Digital Commons Network^™

Educating Anesthesia Providers On The Physiological Effects And Anesthesia Implications Of Cannabis, Carmel Loud

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

In the U.S., currently 37 states have legalized cannabis for medicinal use prescribed by qualified medical professionals (National Conference of State Legislatures [NCSL], 2022). In 2012, the legalization of recreational cannabis began; as of 2022, 19 states have legalized the recreational use of marijuana (NCSL, 2022). This project aimed to optimize care for patients using cannabis by increasing anesthesia provider knowledge about cannabis. The project's aim was accomplished through a thorough review of the current medical literature and implementation of education to anesthesia providers about the physiological effects and anesthesia implications of cannabis. Thirteen CRNAs took a pre- and post-quiz …

Application Of Ultrasound For Difficult Vascular Access In Obstetric Patients, Carly Mccleland

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

This project aimed to create a three-tiered educational program to introduce the benefits of ultrasound application for peripheral IV placement in obstetrical patients. The main goals of this project were to increase successful first-attempt IV placement in obstetric patients who may be difficult to obtain IV access on. The first tier of education consisted of presenting findings from the literature review as an educational PowerPoint to all project stakeholders. The second tier of education included stakeholders practicing using the ultrasound for PIV placement on mannequin arms. The third tier, which is still on going, included implementation of the first two …

Best Practice In Airway Management Of The Neonatal Population, Brittaney Montcalm

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

The historical idea that uncuffed endotracheal tubes (ETT) are the best method for pediatric airway management is being challenged in today’s current anesthetic practice. Whether to use a cuffed or uncuffed ETT in the neonatal population remains controversial. This project involved a comprehensive literature review of best-practice recommendations for neonatal airway management, focusing on the use of uncuffed versus cuffed ETTs. Literature review findings were presented as an educational PowerPoint presentation, and a quick reference guide for pediatric airway management was developed. A post-implementation questionnaire was administered to determine the effectiveness of the presentation and its perceived application in clinical …

Anesthetic Management Of The Parturient With Increased Intracranial Pressure Disorders, Madeline Olson

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

The parturient experiences various physiologic changes that contribute to the potential for increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Patients with preexisting neurologic conditions such as Chiari Malformation I, pseudotumor cerebri, and mass occupying lesions are at significant risk of increased ICP. A literature review was conducted to determine the safest labor anesthesia options for the parturient with increased intracranial pressure. After the literature review, a PowerPoint presentation and reference guide were given to a group of anesthesia providers at a central Illinois hospital that discussed the evidence-based recommendations. A voluntary survey was completed after the presentation to assess an improvement in knowledge …

Methadone, Haley Pschirrer, Christy Tocco

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

This study investigates the efficacy of intravenous methadone as an alternative to traditional opioids for postoperative pain management following major surgeries. A comprehensive literature review, including randomized controlled trials, meta-analysis, and retrospective studies, was conducted. The findings highlight methadone’s effectiveness in reducing postoperative pain, with advantages over conventional opioids in various surgical scenarios. However, its use necessitates caution due to several potential risks. Methadone’s dual role as an opioid agonist and NMDA antagonist makes it effective in preventing the transition from acute to chronic postoperative pain, positioning it as a valuable tool in chronic pain management. Its cost-effectiveness further enhances …

Evaluating The Efficacy Of Perioperative Methadone In Cardiac Surgery, Brock Thornton

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Cardiac surgery includes a myriad of highly invasive and complex procedures that can lead to the development of chronic pain and delayed patient recovery (Murphy et al., 2015). Despite frequent administration of opioid medications, cardiac surgery is associated with moderate to severe pain in up to 75% of patients (Bolton et al., 2019; Choinière et al., 2014; Wang, Song, & Nault, 2021). Methadone, a long-acting synthetic opioid medication, improves analgesia and decreases the risk of chronic pain syndromes among multiple surgical populations. Literature within the last five years suggests a single dose of intravenous methadone in cardiac surgery (0.1-0.3 mg/kg …

