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Diseases

2016

Evidence-based practice

Articles 1 - 2 of 2

Full-Text Articles in Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment

The Effects Of Implementing Best Practice On Clostridium Difficile Infection Treatment, Melissa A. Craig May 2016

The Effects Of Implementing Best Practice On Clostridium Difficile Infection Treatment, Melissa A. Craig

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

For many years the number of Clostridium difficile infections (CDI) has steadily risen. This common cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea can have variable clinical presentations ranging from mild diarrhea to severe cases complicated by the development of pseudomembranous colitis, electrolyte abnormalities, dehydration, sepsis, and even death. The resistant nature of the spores produced by the bacteria and the emergence of hypervirulent strains have made treatment challenging. Previous studies have demonstrated clinician non-adherence to CDI clinical treatment guidelines may result in poor patient outcomes. This evidence-based practice project was implemented at a 311 bed academic medical center in the Midwest. The project …


National Institute Of Health Stroke Scale (Nihss) Inter-Rater Reliability And Confidence Among Nihss Certified Nurses: Implementation Of A Standardized Patient Simulation, Kelly J. Trieglaff May 2016

National Institute Of Health Stroke Scale (Nihss) Inter-Rater Reliability And Confidence Among Nihss Certified Nurses: Implementation Of A Standardized Patient Simulation, Kelly J. Trieglaff

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) is the most common stroke assessment used by nurses. Nurses certified on the NIHSS do not consistently demonstrate inter-rater reliability nor are they confident when assessing stroke patients using the tool (Josephson, Hills, Johnston, 2006). This EBP project evaluated a standardized patient simulation for maintaining inter-rater reliability and confidence in NIHSS certified nurses. A literature review showed that a decrease in inter-rater reliability occurs within four weeks to three months of NIHSS certification. A single cohort of intensive care nurses and emergency department nurses used the NIHSS tool in a standardized patient …