Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Exploring Incivility Among Nursing And Health Science Students: A Descriptive Study, Diane Louise Smith

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Incivility has infiltrated our institutions of higher learning as well as the world of nursing. All too familiar in nursing is the phrase “eating their young,” which aptly describes how nurses treat other nurses, even though they should be nurturing and caring professionals.

The investigator explored nursing and health science students’ perceptions of student and faculty uncivil behaviors within the academic environment, seeking the levels and frequency of the problem. Bandura’s social learning theory presents a sound theoretical framework for this dissertation. The research methodology consisted of a quantitative descriptive approach. The Incivility in Higher Education-Revised (IHE-R) Survey was used …

Correctional Nurses: Adult Opioid Dependence Referral Process, Christine Hilary Edmund

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Correctional nurses make up a large part of the corrections workforce and have increasing responsibility for making decisions about patient care in the opioid dependent incarcerated patients. The National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) has intoxication and withdrawal standards that advocate individuals entering a correctional facility under the influence or undergoing withdrawal from opioids have their therapy continued, or a plan for appropriate referral for treatment. The NCCHC standard that incarcerated opioid dependent inmates have their therapy continued or a plan for appropriate referral for treatment is not adhered to consistently, as the current process lacks organization. Purpose: …

Prevalence Of Vitreomacular Traction In Patients 40 Years Of Age And Older, Julie Rodman

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Vitreomacular traction (VMT) is a condition characterized by an incomplete posterior vitreous detachment resulting in traction on the macula and decreased visual acuity. The process of vitreomacular traction can lead to a number of maculopathies including cystoid macular edema, epiretinal membranes, and macular holes. VMT is more common in patients over 40 years of age; however no population-based studies documenting the prevalence of VMT in this age group has been published. Purpose: The current study was undertaken to evaluate the prevalence of vitreomacular traction syndrome in the population aged above 40. Clinical examination does not adequately illustrate the extent of …

Ocular Sensory Dominance And Viewing Distance, Karen Squier

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Abstract Purpose: It is not clear as to whether sensory dominance is affected by test distance. Jiang et al previously reported that that the sensory dominant eyes may be affected by refractive error; however this study was done at a near distance only (60 cm). In this study, we investigated the effect of two different test distances (near, 60 cm vs distance, 6 meters) on the laterality of ocular dominance. Methods: Ocular sensory dominance was quantified in 60 subjects with a technique that involves the dichoptic presentation of a Mondrian noise and a Gabor patch. The threshold to detect the …

Comparison Of Three Clinical Tests Of Accommodation To Hofstetter's Norms To Guide Diagnosis And Treatment, Marc Brian Taub

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Purpose. It has been documented previously that the push up (PU) and pull away (PA) methods overestimate accommodative amplitude (AA), while the minus lens-to-blur (MLB) method underestimates it. It also has been shown that the PU and PA methods produce similar results. We sought to compare data obtained from these three clinically used methods to determine AA in children and young adults with base-line normative data predicted by Hofstetter.

Methods. Ninety healthy subjects (mean 11.7 years, range: 6-36 and 50F/40M), split into two groups, children (mean 9.8 years, range: 6-13 and 38F/22M) and young adults (mean 25.5 years, range: 21-36 …

The Lived Experience In Relation To The Educational Needs Of Nurses Caring For Induced Hypothermia Patients, Marie Regina Hankinson

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Ongoing educational development is essential to ensure the effectiveness of professional nurses’ learning experiences. Understanding the ways in which workplace learning occurs is fundamental to enabling nurse educators to deliver that knowledge. Induced hypothermia was introduced as a new treatment modality in 2005 and education surrounding the care of the hypothermia patient is lacking in the literature. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to illuminate how nurses learn new knowledge in the clinical setting. Theoretical Framework: The learning theory chosen for this study is the three dimensions of learning by Illeris (2004). Methods: Semistructured interviews were conducted with …

Transition To Practice Experience: The Impact On Newly Licensed Rn Performance, Patricia P. Lawson

