Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

At The Heart Of Nursing: A Literature Review On Health Literacy Education In Nursing Curricula And Preparation For Patient Teaching Encounters, Samantha Garcia

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Background: Health literacy is defined as one’s ability to find, comprehend, and utilize information to make health decisions (Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, n.d.). Globally, nursing students are exposed to the concept of health literacy during their degree-seeking years, yet no formal health literacy education exists across nursing curricula in pre-licensure programs at the associate and bachelor levels. This lack of standardization and non-emphasis of health literacy as a formal topic within education has contributed to poor provider performance and, in turn, low health literacy rates that may lead to suboptimal patient outcomes.

Significance: Studies have found that …

Contributing Factors And Interventions For Increased Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection (Clabsi) Rates During The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Literature Review, Brittney Perry

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The purpose of this literature review is to determine the contributing factors of CLABSI rate increases during the COVID-19 pandemic and identify interventions which restored CLABSI rates to pre-pandemic levels to guide healthcare professionals’ actions during the next pandemic. Background: In the first two decades of the 21^st century, CLABSI rates were reduced in United States hospitals by innovating safer patient care practices. However, there was a significant increase in the annual CLABSI rate in 2020 and 2021, increasing the average length of stay, mortality rate, and cost to the U.S. healthcare system. Methods: An extensive search of CINAHL …

Palliative Care Integration Into Critical Care In People With Terminal Conditions, Arielle Westfall

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Palliative care is of value to the quality of life in people with terminal conditions when initiated early. The purpose of this literature review was to identify barriers to early initiation of palliative care consultation. The secondary purpose was to examine characteristics that prompt palliative care consultation. The TLC model of palliative care was used to explore palliative care in the critical care setting in people with terminal conditions. The concepts of the model support optimal palliative care as collaborative and comprehensive, with shared decisions made by the patient, practitioners, and loved ones. A literature review was conducted to identify …

Postpartum Depression Among Latina Women: A Literature Review, Juan M. Martinez Jr.

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The Hispanic population in the United States has increased to 62.1 million, significantly shaping the country's demographic landscape, with Hispanic women exhibiting the highest fertility rates. Concurrent with the population's growing trend is an increased prevalence rate of postpartum depression, with Latinas facing heightened risk factors. The inadequate representation of Latinas in postpartum depression research and healthcare guidelines exacerbates their vulnerability. The prevalence of postpartum depression among Latina women makes this condition a serious public health concern. Due to insufficient research on marginalized groups, emphasis is needed on culturally competent healthcare. This literature review aims to explore the underlying factors …

Time Until Subsequent Pregnancy After Intrauterine Fetal Demise And Early Infant Death Based On Grieving Strategies, Gertride Delhomme

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The purpose of this research is to evaluate the coping strategies of families and childbearing women after intrauterine fetal demise and early infant death. The secondary purpose is to examine the effect of grieving strategies after intrauterine fetal demise compared to early infant death on time until subsequent pregnancy in women of childbearing age. A literature review exploring parental grief and coping strategies to cope with loss and its effect on the subsequent pregnancy was conducted from various online databases. All reviewed articles in the analysis indicated that coping strategies consist of a diverse number of mechanisms during the bereavement …

Evaluation Of The Violence And Stigmatization Against Children With Disabilities: A Literature Review, Nmesoma Ozougwu

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Violence and Stigmatization against children with disabilities are critical public health issues. Children with disabilities are a vulnerable population as they are exposed to various forms of discrimination and violence globally. The forms of abuse include, but are not limited to, physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. The experiences of Children with disabilities are massively undocumented and there is also a lack of existing literature addressing the issue. The abuse and violence against children with disabilities are also underreported specifically in cultures where this abuse is socially accepted. There are gaps in the literature regarding the condition of children with disabilities …

Therapeutic Gardening And Its Effects On Depressive Symptoms In Dementia Care, Shannon E. Norton

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Aim: To present a literature review of the positive effects and overall reduction of depressive symptoms that an intervention such as therapeutic gardening has on individuals living within memory care facilities.

Background: As most humans age, they often lose abilities or skills that they have had for their entire lives (e.g. driving, grooming, toileting, seeing and/or hearing). By implementing programs that involve therapeutic garden therapy, individuals with dementia who are at greater risk for clinical depressive symptoms may find that this alternative approach improves their symptoms.

