Digital Commons Network^™

Occupational Sevoflurane Exposure And Awareness Of Health Effects Among Anesthesia Providers, Hayden Fell

Scholars Week

Key words:

Sevoflurane exposure Occupational safety CRNAs Anesthetic gas exposure Workplace hazard

The anesthetic gas sevoflurane is of unique interest amongst anesthesia providers as a potential workplace hazard. This project aimed to evaluate CRNA knowledge, clinical practices, symptoms, and perceptions related to occupational sevoflurane exposure amongst Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) at a regional hospital in Kentucky.

This quality improvement project used a pre- and post-intervention survey design. Ten CRNAs participated in the project. A pre-survey was given, followed by an educational session informing participants of guidelines regarding Sevoflurane exposure and literature findings of Sevoflurane as a potential workplace …

Belle Époque French Fashion: Understanding French Clothing Labels In Historical American Media, Meg E. Smith

Scholars Week

A period of French prosperity know as the Belle Epoque followed the Franco-Prussain War from 1871-1914. Within this time, Parisian Fashion would blossom and flourish with couturiers, fashion designers, rising in fame and influence within textile and clothing markets. Credit to this prosperity can be given to the second industrial revolution, the end of a long depression, and a dominating industry of luxury market goods production in tandem with a sharp increase in foreign trade. Foreign media, such as American newspapers, would display the array of reactions to the success of Parisian styles. Retail progression and the commercialization of leisure …

Nurses' Perceptions Of Dual-Signature Policy For Subcutaneous Insulin Administration : A Quality Improvement Project, Carolyn Sue Tinsley, Meryem Akay Kuzey, Michael Perlow

Scholars Week

Dissemination of Capstone project for DNP

Climate Rhythms And U.S Extremes, Brendan P. Horn

Scholars Week

There is no question that the United States has been hit hard by weather extremes — massive storms, long droughts, and everything in between. We’re often led to believe that our carbon footprint alone drives these events, but the reality is far more complex. While trapped warm water in the Gulf of Mexico can create significant problems, it is far more certain that global climate change follows natural cycles that many are unwilling to acknowledge.

This poster offers a small but clear picture of what truly drives extreme weather in the United States and what we can actually do about …

Assessing Environmental Changes Before And After The 2018 Kilauea Eruption In Leilani Estates, Hawaii, Rokeya Akter Liza

Scholars Week

The 2018 Kilauea eruption in Hawaii significantly impacted the natural landscape, especially in the Leilani Estates region. The aim of this study was to analyze and compare the environmental conditions of before and after eruption by applying remote sensing techniques. Landsat 8 satellite imagery was used for two different time periods as before the eruption (February 2018) and after the eruption (March 2019). ERDAS Imagine was used to process these images to evaluate the changes in vegetation and land cover. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was calculated for both pre- and post-eruption images to evaluate vegetation changes. Higher NDVI …

Evaluation Of Soil Properties Under Forested And Cropland Areas In Murray, Kentucky, Ramson K C, Shiba Hari Dhakal, Abinash Dhungana

Scholars Week

Soil health is shaped by its physical and chemical properties which are largely influenced by land use, affecting structure, fertility and water retention. The objective of this study was to determine key soil properties, and to evaluate their interrelationships in cultivated and forested areas of Western Kentucky. For this study, two representatives cultivated and two forested sites were selected with 6 replications each on September, 2025 in Murray, Kentucky. A total of 48 soil samples (24 disturbed and 24 undisturbed) were collected from the 0–7 cm soil layer. Disturbed soil samples were used to measure organic matter (OM) content in …

Comparing Effects Of Crop Rotation And Continuous Monocropping On Soil Chemical Properties: A Review Of Agricultural Practices In The U.S. Corn Belt, Shiba Hari Dhakal Shiba

Scholars Week

Soil chemical health is critical for sustaining long-term agricultural productivity in the U.S. Corn Belt, yet continuous monocropping of corn poses persistent challenges to soil organic matter, soil organic carbon, nutrient balance, and pH stability. This review synthesizes findings from long-term field studies to compare the impacts of crop rotation and continuous monocropping on soil organic matter (SOM), soil organic carbon (SOC), nutrient availability, and soil pH across the Corn Belt. Results consistently show that crop rotation enhances SOM and SOC through increased residue input, diverse root systems, and improved microbial activity, whereas continuous monocropping accelerates organic matter decomposition and …

The Effects Of Sun Exposure On The Intensity And Distribution Of Salamander Biofluorescence, Julianne Chairez