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This quantitative non-experimental descriptive correlational design sought to answer the question if there was a difference in newly licensed RN (NLRN) performance at one-year post hire after participation in a nurse residency program that offers a formalized curriculum that extends throughout the entire year, one that offers a formalized curriculum that does not extend throughout the entire year, or one that does not provide a formalized curriculum. The study utilized the Six Dimension Scale of Nursing Performance (SDNP) and evaluated NLRN performance on six subscales: leadership, critical care, teaching/collaboration, planning/evaluation, interpersonal relations/communication, and professional development at one-year post hire. Benner’s …

Professional Nursing Value Development In Nursing Students Who Participate In International Service Learning, Heather Ferrillo-Diiulio

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: International Service Learning (ISL) is becoming widely used in nursing education as a means to provide global learning opportunities. Concrete outcomes for these experiences have not been clearly supported in previous research. Determining if ISL experience facilitate the development of Professional Nursing Values (PNV) can support the use of ISL as a viable pedagogy. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to determine if there were a difference in PNV development in students who participate in ISL as part of their clinical experiences compared to those who do not. The hypothesis was that there was a difference in the …

Factors That Predit Levels Of Sleepiness Of Advanced Practice Nursing Students, Deana Shevit Goldin

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Due to arduous demands of graduate education, advanced practice nursing (APN) students who are classified as adult learners are at risk for suffering sleep deprivation. Factors contributing to sleep deprivation include stress, expected academic challenges, and everyday life stressors. Purpose: This study investigated if APN students’ grade-point average (GPA), gender, and employment status predicted levels of daytime sleepiness. Theoretical Framework. The psychological well-being model selected for this study was consistent with the theory that sleep is a resource essential to well-being; adequate sleep is the resource needed to optimally manage stressful life demands. Methods. Bivariate and multiple regression were …

Cancer-Related Fatigue Clinical Guideline And Protocol For Hospitalized Oncology Patients: A Quality Improvement Project, Sulotte Valcin Amilcar

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Cancer-related fatigue is one of the most common symptom experienced by cancer patients throughout their cancer trajectory. However, very little effort has been made within many oncology practices to assess this clinical problem and to provide timely nursing interventions to reduce its impact. While there have been tremendous advancements in the treatments of the disease aspects of cancer in term of medicine and advanced technology, basic assessment of related physiological concerns, such as fatigue, have not seen the same progress. Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to develop an evidence-based cancer-related fatigue assessment guideline and a …

Chemotherapy Side Effects At Home: A Nursing Impact, Gwendolyn E. Saint-Clarke

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Approximately 32% of all lymphoma patients experience immunocompromised severe avoidable side effects of nadir at home after discharge postchemotherapy. The certified oncology nurses employed at a large metropolitan hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, lack standardized discharge guidelines that include regulatory organizations’ recommendations to assist patients/families with at-home self-management of the avoidable side effects. Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to utilize the institution’s existing postchemotherapy discharge protocol to assess certified oncology nurses’ knowledge of severe avoidable side effects of nadir; modify the existing healthcare institution’s postchemotherapy discharge protocol to reflect standardized practice for promoting clinical practice continuity …

Evidence-Based Diabetic Discharge Guideline: A Standardized Initiative To Promote Nurses' Adherence, Marjorie V. Scarlett

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) affects more than 29.1 million Americans. Standardized clinical practice guidelines recommended by regulatory healthcare agencies are the standard of care for diabetic patients and must be adhered to by healthcare professionals providing care. Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to identify Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’, Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization’s, and other professional healthcare organizations’ guidelines for nurses’ knowledge of evidence-based discharge practices; determine level of nurses’ knowledge on evidence-based discharge practice process; develop a quality improvement plan, including development of an evidence-based guideline for diabetic discharge instructions; present …

Steroid-Induced Hyperglycemia In Patients With Malignancies: Healthcare Team Adaptation To A Paradigm Shift, Miriam Ingrid Silva