Methods: A comprehensive, electronic, literature search in the CINAHL database was completed and included …

The Psychological Impact Of An Intensive Care Admission On Survivors Of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome And Covid-19 Ards, Leah K. Shinn

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Background:

With the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an influx of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), an inflammatory lung condition. ARDS survivors are at high risk for developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to intensive care unit (ICU) medical treatments/procedures. They are known to have traumatic memories triggered by their sensorium months to years after being discharged from the ICU. One study found that 23% of ARDS survivors experienced long-term PTSD symptoms 2-3 years after hospital discharge (Bienvenu et al., 2018). Unknown is whether there are similarities in the memories and sensory triggers of PTSD amongst ARDS and …

Exploring The Impact Of Cultural Background Among Asian And Non-Hispanic White Populations On Organ Donation, Doyoung Ahn

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Background: The demand for organ donation is increasing but there is always a lack of organ donor supply. To receive an organ donation, specific criteria must be met. Matching criteria between the donor and the recipient is critically important. The likelihood of having a capable organ increases when the donors and recipients have the same ethnicity. However, the number of organ donors differ significantly based on ethnicity.

Purpose: The purpose of this literature review was to explore the impact of cultural background and education among the Asian and non-Hispanic White population on organ donation and how it impacts individuals' decisions …

Post-Intensive Care Syndrome In Survivors Of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (Ards) And Covid-19 Ards: A Descriptive Study, Sara Hassan

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Background: Post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) is an umbrella term for the long-term physical, cognitive, and mental health conditions survivors live with long after an ICU discharge. Mental health conditions experienced by survivors include anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Survivors of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and COVID ARDS who were on a ventilator are particularly at risk of developing long-term mental health conditions.

Study Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the severity of anxiety, depression, and PTSD in adult survivors of these two ARDS conditions (COVID ARDS; ARDS) who were admitted to intensive care units …

The Effects Of Kangaroo Care On The Stress Levels Of Parents In The Nicu, Niyati Sishodia

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Background: Parents of NICU patients have high stress levels compared to other populations, which negatively impact their mental health. The kangaroo care (KC) method has been used for its numerous benefits for infants, but not as widely studied for its impacts on parental stress. The purpose of this integrative literature review is to examine and synthesize the existing evidence regarding kangaroo care and its impact on the stress levels of NICU parents.

Methods: A literature search was conducted utilizing CINAHL Plus with Full Text, MEDLINE, and APA PsychInfo databases to identify relevant articles. Articles were included if they were published …

Education Interventions And Preeclampsia Knowledge Among Pregnant Women, Shantel Mir

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Aim: The aim of this literature review was to explore the impacts of educational interventions integrated into antenatal care on knowledge of preeclampsia among pregnant women. Background: Preeclampsia has remained one of the leading causes of preventable maternal and infant mortality and morbidity. A lack of patient education and awareness of preeclampsia may lead to missed opportunities for diagnosis and preeclampsia complications. Methods: CINAHL Plus with Full Text, MEDLINE, and Education Full Text (H.W. Wilson) databases were utilized. Literature specifically focusing on preeclampsia educational interventions among pregnant women were considered. Results: There were eleven articles that fit the criteria …

Interventions To Alleviate Guilt In Family Caregivers Of Patients Receiving Hospice Or End-Of-Life Care: A Scoping Review, Kyla N. Huelle

Honors Undergraduate Theses

This scoping review contains a literature analysis regarding interventions used by health care workers to alleviate guilt in caregivers of patients during end-of-life care. During end-of-life care, many transitions and decisions are made that add to the burden of caregivers. Family caregivers experience many physical, financial, and emotional stressors during the journey of end-of-life care, and this can result in guilt. Feelings of guilt can lead to poorer health outcomes and coping in family caregivers and should be addressed by health providers. In this scoping review, a literature search was conducted using various key terms like "guilt," "hospice," "end-of-life care," …

Nursing Interventions For Families Of Children With Down Syndrome Evaluating Coping Mechanisms And Community Resources, Ashley M. Brophy

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal disorder, occurring in 1 out of every 700 births in the United States (Skotko et al., 2009). After receiving the initial Down syndrome diagnosis, the majority of mothers reported feeling frightened and anxious, and very few rated the experience as positive. Parents reported feeling that their physicians focused on the negative aspects of Down syndrome and rarely provided enough resources (Skotko, 2005). The purpose of this literature review was to identify current community resources for families of children with Down syndrome and identify the most effective ways for medical professionals to support parents …

Nursing Interventions To Decrease Depressive And Anxious Symptoms In Hispanic-American Youth, Vanessa C. Hernandez

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Introduction: Hispanic-American youth are less likely to receive mental health services despite being at increased risk for depression and anxiety. Having depression and anxiety at a young age can have detrimental long-term effects such as sexual risk behavior, delinquency, and suicide. Various kinds of nurses interact with this age group which can be a missed opportunity to intervene for the welfare of these youth. Interventions exist for depression and anxiety; however, they are not specific to nurses who care for young Hispanic-American patients. Methods: An integrative literature review was performed to identify nursing interventions for Hispanic American youth with depression …

The Impact Of Student-Led Lactation Education On Self-Efficacy In Clinical Simulation: An Integrative Literature Review, Kaitlyn Flores Yu