Scholars Week

Salamanders have been used in a variety of different experiments to  determine the health of various ecosystems. Biofluorescence was recently studied in  amphibians in a study done in 2020. Not much is known about all its functions,  more studies are needed to fully understand how it works and how it can be affected  by environmental factors. Learning more about the functions of salamander  biofluorescence could lead to a greater understanding of how pollutants and human  impacts can affect salamanders and the health of their ecosystems. This project  aims to focus on tiger salamander biofluorescence and how its distribution and  intensity …

Comparing A Normal (2005) And A Drought (2007) Year Crop Health Using Ndvi, Pratibha Adhikari

Scholars Week

Agricultural productivity in the southeastern United States is highly vulnerable to drought-induced crop stress, as interannual climate variability can markedly alter crop development and production dynamics. The main goal of this project is to assess how crop health in Calloway County changed between a normal year (2005) and an extreme drought year (2007) using Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and to evaluate the effectiveness of NDVI for monitoring crop stress. Cloud free Landsat images were acquired from USGS Earth Explorer. NDVI was produced for each year and a pixel-wise NDVI differencing image was created (ΔNDVI = NDVI_2007 − NDVI_2005). While …

Temperature And College Life, Porsha Purkiss, Quiniyah Shumpert, Olivia Lane

Scholars Week

Temperature and College Life

Absenteeism in college students can be caused by a variety of factors ranging from personal attitudes to environmental factors. Considering that, on average, American college students spend over $20,000  per semester on tuition, absenteeism is unlikely to be random (Barragan Torres, 2025). This study aims to explore how climate, mental health, socioeconomic status, and basic demographic information correlate with academic attendance, with an overall focus on outdoor temperature. Research observes that temperature is a key factor of absenteeism, determining that many students are incentivized to skip class if the temperature is warm enough for leisure activities …

Out In The Arena: Examining The Lgbtq+ Experience In Ihsa, Katharine C. Didier

Honors College Theses

This study investigated factors influencing Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) LGBTQ+ riders’ perceptions of inclusion, safety, and belonging, with the hypothesis that teams with diversity and inclusion policies would be perceived as more accepting. An online survey was developed to gather information from self-identified LGBTQ+ IHSA students. Questions covered demographics, team environment, and perceived inclusivity within their equestrian programs. Question types included multiple choice, Likert-type, short answer, and open-ended. IHSA coaches were asked to share the survey link with team members. Students were able to respond anonymously. The survey was open for 8 weeks. Reminders were sent out at 3 …

Exploring The Impact Of Cat Nutrition On Consumer Purchases: An Examination On Feline Microbiome, Health, And Owner Responses, Cassidy Curry

Honors College Theses

The gastrointestinal (GI) microbiome plays a critical role in feline health, influencing conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), kidney disease, and other digestive disorders. Diet is a major factor affecting microbial balance, yet many cat owners lack sufficient knowledge of feline nutrition. This may lead to suboptimal feeding practices that negatively impact microbiome stability. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between an owner’s nutritional knowledge and their pet food purchasing decisions. Specifically, it examined feeding schedule, food type and consistency, supplement use, and veterinary engagement. A 13- question survey was administered to 84 Murray State University Honors College …

The Significance Of Vaccine Education In Vaccination Status, Emma Webb

Honors College Theses

In recent years, more of the general population of the United States has become skeptical about vaccines and overall vaccination numbers have declined. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, vaccines have become somewhat of a controversial topic due to varying opinions about the adverse reactions and effectiveness of vaccines. The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a correlation between a person’s overall knowledge of vaccinations and a person’s vaccination status by asking a series of questions about the science used in vaccines and identifying the participant’s vaccination status in regards to influenza and Covid-19. This study also asked …

The Effects Of Body Mass Index On Fertility And In Vitro Fertilization, Morgan R. Kidd

Honors College Theses

In-vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most widely used type of assisted reproductive technology for treating infertility arising from a number of conditions. As obesity rates continue to climb in the United States, infertility has been discovered to have a direct correlation. Individuals that fall below or above the healthy body mass index range are found to have disrupted regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, resulting in diminished reproductive health. Those that are diagnosed as infertile due to conditions caused by the effects of low body mass index or high body mass index may seek assisted reproductive technologies to intervene in achieving …

Increasing Implementation Of Intimate Partner Violence Screenings In Patient Care To Improve Patient Outcomes, Emma Webb, Eliza Heinrich, Emma Foran

Scholars Week

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is an issue that affects every patient population, age group, and gender. In order to detect intimate partner violence among patients in a healthcare setting, it is proposed that a standardized screening tool be implemented. A policy was created to implement universal IPV screenings in a healthcare facility.