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Caring for patients with malignancies and presenting hyperglycemia has been an ongoing problem that needed to be addressed. The Endocrinologist Society and the Joint British Diabetes Societies for Inpatient Care suggested a change in the process by which patients in this population are managed. Purpose: The purpose of this project was to implement evidence-based practice guidelines for managing steroid-induced hyperglycemia focusing on the interdisciplinary team and adaptation of nurses who care for patients with malignancies. Theoretical Framework: The theoretical framework selected for this project was Roy’s Adaptation Model. Methods: This project used a mixed method approach, with a triangulation …

Increasing Providers’ Adherence To Ordering Urine Microalbumin Tests, Florence Fadele

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Currently, a microalbumin urine test is an annual test for diabetic patients recommended by the American Diabetes Association, but primary care providers are not ordering the tests. This may be, in part, attributable to the fact that there are no guidelines for ordering microalbumin urine tests. The purpose of this capstone project was to assess providers' compliance in identifying the need for the microalbumin urine test for patients with diabetes, to develop evidence-based guidelines for monitoring and ordering microalbumin urine tests, and to evaluate providers' compliance. Rogers's theory of the diffusion of innovation provided the framework for this capstone project. …

Health Care Providers' Knowledge Of Childhood Obesity Within The Hispanic Community, Daysi Fardales

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Recent studies indicate a rise in the prevalence of obesity in children of various age groups. Obesity was officially recognized as a disease by the American Medical Association (AMA) in June 2013. It has been acknowledged as a progressive epidemic public health crisis in the United States for the past 20 years. This is a health care concern that needs examination and the development of new and more effective prevention and treatment modalities for obesity in children. Environmental, hereditary, behavioral, and socioeconomic factors play a significant role in the prevalence of obesity (Rooney, Mathiason, & Schauberger, 2011). Childhood obesity …

Managing Diabetic A1c At A Primary Care Center: A Nurse Practitioner Perspective, Jacqueline Mcdonald

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: At a primary care center in Brooklyn, New York, approximately 27% of diabetic patients with abnormal Hgb A1C fail to return for follow-up appointments, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to electronic medical records (EMR), healthcare providers demonstrated inconsistency in ordering and monitoring Hgb A1C and clinic follow-up appointments for patients.

Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to determine retrospectively the healthcare providers’ ordering, monitoring, and follow-up appointments for adult diabetic patients with abnormal Hgb A1Cs; to develop and implement astandardized process for healthcare providers to monitor and follow these …

Addressing Obstetric Health Care Providers' Nutritional Insight In The Low Socioeconomic Population, Nicole Theresa Marshall

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: During a woman's pregnant state, a diet that is adequate in nutrition is critical to the developing fetus, especially in the lower socioeconomic status population. The healthcare provider is charged with the acute fundamental awareness of this additional factor that can grossly impact pregnancy. Nutritional advice from the health care provider is one of many key points that contribute to the successful outcome of the pregnancy. Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to develop a standardized, evidence-based practice (EBP) protocol for the management of maternal nutrition, gestational weight gain, and physical activity for provider use at …

Tooth Size Comparison Between Citizens Of The Chickasaw Nation And Caucasians, Tyler Chance Devaughan

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Objective The goal of this study is to establish normative tooth crown size (mesio-distal width) data for the Chickasaw Nation and demonstrate how it relates to Caucasian standards. Background: Tooth size ratios represent a diagnostic tool that allow for a prediction of treatment outcomes. A proper relationship of the total mesio-distal width of the maxillary dentition to the mesio- distal width of the mandibular dentition will favor an ideal post treatment occlusion. If a patient has a significant tooth size discrepancy between the dental arches, alignment of the teeth into this ideal occlusion may not be possible. Patients commonly receive …

Characteristics Associated With Successful Dental Treatment In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Noah Turk

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background. ASD is a neurodevelopmental disability, responsible for social, communicative and behavioral deficits. The prevalence of children diagnosed with ASD in the United States has more than doubled in the past two decades, from 1 in 150 to 1 in 68. Children diagnosed with ASD have a very high occurrence of certain comorbidities, such as developmental delay, intellectual disability and speech delay. Unmet dental needs remain high among children with special health care needs (SHCN), with 78% reporting the need for dental care within the last 12 months. Recent studies have focused on barriers to care for these patients; the …