Local Anesthetic Systemic Toxicity: Last Protocol Development, Implementation, And Evaluation For Healthcare Providers, Rachel Vaughn

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

LAST is an uncommon but deadly complication of local anesthetic administration. Healthcare facilities benefit from protocol implementation to help streamline best evidence-based practice. The American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine warrants a LAST emergency protocol for any healthcare facility practicing regional anesthesia. Healthcare personnel encountering patients at risk for LAST must understand the symptoms and treatment of LAST to improve response time and patient outcomes. The project implemented a LAST protocol at a rural hospital in Southern Illinois in July 2023. The investigator held an educational service to discuss the new LAST protocol and implementation. The educational service …

Discharge Lounge Utilization, Jessica Goneh, Areo Comonal

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Efficient hospital throughput is crucial for maintaining quality patient care and managing healthcare resources effectively. This project examines the relationship between hospital throughput, measured by discharge lounge utilization, and the National Emergency Department Overcrowding Scale (NEDOCS) score. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative analysis of discharge lounge utilization data with qualitative assessment of staff perceptions and operational challenges. The project was conducted over nine months in a large urban hospital. Results indicate a significant correlation between discharge lounge utilization rates and NEDOCS scores, suggesting that higher levels of discharge lounge utilization are associated with NEDOCS score improvement. Furthermore, qualitative …

Procedural Sedation Training: Competency Verification Through Simulation, Christine Hawknuff

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

A 450-bed tertiary hospital in Central Illinois lacked a standardized process for competency verification for procedural sedation care by registered nurses (RNs). Despite recommendations by many organizations, there are no consistent or standardized guidelines for verifying competency in nursing care of the procedural sedation. This project implemented a Procedural Sedation Training Course which comprised an in-person prelearning lecture, a group simulation learning experience, and an individual verification of competency through simulation.

Fifty-six RNs completed the Procedural Sedation Training Course and demonstrated competency through simulation, and 24 of these RNs completed a procedural sedation within the eight-month pilot period. Qualitative and …

Increasing Ob/Gyn Clinic Nursing Staff Knowledge And Comfort Level In Providing Breastfeeding Education, Nancy Moore

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

There are well known benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and child, yet the educational support from providers during prenatal visits is not consistent or well-documented. An educational presentation discussing guidelines of breastfeeding education, common breastfeeding problems and barriers to breastfeeding was developed and presented to a “Baby Friendly” hospital-based OB/GYN clinic staff at an urban St. Louis hospital. The goal was to increase staff knowledge and comfort providing education and resources surrounding breastfeeding to be used to increase discussion of breastfeeding during prenatal and postpartum visits. Evaluation of pre and posttest data showed an increase in knowledge regarding managing …

Education For Healthcare Professionals On Protocol For Prostate Cancer Screenings On Inmates, Heather Ackerman, Randi Janae Ballard

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Cancer is the leading cause of death for incarcerated individuals, prostate cancer awareness and screening guidelines are essential areas of focus for healthcare professionals (Puglisi et al., 2021). Prostate cancer screenings recommend that males between the age of 55-69 be informed of evidence-based guidelines and offered these screenings as a part of routine health maintenance (USPSTF, 2018). In 2019, the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) was ordered to follow these guidelines for incarcerated individuals (Raba, 2021). As of 2021, the IDOC had yet to implement these screenings for incarcerated individuals within the state facilities. Two separate one-hour educational sessions regarding …

Implementation Of Prenatal And Postpartum Depression Screening For A Telehealth Company, Allison Herrmann, Lori Deibel

