Investigative Techniques Commons^™

Impact Of Nitrous Oxide Analgesia On Labor Experience, Kierra Jones Rn, Bsn, Elyzabeth Morales Rn, Bsn, Lanitra Ray Rn, Bsn, Rhonda Johnson Dnp, Cne, Cnm, Facnm

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) has re-emerged in the United States as a labor analgesia option that supports mobility, autonomy, and patient-centered care. As nurses increasingly support low-intervention and physiologic birth approaches, understanding the effectiveness and safety of nitrous oxide for low-risk laboring individuals is essential. This scoping review examines current evidence on nitrous oxide use during labor, focusing on maternal pain management, satisfaction, and neonatal outcomes to inform evidence-based nursing and midwifery practice.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL Complete, and the Cochrane Library between September and October 2023. Inclusion criteria consisted of English-language studies published within …

Targeting The Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex With Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation To Improve Depression And Anxiety In Parkinson's Disease, Brock Renicks

Honors Theses

The aim of this study is to observe the outcomes of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) as a treatment for Parkinson’s Disease (PD). This study will primarily look at changes in depression and anxiety, as these symptoms are often comorbid with Parkinson’s Disease. Transcranial direct current stimulation is a non-invasive, very low-intensity form of electrical stimulation of the brain. It is being increasingly used as a form of treatment for Parkinson’s Disease and depression and anxiety, however the literature is ambiguous, showing mixed results throughout various studies, with no standardization of tDCS administration. To determine the effect of tDCS on …

Evaluation Of The Effectiveness Of Antihypertensive Therapy Chosen Through Maternal Hemodynamic Profile Analysis, Margaret Weimer

Poster Presentations

In treatment of emergent hypertension, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends both oral labetalol and nifedipine, with no preference shown between the two. These medications have different mechanisms of action. Studies have suggested that consideration of hemodynamic profile may be an effective way to determine medication, but have not considered the Rule of 55, a simple calculation to predict hemodynamic profile.

Goals: 1. Determine if tailoring the antihypertensive to patient’s hemodynamic profile is associated with better control of blood pressure. 2. Determine if the Rule of 55 is an accurate method to determine hemodynamic profile.

Adhesion Of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria To Thermoplastic Materials Used In Fabricating Medical Devices: Patient Consequences, Dev V. Mehta

Poster Presentations

Burn injury patients wear supportive orthoses made by heat-forming sheets of thermoplastic material (Figs. 1 & 2). Bacteria cause severe soft tissue infections in patients wearing contaminated orthoses. Thermoplastic medical devices can develop biofilms that include antibiotic-resistant (AR) bacteria, which significantly reduces the number of available treatment options. A biofilm is a community of microorganisms that share resources allowing them to exist in a nutrient-limited environment. Biofilm microbes secrete extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) that attaches them firmly to a substrate surface while protecting them from harmful substances, including antibiotics. Bacteria living within biofilms on inanimate surfaces can survive for extended …

Comparative Investigation Of Bacterial Adhesion On Medical Device Thermoplastics, Dev V. Mehta

Honors Theses

This project will focus on determining if differences in bacterial cell wall composition influences adhesiveness to thermoplastic materials used to construct patient orthotic splints. Bacteria with decreased adhesion are unable to remain bonded to orthotic splints, increasing its ability to transfer to a patient’s wound, leading to an infection. Antibiotic resistant bacteria used in this investigation included gram-positive cocci vancomycin-resistant (VRE) Enterococcus faecalis, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and gram-negative rods extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Each test bacterium is a major pathogen causing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Saline, artificial perspiration, and ascites fluids were used to determine the …

Determinants Of Hypertension Awareness And Control In Kenya: A Secondary Analysis Of National Survey Data, Alexander K. Davis

Honors Theses

In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are prevalent and pose a major concern as the current healthcare systems are oriented primarily towards communicable diseases. The largest contributor to CVDs, hypertension, is a significant issue in Kenya, a model LMIC. Based on previous studies in this lab, high rates of hypertension are present in the region of Kasigau, Kenya. Kasigau is a small region within Taita-Taveta County, Kenya. Traditional risk factors are not necessarily predictive of hypertension in all regions of Kenya. This study aims to address the lack of tested risk factors for hypertension in Kenya and …

The Effects Of Sugammadex Vs. Neostigmine On Intraoperative Heart Rate In Pediatric Patients Under Two Years: A Scoping Review, Saumel Abston, Jackson Cobb, Elle Dean, Tanner Dillard, Pauline Dinh, Dwayne Accardo Dnp, Crna, Faana, Margaret Harvey Phd, Aprn, Acnp-Bc, Chfn, Fhrs