Bmp2 Enhances Osteogenesis Of Gingival Stem Cells In Peptide Hydrogel, Annapurna Bondalapati

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate effect of the growth factor, Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 (BMP2), on the differentiation of Human gingiva derived stem cells (HGMSCs) in a self-assembled three-dimensional (3D) peptide hydrogel. The study has two parts; part 1 comprised of optimizing the dose of BMP2 and Part II was investigating the effective delivery method of BMP2 in enhancing the osteogenic differentiation of HGMSCs Methods: Human gingiva derived mesenchymal stem cells (HGMSCs) cultured in the peptide hydrogel (3-D cultures) were treated with 50, 100 and 200 ng/ml BMP2. The cells in the osteogenic differentiation of HGMSCs …

Investigating Lip Protrusion Aesthetics By Comparing The Facial Profile View With An Oblique View, Barak Jones

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction: Orthodontists strive to enhance facial esthetics. Notable orthodontists including Holdaway, Ricketts, Merrifield and more each made contributions to help diagnose facial disharmonies and improve treatment outcomes. Numerous studies have evaluated the face from two perspectives, frontal and profile. Orthodontic treatment can significantly transform a facial profile. Orthodontic literature has time and again compared photos, line drawings and silhouettes in order to define a harmonious profile. Some have concluded that a more protrusive lip profile than what had been outlined traditionally is now preferred. However, while this debate continues, in this dynamic world the profile perspective is not the most …

Evaluation Of Microshear Bond Strength Of Light-Cured Composite For Cementation Of Ceramic Veneer, Khalid Motlaq

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Brief background and goal/ research question: Ceramic restorations were introduced as indirect restorative materials that combine high esthetics with superior mechanical properties. However, an important requirement for successful function of these restorations is adequate adhesion between the restoration material and tooth structure. The use of CAD/CAM restorations is steadily increasing, proper function and longevity of these restorations depends on good adhesion to the underlying substrate as well as operator technique. Preheated composite has been recommended by some clinicians and investigators for the adhesive luting of porcelain laminate veneers based on its good marginal adaptation and perceived superior mechanical durability when …

Indirect Bonding Of Orthodontic Brackets: A Comparison Of Positional Accuracy Between Software Vs. Stone Model Driven Techniques, Francesca Scilla Smith

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Many orthodontic clinicians consider indirect bonding of orthodontic brackets as a method of achieving greater accuracy and effectiveness in orthodontic treatment. Currently, few features of our world have escaped the influence of technology. The indirect system of orthodontic bonding offers an example of technology’s power through a computer-driven system that enables customized bracket placement that optimizes esthetics, accuracy, precision and efficiency. The purpose of this study was to compare the positional accuracy and reliability between traditional and computer-generated indirect bonding techniques. Methods: A total of 210 brackets (STEP metal brackets with slot size .022x.028) were placed using a four …

Effect Of Water Immersion On The Resistance To Sliding Of Coated Orthodontic Archwires, Jun Sik Kim

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Objectives: The objective of this in vitro study is to compare the resistance to sliding (RS) of coated and uncoated orthodontic archwires in ceramic brackets at various water-immersion times and bracket angulations. Background: Tooth-colored orthodontic systems have been developed to meet the patient’s esthetic needs. Ceramic brackets and polymer-coated archwires have been shown to demonstrate higher RS than metal brackets and archwires in dry conditions. However, there is no study to address the RS of coated archwires depending on water-immersion times as in the oral cavity. Therefore, it is necessary to examine RS of coated archwires sliding in ceramic brackets …

Formulation And Evaluation Of Fast Disintegrating Sublingual Atropine Tablets For The Potential Treatment Of Acute Organophosphates Toxicity, Alhussain Aodah