Improving Collaboration Between Rns And Crnas For Informed Consents, Bella Warren, Aliyah Frutiger

Scholars Week

This presentation focuses on improving collaboration and communication between Registered Nurses (RNs) and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) to help with the informed consent process for epidurals during labor. It emphasizes that obtaining informed consent during active labor can impair the patient’s cognitive function from pain and stress. The research shows that earlier education, prior to severe pain, improves the quality of comprehension the patient has during the process. Therefore they will be able to fully understand the risks, benefits and alternatives to epidural anesthesia.

Shared Decision-Making For Patient Compliance, Lydia Vernon, Breanna Day

Scholars Week

This evidence-based project focuses on shared decision-making between the healthcare team and the patient. As well as how this implementation affects patient compliance. An issue of patient noncompliance was brought to attention, and this project will address how shared decision-making interventions can decrease patients’ feelings of overwhelmingness and underpreparedness, ultimately leading to better compliance after discharge. By focusing on these interventions, patient compliance increases, and as a result, patient outcomes benefit, and readmission rates decline.

The Standardization Of Protocols For Lines And Drips In Complex Cases, Allee A. Rudolph

Scholars Week

Medication errors occur far too often, yet many can be prevented through simple measures such as intravenous line labeling. Clear, highly visible labels enable quick identification reducing the response time in critical situations. The incorporation of color-coding and icons can only enhance the ability to distinguish between the lines with confidence.

Reducing Falls Through Innovative Assessment Scales, Emily Oliver, Alisa Helt

Scholars Week

Fall occurrences remain an important issue in hospital settings that contribute to longer hospital stays, higher healthcare costs, and increased health risks for patients. This evidence based practice project evaluates current research that addresses how to reduce the amount of falls that occur in hospitals, specifically through innovative fall risk assessments. Key findings from the studies include the use of the Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care (AM-PAC) and the Modified Dionne’s Egress Test as a means to evaluate patients mobility function, and therefore gain a better understanding of how at risk a patient is for falls.

Implementation Of A Dual-Registered Nurse Skin Assessment Protocol To Reduce Hospital Acquired Pressure Injuries, Kaylie V. Newbold, Nishita Trivedi, Mckenzie Clendenen, Jariah Mcdaniel

Scholars Week

Hospital-acquired pressure injuries(HAPIs) remain a significant patient safety concern due to gaps in early detection, lack of structured skin assessments, and thorough documentation. This evidence based practice project proposes a dual-Registered Nurse skin assessment protocol, requiring two Registered Nurses to perform a full risk assessment and co-sign documentation, within two hours of hospital admission, and every 12 hours thereafter. Implementing these practices will improve accuracy, reduce missed injuries, further improve the use of other skin assessment tools such as the Braden Scale. This set of interventions promotes early detection, prevention, accountability, and improved patient outcomes, guided by the Health Promotion …

Reducing Nurse Burnout, Kaylee R. Mofield

Scholars Week

I presented an evidence-based project to a healthcare facility with interventions and a suggested policy change to help reduce nurse burnout. One suggested policy change I made was changing the staffing policy. Within this new policy I suggest that if the patient census was 25 patients it calls for 5 nurses, 17-20 patient calls for 4 nurses, 16 or less patients calls for 3 nurses; along with no calling off staff due to census but rather utilizing this staff as a float or resource nurse. Another suggestion I made was nursing leadership holding monthly “check-in” meetings separate from the monthly …

Improving Nursing Prioritization Of Feeding Assistance During Mealtimes, Samantha Luker, Julie Moyers

Scholars Week

This evidence-based project focuses on improving how nursing staff prioritize feeding assistance for residents in long-term care during mealtimes. Research shows that having clear staffing roles, education, and structured mealtime interventions can improve nutritional intake and decrease the risk of malnutrition. Implementing a consistent feeding assistance policy can help improve resident safety, satisfaction, and overall quality of care.