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Abstract

Depression is a leading mental health disorder. Depression occurring during the perinatal and postpartum periods has become highly prevalent throughout the world, impacting 5-10% of women during (van de Loo et al., 2018) and 9-23.5% postpartum (Bauman et al., 2020). Proper diagnosis and treatment of perinatal and postpartum depression (PPD) is crucial, as depression can lead to poor outcomes including relationship complications and negatively affect child development (Slomain, 2019). The implementation of screening tools can help identify women at risk based on their signs and symptoms of PPD (Bauman et al., 2020). The primary goal of this project was …

Implementing The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale In The Emergency Department And Family Care Settings, Laura Hardiek, Thomas Dissette

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Postpartum depression affects approximately 10% to 20% of patients who have given birth in the year prior and can detrimentally affect maternal-child relationships. Postpartum depression (PPD) is a mood disorder following birth, whereas postpartum psychosis (PPP) is a severe mental illness and a medical emergency. If untreated, both disorders can have long-term harmful effects on mothers, infants, and families. Utilizing screening tools, providers can identify these disorders in applicable patients. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is an effective method of recognizing patients most at risk, with a positive score of >/=10 indicating the likelihood of depression. [SB1] The purpose …

Pneumococcal And Influenza Vaccine Co-Administration In The Incarcerated Population, Kaitlyn Stroh

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background/Significance: Streptococcus pneumoniae is responsible for 20-60% of U.S. bacterial pneumonia cases and has a mortality rate of 10-30%. Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) occurs when streptococcus pneumoniae invades otherwise sterile sites. Adherence to immunization guidelines is 60-70% effective at preventing IPD. Co-administration of pneumococcal and influenza vaccines has shown promise at increasing uptake of the pneumococcal vaccine and enhancing immunological response. Population/Setting: A state-run Department of Corrections (DOC) clinic system serving just over 30,000 individuals was the site for this project. Incarcerated individuals present an increased risk of contracting pneumococcal disease due to close living quarters. Other risk factors such …

Implementation Of Menstrual Cycle And Fertility Awareness Education For Community Healthcare Providers Serving Guatemalan Women, Alissa Struble

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Research indicates that lack of reproductive knowledge, literacy & academic attrition, lack of educator support, poverty, religion, gender inequality, and decreased access to electronic devices contribute to high numbers of teenage pregnancies in Guatemala. Educating United States (U.S.) healthcare providers and Guatemalan volunteers/workers about fertility awareness using Standard Days Method® (SDM) and CycleBeads® has the potential to empower young Guatemalan women and encourage them to make independent, informed reproductive decisions. In December 2023, a quality improvement project was implemented in a Guatemalan rural health clinic. Likert scale questionnaires were utilized to assess knowledge and comfort levels regarding fertility awareness. Analysis …

Strengthened Global Capacities On Climate Change And Health: Who Training In Madrid

Saudi Medical Journal

No abstract provided.

Campus Ministry And Spiritual Self-Efficacy: A Phenomenological Study Of Academic Achievement Among Black Male Students At An Historically Black College And University, Mitchell Stevens

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Bandura’s self-efficacy theory, which emphasizes the importance of self-efficacy in motivation and achievement (Bandura, 1994), provided a lens through which to analyze the influence of Historically Black Colleges and University’s (HBCUs) campus ministry on the development of spiritual self-efficacy and academic achievement among Black males. Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have a long history of providing higher education opportunities to Black students, and they have been instrumental in fostering academic, personal, and social growth (Smith & Allen, 2014). However, little is known about the specific impact of campus ministry programs on the development of Black males’ spiritual self-efficacy and …

Teachers’ Self-Efficacy And Cyberbullying: A Qualitative Investigation Of Teacher Perspectives, Shanda Salvant Theriot

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study explored the self-efficacy of middle school teachers as they address cyberbullying in the classroom. A phenomenological research design using a purposive sampling method was used. To understand the teachers’ lived experiences and perspectives on cyberbullying, open-ended semi-structured interviews were conducted with seventh-grade teachers from two parochial schools and three charter schools. Participants completed a demographics questionnaire, which was used to gather additional information regarding the teachers’ background and experience. Seven themes emerged from coding the data collected from the teacher interviews and focus group session: 1) collaboration and communication, 2) professional development and training, 3) support and …

