme Disease: A Tick’S Risky Bite, Jana Keller
Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)
Lyme Disease is a bacterial infection transmitted primarily by the deer tick and is commonly seen in the United States. It is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is a spirochete (Pearson, 2014). Lyme disease’s prevalence is confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions whom estimates that 30,000 people per year are diagnosed with Lyme disease in the Unites States (Moore, 2015). It is imperative that primary health care workers (such as Nurse Practitioners) are familiar with this disease and the early signs and symptoms. If early signs and symptoms go unnoticed or misdiagnosed …
Basal Cell Carcinoma—A Preventable Disease,
2015
Otterbein University
Basal Cell Carcinoma—A Preventable Disease, Jamie Weaver
Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a nonmelanoma skin cancer. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, “BCC is the most frequently occurring form of all skin cancers. More than one out of every three new cancers is a skin cancer, and the vast majority are BCC’s” (www.skincancer.org). Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays is one of the main risk factors in developing a BCC. People with a lighter skin tone are at a higher risk of developing a BCC than those with a darker skin tone.
Nash: Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis,
2015
Otterbein University
Nash: Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis, Jennifer Heck
Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver disease which refers to the presence of hepatic steatosis without significant intake of alcohol. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease develops in a variety of forms from reversible simple steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which if left unchecked can progress to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and even develop into hepatocellular carcinoma (Mells et al., 2014). NAFLD is thought to be nonthreatening, but with progression over several years could lead to NASH. A strong link between obesity and NASH has been shown. In addition to obesity, insulin resistance (type II diabetes mellitus), and hyperlipidemia all …
Autoimmune Thyroiditis: A Look Into Hashimoto’S Disease,
2015
Otterbein University
Autoimmune Thyroiditis: A Look Into Hashimoto’S Disease, Jessica Hannan
Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)
Thyroid disease is a general term utilized to describe a variety of conditions affecting the thyroid gland, including hypothyroidism, the deficient production of thyroid hormone; hyperthyroidism, the excess production of thyroid hormone; and goiter, the physiologic swelling of the thyroid gland (Cihakova, 2001; Warren, 2014). Primary hypothyroidism is the most prevalent thyroid disease in the United States, most frequently occurring as a result of chronic autoimmune thyroiditis, specifically Hashimoto’s Disease (Warren, 2014). Hashimoto’s disease (HD), also known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and human autoimmune thyroiditis, was named after Hakaru Hashimoto, a Japanese medical scientist who first described the condition in 1912 …