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

Neuromuscular blockade (NMB) reversal is a critical component of anesthesia care, particularly in infants under two years of age who have immature autonomic regulation and heightened vagal tone, predisposing them to bradycardia. Neostigmine, the traditional reversal agent, is associated with parasympathomimetic effects such as bradycardia, requiring anticholinergic co- administration. Sugammadex, a selective relaxant binding agent, offers rapid and predictable reversal of aminosteroidal neuromuscular blocking agents with less cholinergic side effects. Although the safety profile of sugammadex is well established in older pediatric populations, limited evidence exists regarding its cardiovascular effects in infants under two years of age.

Methods

A …

Improving Access And Early Identification Of Anxiety Disorders Through Annual Gad-7 Screening In High Schools: A Scoping Review, Joshua Richard Yumul Bsn, Rn, Cindy Thao Msn, Rn, Justin Doyle Borden Bsn, Rn, Rebecca Lizette Johnston Bsn, Rn, Bobby Bellflower Dnsc, Nnp-Bc, Faan, Faanp, Fnap

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Anxiety disorders affect nearly one-third of adolescents in the United States, yet many cases remain undiagnosed due to inconsistent screening and limited access to school-based mental health services. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) questionnaire is a validated screening tool, but its routine use in high school settings is not well established.

Purpose: This scoping review aimed to synthesize current evidence on the use of the GAD-7 in high schools to support early identification of anxiety disorders and improve access to mental health care.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PsycINFO, ERIC, PubMed, CINAHL, and Google Scholar. …

Expanding Access To Noninvasive Spinal Neuromodulation For Pediatric Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation: A Comparative Device Study, Alice E C Palmer

College of Arts & Sciences Senior Theses

Paralysis following spinal cord injury (SCI) has traditionally been considered permanent due to the disruption of supraspinal input to spinal motor circuits. However, growing evidence suggests that spinal networks below the level of injury retain intrinsic motor-generating capabilities through central pattern generators. Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (scTS) is a noninvasive neuromodulation technique that delivers electrical stimulation through the skin to reactivate these spinal networks. Although prior studies demonstrate that scTS delivered through research-grade devices is safe and effective in adults and children with chronic SCI, clinical translation remains limited by lack of FDA-approved systems, high costs, and restricted access to …

Spectral Characterization Of Colorectal Cancer Using Excitation-Scanning Hyperspectral Imaging, Natalie Hadad

Honors Theses

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common and deadly cancers worldwide, with a lifetime risk of approximately one in twenty-three for men and one in twenty-five for women. Although early detection significantly improves survival, current diagnostic approaches such as tissue biopsy are invasive, reliant on subjective interpretation, have extended turnaround times, and risk missing flat or depressed lesions that are more difficult to detect than raised polyps. These limitations highlight the need for objective, minimally invasive technologies capable of detecting early tissue changes. This study investigates excitation-scanning hyperspectral imaging (Ex-HSI) as a label-free optical approach for identifying colorectal cancer–associated …

Novel Biomarker Discovery In Multiple Sclerosis, Manisha Gangasani

Honors Theses

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neuroinflammatory disorder affecting the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerve. Patients experience cognitive, motor, autonomic, and emotional symptoms that often overlap with other neurological conditions, making early diagnosis challenging. Current diagnostic criteria require evidence of lesions with dissemination in time and space. Racial disparities in MS outcomes are well documented, with Black individuals often exhibiting greater disease severity, higher relapse rates, and increased disability compared to White individuals. These differences likely reflect a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and healthcare access factors, underscoring the need to improve early diagnosis and reduce inequities in care. …

Developing A Protocol For Non-Cellular Transplantation Of Donor Mitochondria Into Recipient Cells, Andrew Parton

Honors Theses

Tumor innervation has emerged as a critical feature of cancer progression, with increased nerve density correlating with enhanced aggressiveness, metastatic dissemination, and poor clinical outcome. However, the functional contribution of neurons to tumor biology remains incompletely defined. We recently identified the intercellular transfer of mitochondria from neurons to cancer cells as a mechanism that promotes tumor progression. We therefore hypothesized that disruption of this transfer could attenuate tumor aggressivity. To directly investigate this process, we developed an approach to isolate mitochondria from donor cells and transplant them into recipient cancer cells independently of canonical cell-cell interactions. Transferred mitochondria were tracked …