Fast Track In The Emergency Department, Raegan Luechtefeld, Ella Kjellberg

Scholars Week

Emergency departments nationwide all consistently work to improve efficiency and patient care, reduce wait times to be seen and length of stay, decrease overcrowding, and increase both staff and patient satisfaction. One way to utilize evidence-based practice and provide better patient outcomes is to implement “fast tracks” into emergency departments. This is used as a triage tool in order to separate critical patients from ones with minor illnesses and injuries. Fast tracks help to accomplish all of the stated goals by helping the providers and nurses to give more specialized and efficient care. The purpose of this evidence-based practice project …

Decreasing Wound Healing Times By Decreasing Stress Levels, Bayleigh S. Kraus, Colson Burnett, Kelsey Spann

Scholars Week

The relationship between stress levels and delayed wound healing needs to be further investigated, particularly in hospitalized and chronically ill patients. Research shows that psychological stress can impair immune function, reduce tissue regeneration, and prolong inflammation, all of which slow the healing process. It is important to explore how both acute and chronic stress affect different types of wounds, such as surgical incisions, pressure injuries, and diabetic ulcers. Additionally, identifying which stress-reduction interventions are most effective in improving healing outcomes is essential. Understanding these factors can help nurses implement targeted, evidence-based interventions to promote faster recovery.

Implementing Labor Plans To Increase Labor Satisfaction, Allyson G. Johnson, Emma G. Hancock, Kinley Edwards

Scholars Week

This scholarly presentation examines the implementation of a standardized birth plan tool within a healthcare facility to improve maternal birth satisfaction. The project focuses on enhancing patient-provider communication, supporting shared decision-making, and ensuring that patient preferences are clearly documented and respected throughout labor and delivery. Findings suggest that integrating a structured birth plan tool may increase maternal satisfaction and promote more patient-centered obstetric care.

Reducing 30-Day Readmissions: Simplifying Discharge, Olivia Hibbs

Scholars Week

Hospital readmissions within 30 days remain a major challenge for healthcare systems and are often linked to ineffective discharge communication and low patient health literacy. Improving discharge planning through simplified instructions, early education, and the teach-back method can help ensure patients understand their medications, follow-up care, and warning signs after leaving the hospital. Strengthening communication and care coordination during the transition from hospital to home may improve patient outcomes and reduce preventable readmissions.

Meds-To-Beds Improving Medication Adherence, Hannah Draper, Regan Ashby, Ryan Rieke

Scholars Week

The Meds-to-Beds program improves medication adherence by delivering prescribed medications directly to patients before hospital discharge, ensuring timely access and reducing barriers such as transportation or pharmacy delays. By incorporating bedside education from pharmacists, patients gain a clearer understanding of their medications, which enhances confidence and proper use. This coordinated approach has been shown to decrease readmission rates and improve overall patient outcomes.

Implementing A Health Literacy Assessment To Reduce Readmissions, Saiylor M. Beecham, Jewel Render, Bethany Pruitt

Scholars Week

This presentation examines the impact of limited health literacy on patient outcomes, highlighting its role in medication errors and hospital readmissions. Grounded in Dorothea Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Theory, it emphasizes the importance of implementing standardized, non-stigmatizing health literacy assessments to improve nurse-patient communication and patient understanding. Evidence-based strategies such as teach-back methods and plain language education are recommended to enhance patient safety and reduce preventable readmissions.

Monitoring Of Dissolved Calcium Levels In Creeks, Embayment, And Kentucky Lake Waters In Western Kentucky, Majeda Dalloul

Posters-at-the-Capitol

In order to reduce economic and ecological impacts from aquatic alien species, studies are warranted across major taxonomic groups, geographic regions, and habitat types. This study addressed the dissolved calcium levels in Kentucky Lake and its implications for one of the top- ranked invasive species, the zebra mussel, and its colonization. Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) are well known for their “biofouling” capabilities, costing billions of dollars (for northeastern and midwestern states) in their removal from industrial, public, and power plant water supply lines. Calcium is one of the essential elements that contribute to the growth and reproduction of zebra mussels. …

Mental Health First Aid Training In K-12 Schools, Jenna L. Workman, Brianna L. Schierberg, Grace H. Sullivan, Erin Robinson

Posters-at-the-Capitol

The increasing prevalence of mental health challenges among school-aged children has become a rising public health concern. Recent data indicates that nearly 70% of schools report heightened mental health problems among students, with anxiety and depression being most common (National Center for Education Statistics, 2024). The purpose of this capstone project is to raise awareness of mental health issues in K–12 public schools and to increase faculty and staff confidence in recognizing and assisting students experiencing mental health difficulties through nurse-led Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training. Using Peplau’s Interpersonal Relations Theory as a guiding framework, this project emphasizes the …