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Organophosphates (OP) are chemicals found in certain pesticides and in nerve agents such as sarin. Toxicity with these agents can lead to death. On August 2013, 1,300 civilians were killed using sarin gas in Syria by the Assad regimen. The lack of prepared medical facilities, and the availability of appropriate treatmentsignificantly contributed to the high percent of causality. Further, worldwide pesticides toxicity affects 3 million people annually. Therefore, it is imperative that antidote to treat OP toxicity are readily available in a dosage form that is acceptable cost, effective, and user friendly. Atropine sulfate (AS) is the first-line antidote forOP …

Pathophysiological Relevance Of Astroglial Angiotensin And The Endocannabinoid Signaling Systems In Shrs, Dhanush Haspula

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

BACKGROUND: Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), an essential hypertension model, are characterized by pro-inflammatory states in brainstems. While Angiotensin (Ang) II, via activation of glial Ang Type 1 receptors (AT1Rs), has been shown to trigger a significant upsurge in pro-inflammatory cytokines, activation of astroglial Cannabinoid Type 1 Receptors (CB1Rs), elicits a potent anti-inflammatory response in the brain. Both brainstem AT1Rs and CB1Rs have also been reported to alter cardiovascular parameters in SHRs. Evidence of crosstalk between CB1Rs and AT1Rs has also emerged, further highlighting a need to understand their signaling interaction in cardiovascular diseases. APPROACH: The purpose of this study was …

Measuring Knowledge And Attitudes Regarding The Use Of Pharmacogenetic Testing Among Patients And Prescribers: Diffusion Of Innovation Theory, Suhaib Mohammad Muflih

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Healthcare providers play a key role in patient care. Their knowledge and attitudes may play a critical role in the incorporation of pharmacogenetic (PGx) testing into routine practice. The knowledge and attitudes of patients are also equally important in determining the rate of diffusion and the adoption of PGx testing. This study aims to test Rogers’s diffusion of innovation theory to identify and evaluate the influence of knowledge, attitudes, and sociodemographic characteristics of patients and physicians on the adoption of PGx testing in current clinical settings. Method: A cross-sectional, descriptive survey design was implemented. The sample consisted of patients …

Effect Of Ceramic Thickness On The Final Color Of Veneer Restorations, Zainab M. Alsadah

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: The integration of ceramic veneer thickness and substrate color are very challenging factors that dentists and lab technicians should control to achieve a good color match. The reproduction of a natural and homogenous color can be laborious when laminate veneers of 0.4 to 1.2 mm thick are cemented over a dark underlying substrate. Objective: The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the association of different ceramic veneer thicknesses cemented on different tooth substrate colors and its influence on final color match of ceramic veneers. Material and methods: Ninety slices IPS e-max CAD (Ivoclar Vivadent, Amherst, NY, …

The Effect Of Grinding And Polishing Of Zirconia Surfaces On Surface Roughness, Gloss And Antagonist Wear, Manar Mohammed Alzahrani

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Objective. This study was conducted to evaluate the surface roughness and gloss of yttrium-stabilized tetragonal zirconia after grinding and/or polishing of the surfaces and to investigate the effects of grinding and/or polishing on wear rate of zirconia and its composite antagonist. Background. Many clinicians are extremely concern about delivering zirconia restorations after proper glazing procedure, but in some cases, chair-side modification of the occlusal surfaces is required after cementation in order to obtain proper occlusion, which produces rough surfaces. Loss of the original zirconia gloss and wear of opposing dentition or restorations are some of the drawbacks of rough surfaces. …

Florida Orthodontist Participation As Medicaid Providers, Lisa Brooks

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Low-income families are usually unable to afford the cost of orthodontic treatment. The Medicaid program exists to assist these families’ access to medical and dental care, including orthodontics in children and adolescents with severe malocclusions. There exists a contrast between need and care-received, which is a product of several general factors. This study will examine the factors involved with orthodontist participation. Previous studies have indicated that low reimbursement rates and excessive paperwork are among the reasons that providers choose not to participate in Medicaid. New studies have identified factors that were accurately able to predict if a dentist is a …