An Investigation Of Data Granularity In Rag Pipelines For Personalized Medicine, Paritosh Pandey

Master's Theses

Generative AI, exemplified by large language models like the OpenAI GPT and Meta LLaMA families, can produce diverse content in response to prompts. This capability offers a promising solution to challenges in precision medicine, which seeks to tailor treatments to individual clinical profiles but often struggles with data collection, cost, and privacy concerns. By generating realistic, privacy-preserving patient data, generative AI has the potential to transform patient-centric healthcare. With such motivation, this research develops a comprehensive Generative AI pipeline emphasizing data granularity for accurate prediction of personalized treatments. The pipeline features a central Large Language Model interacting with a Machine …

Aspirin And Preterm Birth Among Pregnant People With Increased Heat Exposure: Secondary Analysis Of A Randomized Clinical Trial, Gabriella Meltzer, Luke Duttweiler, Sarah Saleem, Kartik Shankar, Manolo Mazariegos, Antoinette Tshefu, Jackie Patterson, Elwyn Chomba, Waldemar Carlo, Shivaprasad Goudar, Richard Derman, Archana Patel, Patricia Hibberd, Edward Liechty, Fabian Essamai, Edwin Asturias, Denise Babineau, Janet Moore, Cascade Tuholske, Andrew Zimmer, Brent Coull, Elizabeth Mcclure, Robert Goldenberg, Nancy Krebs, Matthew Hoffman, Blair Wylie

Global Health Articles

IMPORTANCE: Scalable interventions are urgently needed to mitigate the adverse effects of heat on pregnancy and newborn health.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether low-dose aspirin modifies the association between heat exposure and preterm birth.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This secondary analysis of the Global Network for Women's and Children's Health Research Aspirin Supplementation for Pregnancy Indicated Risk Reduction in Nulliparas (ASPIRIN) randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted from March 2016 to June 2018. Statistical analyses were performed from June 2024 to June 2025. The study settings included the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Kenya, Guatemala, Pakistan, and Belagavi and Nagpur, …

Safety And Efficacy Of Individualised Exercise And Nad+ Precursor Supplementation In Patients With Friedreich’S Ataxia In The Usa: A Single-Centre, 2 × 2 Factorial, Randomised Controlled Trial, Kimberly Lin, Anna Bucha, Kara Mcsweeney, Kristin Wade, Antoneta Karaj, Jaclyn Tamaroff, Shannon O'Malley, Nicole Chung, Nicolette Cilenti, Julianne Wanner, Gabriel Adzika, Clementina Mesaros, Ian Blair, Teerapat Rojsajjakul, Suraj Serai, Jennifer Farmer, Kyle Bryant, Yingying Lu, Michael Harhay, David Weber, Stephen Paridon, Erin Seifert, Mary Putt, Payman Zamani, Joseph Baur, David Lynch, Shana Mccormack

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND:Friedreich's ataxia is a rare, chronic, progressive, neurodegenerative condition affecting multiple organ systems, including neurological, musculoskeletal, cardiac, and endocrine systems, and is marked by low cardiopulmonary fitness. We tested the effect of exercise and NAD⁺ precursor supplementation with nicotinamide riboside, which have each shown benefits in animal and early clinical studies, on cardiopulmonary fitness in individuals with Friedreich's ataxia.

METHODS: This 12-week, outpatient, phase 2, single-site (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA), randomised, 2 × 2 factorial clinical trial recruited individuals aged 10–40 years with an ejection fraction of 45% or greater who were able to exercise. A …

Motivational Interviewing Vs. Educational Handouts For Caregiver Smoking Cessation In Pediatric Asthma Patients: A Scoping Review, Michael Stefano, Hannah Marsh, Tracy Mcclinton, Dnp, Aprn, Ag-Acnp-Bc, Hget-C, Ebp-C

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Secondhand smoke exposure can significantly worsen asthma outcomes in pediatric patients, leading to increased exacerbations and healthcare utilization. Caregivers can play a critical role in reducing secondhand smoke exposure, however sustained smoking cessation can be challenging to achieve. Two powerful healthcare interventions to assist in caregiver smoking cessation include motivational interviewing and educational handouts, however their compared effectiveness has not yet been fully reviewed. This scoping review compared the effectiveness of motivational interviewing and educational handouts in promoting smoking cessation among caregivers of children hospitalized for asthma exacerbations over the course of 90 days.