Representations Of State-Recognized Tribes: A Content Analysis Of Social Studies Standards, August Joseph Darbonne

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study analyzes social studies standards across the 11 states that recognize Native American tribes on the state level. The researcher seeks to determine the explicit and implicit representations of state-recognized tribes in the social studies standards required by 11 states. Research on educational issues that impact state-recognized tribes is limited and creates a gap in the literature for these communities. This study is significant because it promotes awareness of the lack of representation of state-recognized tribes in the social studies standards and sub-standards of the 11 states that recognize tribes on the state level. Tribal Critical Race Theory …

Here To Stay: Why Black Male Teachers Choose To Remain In The Classroom, Christopher J. Jackson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This phenomenological study explored the experiences, perceptions, and motivations of Black male high school teachers who have chosen to remain in the high school classrooms. By focusing on factors that drove their commitment to the teaching profession, this study aimed to identify key elements that influenced their longevity in the classroom. The study employed a purposive sampling method and collected data through semi-structures interviews using Zoom, a focus group, and survey results from participants across the southern region of the United States. Six major themes emerged from the individual interviews: (1) impact, (2) representation, (3) relationship building, (4) recruitment, (5) …

The Function Of Humility In St. Teresa Of Avila's Autobiography: A Literature Review, Jennifer Sanchez

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

In the Carmelite nun St. Teresa of Ávila’s (1515-1582) autobiography, The Life of Saint Teresa of Ávila by Herself (1588), the author repeatedly asserts her unworthiness. Contemporary scholarship has explored the function of Teresa’s rhetoric of humility in this text. Scholars from the 1990s have largely argued that Teresa’s humility is a carefully crafted, defensive method to meet the demands of the patriarchal culture in which she wrote. Twenty-first-century scholars take a (slightly) different approach. To them, Teresa’s humility is not solely rhetorical; they suggest that Teresa’s humility is also a consequence and tool of her spiritual journey. In this …

Efficacy Of Depth Jump Parameters As A Recovery Monitoring Tool, Lane Johnson

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

Background: Fatigue monitoring is an important aspect for athletic coaches to monitor the level of readiness of an athlete. Monitoring of an athlete’s fatigue status helps identify the need to adjust one’s training program, identify injury risk, and help attain an athlete’s peak performance when it is most advantageous for them. More research is warranted that examines the effects of a comprehensive set of jump parameters to track recovery from muscle impairing exercise. This study focused on the onset of muscle soreness through eccentric resistance exercise. Purpose: The purpose of this project was to examine the efficacy of force plate …

Effects Of Blood Flow Restriction During Acute Multi-Joint Eccentric Exercise On Muscle Recovery, Cody Fisher

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

Blood flow restriction (BFR) exercise has become an increasingly common modality due to evidence that it may yield positive muscle-related effects from low-intensity exercise. However, eccentric-only exercise in a multi-joint format has not yet been investigated in regard to the BFR influence on muscle recovery characteristics. The purpose of this study was to assess muscle recovery responses via isometric peak force (PF), soreness (i.e., VAS, PPT, PPD), and functional power (i.e., SLHD) following a 5-minute low-load multi-joint eccentric exercise bout with or without blood flow restriction. Thirty participants were randomly assigned into either an eccentric-only (CON) or an eccentric BFR …

Using The History Of Statistics To Teach Introductory Statistics, Melissa Hansen

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

While often taught in high school and required as part of a college degree, statistics classes are sometimes viewed by students as an obstacle rather than a support for their overall goals. One way to increase student engagement in a statistics course is to use the history of statistics. Within the literature review, the advantages to using the history of statistics are discussed as well as the more extensive research on using the history of mathematics in mathematics courses. Included are instructional strategies for using the context around the development of mathematical ideas in math classrooms which can be extended …

Extant, Amanda Joy-Petersen

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

On April 15th, 2022, I was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer, the most aggressive form. Everything changed that day. My body became a specimen, inspected weekly. I decided to document the process of my treatment as a way to understand the implications and ramifications of living with the disease.