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Simulation is a critical component of nursing education. It provides a safe environment to practice and evaluate skills, supplements clinical hours, and removes barriers to a well-rounded education. Nurses are expected to be educators as part of our scope of practice, and simulation can facilitate this. One topic of nursing importance is lactation education, as breastfeeding has been shown to have multiple benefits for both mother and baby. National rates of exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months do not currently meet CDC recommendations. The pedagogy known as the Protégé Effect suggests that learning can be improved through teaching. Breastfeeding …

Prevention Of Perineal Tearing During Childbirth: A Literature Review, Victoria Manzo

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Perineal lacerations can be caused by a variety of risk factors such as a large fetal head circumference, birthing positions that place strain on the sacrum, and first-time births. Preventing perineal tears can be challenging for laboring women. Exploring the possible prevention methods to decrease the severity of perineal tearing or preventing it altogether can be beneficial for laboring women's physical and mental health. The primary purpose of this literature review was to examine which interventions are most likely to prevent perineal tearing during childbirth. The secondary purpose was to evaluate natural perineal tears in comparison to surgical incision, or …

Nursing-Related Interventions To Obstetric Violence: A Literature Review, Annaliece M. Balensiefen

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The aim of this literature search was to explore the prevalence of obstetric violence and identify nursing interventions that could potentially prevent the mistreatment of pregnant women in the United States healthcare system. Background: The topics of obstetric violence and healthcare disparities have been gaining awareness. Other countries have a larger body of research for obstetric violence compared to the U.S. Methods: CINAHL Plus with Full Text and MEDLINE databases were utilized. Global perspectives were considered in conjunction with the U.S. and specifically Florida. Healthcare disparities in obstetric care were identified, based on race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sexuality, disability, …

The Effectiveness Of Therapeutic Interventions For The Management Of Vulvodynia: An Integrated Literature Review, Arianna Cohen

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Problem: Vulvodynia, an unexplained vulvar pain, is a medical condition affecting women of all ages, races, and ethnicities and causes pain levels ranging from very mild discomfort to extreme suffering.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore women’s knowledge toward seeking care for vulvodynia and to explore the different types of treatments prescribed after diagnosis. The secondary purpose of this review was to describe the treatments most effective in reducing pain caused by vulvodynia.

Methods: A review of the literature was conducted using articles from 2001 to 2021 that focused on diagnosis of vulvodynia and the relief of …

A Mixed Methods Study On Levels Of Physical Activity And Degree Of Fear Of Falling In Older Adults, Oscar L. Garcia

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Maintaining a physically active lifestyle has shown to decrease the risks of falling by slowing down the degenerative changes that occur with aging adults. But despite these physical changes, research has recognized the development of the fear of falling (FOF) as also attributing to the aging adults’ risk of falling. Furthermore, increases the risk of falling and subsequently increases the loss of independency. This study aimed to: 1) examine the relationships between the levels of physical activity, degree of FOF, and fall risk using quantitative approach; and 2) explore the changes of FOF and understand its cause using qualitative approach. …

Obstetrical Nursing Care And Cesarean Section Delivery Rates In Laboring Women: An Integrative Review Of Literature, Ayana Cornelius

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Background: There is a documented overuse of C-sections (CS) in the United States. The majority of research surrounding CS overuse focuses on the physician’s role, location (state, city, hospital), hospital policies, and the reason why the CS is being performed. Little research focuses on the nurse’s influence on CS outcomes, although nurses spend the longest amount of time with the patient. Methods: Data for this literature review examined 13 research articles between 1992 to present, exploring factors relating to the overuse of CS, specifically, data relating to the correlation between CS and the nurse’s role. Results: Recent research has shown …

Risk Factors Contributing To Urinary Tract Infections (Uti) In Neonates, Jennifer V. Harshman

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Urinary tract infections (UTI) in neonates are caused by many types of risk factors such as increased length of maternal labor, physiologic maternal conditions, prematurity, and decreased birth weight. Identification of potential risk factors for UTI in neonates can lead to rapid assessment and early interventions to treat urinary infection in the neonate before it transitions to a severe or life-threatening condition, such as a kidney infection or septicemia.

The primary purpose of this literature review was to examine risk factors predisposing neonates to UTI. The secondary purpose was to identify if length of time to drug therapy used to …

The Lived Experience Of Simulation In Nursing Education Related To Postpartum Depression And Healthcare Disparities, Erin Tonkin

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Background: Postpartum mothers are often initially screened for postpartum depression (PPD) but lack adequate follow up visits after discharge from the hospital post-delivery, despite the variety of complications that can arise from it. Additionally, healthcare disparities (HCD) have been shown to limit access to and the quality of healthcare for minority patients. Simulation-based education offers learners an opportunity to practice screening for PPD with the goal of improving the quality of care for these patient subgroups in future practice. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experience of SBE with prelicensure student nurses in an effort …

Cancer Survivors' Physical Activity Advice: A Guide For Assessment And Implementation For Nurses And Healthcare Workers, Kayla Burd

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Background: Physical activity (PA) improves cancer-related symptoms (e.g., fatigue, sleep) in cancer survivors, although there is low adherence due to barriers. Cancer survivors are interested in participating in PA but healthcare providers feel they have inadequate knowledge in PA and lack guidance to provide PA support.