Intraoperative Aspiration Risk Reduction Of Diabetic Patients Through Gastric Ultrasound: A Scoping Review, Dakota Sellers Bsn, Rn, Kristy Speight Bsn, Rn, Ginger Chastain Bsn, Rn, Tyler Stone Bsn, Rn, Claudia Bursi Bsn, Rn, Laura Reed Dnp, Aprn, Fnp-Bc, Cne, Fnap, Margaret Harvey Phd, Acnp-Bc, Fhrs

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

Patients with diabetes mellitus are significantly more prone to delayed gastric emptying, which can increase their risk for aspiration events in the operating room despite following standard fasting guidelines set by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA). Using point-of-care gastric ultrasound, trained providers can quickly and accurately evaluate gastric volumes and risk-stratify patients based on these findings. However, these methods have not been clearly assessed in the diabetic population. The purpose of this scoping review is to map the existing evidence on the use of gastric ultrasound findings among adult patients with diabetes undergoing anesthesia.

Methods

A scoping review …

Dexmedetomidine As An Adjuvant In Intrathecal Anesthesia Vs. Opioids - Evaluating Adverse Events: A Scoping Review, Autumn Holloman Bsn, Rn, Paige Blackstock Bsn, Rn, Rasmia Ibrahim Bsn, Rn, Chase Logan Bsn, Rn, Hunter Turner Bsn, Rn, Dwayna Accardo Dnp. Crna, Faana, Laura Reed Dnp, Aprn, Fnp-Bc, Cne, Fnap

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background 

Spinal anesthesia is widely used in surgical practice because it provides effective anesthesia and analgesia while reducing the need for intravenous anesthesia. Opioids are commonly used as intrathecal adjuvants; however, their use is associated with adverse effects such as pruritus, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), urinary retention, and respiratory depression. Dexmedetomidine, a selective α2-adrenergic agonist, has gained attention as an alternative to opioids due to its sedative and analgesic properties without the opioid side effect profile. This scoping review evaluates current evidence comparing intrathecal Dexmedetomidine and opioids as adjuvants to spinal anesthesia in adult surgical patients.

Methods

A scoping …

Mortality Risk Comparison Of Doacs And Warfarin In Geriatric Adults With Dementia And Atrial Fibrillation, Laraya Gunter Bsn, Rn, Mariah Cloud Bsn, Rn, Tracy Mcclinton Dnp, Aprn, Agacnp-Bc, Hget-C, Ebp-C

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

Atrial fibrillation and dementia frequently coexist in older adults, creating complex challenges for anticoagulation management. Although anticoagulation is recommended to reduce thromboembolic risk in atrial fibrillation, current clinical guidelines lack dementia specific recommendations. Resulting in uncertainty regarding optimal therapy in this population. The purpose of this scoping review was to examine and synthesize current evidence comparing mortality risk and adverse events associated with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) versus warfarin in adults age 65 and older with atrial fibrillation and dementia.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted using PRISMA-ScR methodology. Peer-reviewed articles published between 2019 and 2023 were identified through …

Optimizing Glycemic Control In Type Ii Diabetes: Continuous Glucose Monitoring : A Scoping Review, Sarah Poe, Bsn, Rn, Bailey Li, Bsn, Rn, Tracy Mcclinton, Dnp, Aprn, Ag-Acnp-Bc, Hget-C, Ebp-C

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

Individuals with Type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) experience increased risk of cardiovascular disease and higher mortality rates relative to non-diabetic populations. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) enables more precise analysis of glucose patterns and trends compared to conventional self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG). CGM provides frequent measurements and generate meaningful metrics, such as time in range (TIR), time above range (TAR), and time below range (TBR), allowing evaluation of glucose stability and variability. Despite these advantages, evidence comparing CGM and SMBG remains inconsistent. This scoping review aims to evaluate how CGM compares with SMBG across reported outcomes, including TIR, TAR, …

Evaluating The Screening And Referral Process For The Use Of Phq-9 Screening Tool In Middle-School Aged Students: A Scoping Review, Kaythi Soe, Msn, Pmhnp-Bc, Fnp-Bc, Margaret Harvey Phd, Acnp-Bc, Fhrs, Sharon Little Dnp, Fnp-Bc

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

No abstract provided.