I transform my artwork into multiple iterations in response to my body’s changing landscape. The transparent layers of my abstracted poetry, transitional body photos, and MRI scans suggest the permeability of the cortex and the fluidity between the interior and exterior. Looking through the layers allows for a connection with …

Workflow And Best Practices Of Planting Design In Virtual Reality, Becca L. Springer

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

The purpose of this study is to develop a technical workflow and deliver an instructional module for teaching planting design in Virtual Reality (VR). The developed workflow and instructional model will be presented to students enrolled at Utah State University in the Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning (LAEP) Department. The first objective of this thesis project is to explore and create a successful workflow of basic planting design principles and apply them in virtual reality with the use of new technology. The virtual reality and planting design software that were explored were Twinmotion, VR Sketch, SketchUp, AutoCAD, Land FX, Gravity …

Marker Discovery To Support Genetic Improvement Of Kiwiberry, Reecha Acharya

Master's Theses and Capstones

Kiwiberry (A. arguta (Siebold & Zucc.) Planch. Ex Miq.) is a functionally rich, grape-sized aromatic fruit crop that can tolerate cold temperatures up to -30 °C. It is a lesser-known species within the Actinidia genus that has the potential for commercialization especially in cold regions like New England owing to its smooth skin, and aromatic and intense tropical flavor. Kiwiberry is a vine crop that takes about 3-5 years to reach reproductive maturity, indicating a long breeding cycle. In addition, it is a dioecious crop that requires identification and maintenance of male and female vines in the vineyard. In this …

Investigating The Role Of Bias In Sustained Attention And Inhibition In Individuals With Concussion, Kaitlyn Lane O'Connor

Master's Theses and Capstones

It is estimated that approximately 15% of individuals who suffer a concussion experience cognitive impairments that can persist and cause long-term consequences (Post-Concussion Syndrome, 2023). This study builds on previous research on concussion, sustained attention, and inhibitory control to further characterize the mechanisms at work in post-concussion cognitive dysfunction (Moore et al., 2014; Ramage & Robin, 2019; Robin et al., 1999). Sustained attention was measured with a psychomotor vigilance task (Starry Night); inhibitory control was measured with the Flanker and Dimensional Change Card Sort tasks. The current study aims were developed to fill a gap in understanding regarding the potential …

The Evolution Of Aces As A Mitigating Factor In Criminal Cases, Tamara Olson

Master's Theses and Capstones

The present study looked into how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) affect childhood development and lead to potential criminal behavior. It also looked into how this psychological theory can be used as a legal defense. By examining previous research on the topic and studying criminal cases in which ACEs were used as a mitigating factor in the criminal act, the study attempted to investigate the connection between this psychological theory and its being used as a mitigating factor in criminal defense. The research questions for this study are: (1) to what degree are ACEs successful, (2) what are the qualities of …

China's Nature-Based Solutions In The Global South: Evidence From Asia, Africa, And Latin America, Annah Lake Zhu, Niklas Weins, Juliet Lu, Tyler Harlan, Jin Qian, Fabiana Barbi Seleguim

Urban and Environmental Studies Faculty Works

China increasingly engages in environmental diplomacy through South-South cooperation across the developing world. Since 2019, the rise of the discourse of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) within this cooperation has been exponential. Coined just over ten years ago, NbS refers to the underexplored potential of leveraging the natural world to address socio-environmental challenges. The concept finds particular resonance in China, where it demonstrates strong parallels with the domestically-pioneered concept of Ecological Civilization – the ruling paradigm when it comes to all realms of Chinese environmental governance. Building on the global discourse, NbS has been adapted to the Chinese context, creating what some …