Purpose: Examine PA advice for cancer survivors and healthcare providers from cancer survivor interviews to understand cancer survivors’ PA and create an algorithm to help healthcare providers assess and provide PA advice to cancer survivors.

Method: Qualitative content analysis of twenty interviews with cancer survivors regarding PA.

Results: Cancer survivors advised health care providers …

Evaluating Non-Pharmaceutical Sleep Hygiene Interventions For The Prevention Of Delirium And Improvement In Sleep Quality In Critical Care, Sonja L. Colby

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Patients admitted to an adult intensive care unit (ICU) are at risk of developing an acute condition known as ICU delirium, which can impact patients’ length of hospital stay and increase short term and 6-month mortality. The cause of ICU delirium is multifactorial, and lack of quality sleep is a known risk factor. Patients’ sleep in the ICU is frequently interrupted by clinicians involved in their care and equipment alarms. Sleep hygiene interventions to minimize these interruptions for the patient are one strategy to reduce the risk of ICU delirium. Examples of sleep hygiene interventions include eye masks, earplugs, and …

The Efficacy Of The Role Of Therapeutic Play In Alleviating Pain Or Anxiety In Pediatric Cancer Patients, Savannah B. Duke

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of therapeutic play in alleviating pain or anxiety in the pediatric cancer patient.

Background: Therapeutic play is an intervention often incorporated within the care of pediatric cancer patients and children with other disease processes to promote well-being. Even though play therapy is supported by research, nurses have the option to implement nursing care interventions in a play-like manner. Therapeutic play is an individualized technique that provides an intentional opportunity for children to express their emotional responses in a controlled environment.

Method: The databases used in this search included CINAHL, MEDLINE, APA PsycINFO, ERIC, and Education …

The Effects Of Delayed Initial Bathing In Newborns, Danielle Nitzachon

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Delayed bathing of the newborn infant for twenty-four hours after birth can decrease potential newborn complications such as hypoglycemia, hypothermia, and improve the infants skin integrity and breastfeeding rates. The primary purpose of this literature review was to examine the health benefits of delaying initial bathing in newborns for twenty-four hours. A comprehensive review of the literature was performed using peer-reviewed, research articles from multiple databases focusing on delayed infant bathing after birth and health benefits. 15 articles met the inclusion criteria and answered the research questions. Two studies showed the effects of vernix caseosa on improved skin integrity and …

Pineal Gland Abnormalities And The Relationship Of Melatonin To The Development And Symptom Severity Of Schizophrenia: An Integrative Review Of The Literature, Kathryn Margretta

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to critique the literature focusing on the role of pineal gland volume and function and the development of schizophrenia by asking the question, "What is the relationship between pineal gland physiologic function and development and symptom severity of schizophrenia? It is crucial that health care providers continue advocate for better understanding of schizophrenia in order to develop a more appropriate treatment and relive the suffering of those with schizophrenia. A review of published literature focusing on the pineal glands association with schizophrenia was performed using several databases including: ScienceDirect, PubMED, Google Scholar, Cumulated Index …

Race-Based Adjustment In Egfr Algorithms: An Integrative Literature Review, Leah E. Utt

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Background: There is a 3-fold risk of developing end stage kidney disease in Non-Hispanic African Americans compared to Non-Hispanic White Americans (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2017). Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), one of the fundamental algorithms for coordinating treatment for kidney disease which factors in age, race, gender, and levels of creatinine, may pose an issue in this vulnerable population. Currently African Americans receive a correction factor between 1.21 and 1.16 to their eGFR to adjusting the value higher, potentially impacting appropriate kidney disease classification, and delaying beneficial interventions (National Kidney Foundation, 2020).

Methods: A systematic literature search …

The Effect Of Covid-19-Related Stress On Registered Nurses In The United States, Samantha Jacqlyn Genova

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The United States, as of October 2021, is the country with the most reported COVID-19 cases and COVID-19 deaths in the world. Since the first case was confirmed, Registered Nurses working in the acute care setting have been at the forefront of this public health crisis. As the pandemic has continued, studies have been conducted to collect, analyze, and reveal the effect of COVID-19-related stress on Registered Nurses in the United States. This critical literature review takes eleven published studies related to this topic, discusses the commonalities between them, addresses limitations in the literature and offers recommendations for future research. …