Home-Based Vs Clinic-Based Stool Testing For Detecting Early Cancer Markers: A Scoping Review, S. Elizabeth Brock, Jacqueline Giles, Sydney James, Cha'landria Mccall, Bobby Bellflower Dnsc, Nnp-Bc-Faanp, Fnap, Faan

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background 

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant public health concern in the United States, with screening rates below national targets due to persistent socioeconomic and structural barriers, particularly among underserved populations. Stool-based screening modalities offer accessible alternatives to colonoscopy, and emerging evidence suggests that home-based delivery models may improve screening uptake; however, implementation strategies vary and comparisons between home-based and clinic-based approaches remain limited. This scoping review examines current evidence on strategies that support CRC screening uptake, with a focus on stool-based modalities, including fecal immunochemical testing (FIT), fecal occult blood testing (FOBT), and multitarget stool DNA testing (mDNA), and …

How Does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Cbt) And Antipsychotics Compare To Antipsychotics Alone Impact Inpatient Length Of Stay: A Scoping Review, Morgan E. Johnson, Hailey M. Wade, Y'Esha V. Williams-Click, Rocquell Duncan, Laura Reed Dnp, Aprn, Fnp-Bc, Cne, Fnap

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background

Psychosis in adults is a serious psychiatric condition that often necessitates inpatient hospitalization for stabilization and the initiation of medication. Untreated psychosis can lead to poor outcomes, including longer hospital stays, loss of occupational functioning, and a decreased quality of life. While antipsychotic medications are typically the first line of treatment, they can have severe side effects, which may lead to patients discontinuing their use. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for psychosis is an evidence-based intervention that targets maladaptive behaviors associated with the condition. CBT may improve treatment responses when used alongside antipsychotic medication. However, there is limited research on …

Moving Toward Standardization Of Breast Cancer Screening: A Scoping Review Comparing Uspstf And Acs Recommendations For Women Aged 40–74, Gerita F. Perry, Krystal D. Hester-Smith, Bobby Bellflower Dnsc, Nnp-Bc, Faan, Faanp, Fnap

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose 

To compare U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and American Cancer Society (ACS) breast cancer screening guidelines for women aged 40–74, and to recommend adopting one consistent, standardized guideline in practice. Standardization can improve care continuity, patient adherence, reduce anxiety, support early detection, and lower mortality.

Background 

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death amongst women. The USPSTF recommends biennial screening mammography for women aged 40 to 74 years. The ACS recommends an annual mammogram. Differences between the two organizations for screening emphasize the need for a common alignment to reduce breast cancer mortality. As breast …

Microarray Analysis Of Human Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm With Emphasis On Cardiovascular Genes Revealed Differentially Expressed Genes, Song Lu, Li Ping Li, John V. White, Xiaoying Zhang, Ifeyinwa Nwaneshiudu, Adaobi Nwaneshiudu, Nectaria Ntaoula, John Gaughan, Dimitri S. Monos, Wan-Lu Lin, Charalambos C. Solomides, Emilia L. Oleszak, Chris D. Platsoucas

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND/AIM: We examined gene expression profiles in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) lesions vs. normal aortas by cDNA microarray and real-time quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Phosphorus (³²P)-labeled cDNA from AAA specimens (mean AAA size 6.65 cm) and normal aortas were hybridized with a 588-gene microarray primarily of the cardiovascular system. The results were validated by qRT-PCR.

RESULTS: A total of 35 out of the 588 genes were differentially expressed, with either log₂ ratio of AAAs/controls ≥1 (upregulated; 20 genes) or ≤-1 (downregulated; 15 genes) in AAA lesions vs. normal aorta, and …

Improving Glp-1 Ra Initiation In Primary Care Through A Paper-Based Clinical Decision Support Tool, Carissa R. Bowery, Karen Carver

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Title: Improving GLP-1 RA Initiation in Primary Care Through a Paper-Based Clinical Decision Support Tool

Authors: Carissa R. Bowery, MSN, FNP-C; East Tennessee State University College of Nursing. Karen M. Carver, PhD, APRN, FNP-C; East Tennessee State University College of Nursing

This quality improvement project focuses on improving evidence-based pharmacologic management of adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity through implementation of a paper-based clinical decision support (CDS) tool in primary care. The aim is to increase initiation of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) among eligible patients and improve provider adherence to current clinical guidelines.

Processes: This …

Mapping The Evidence On The Maternal–Fetal Triage Index (Mfti): A Scoping Review, Taylor Harris, Kelsey Downie, Margaret Harvey Phd, Aprn, Acnp-Bc, Chfn, Fhrs

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

Maternal morbidity and mortality remain persistent challenges in the United States, with obstetric triage serving as a critical point of entry for timely recognition and management of high-acuity maternal-fetal conditions. Despite recommendations for acuity-based triage models, many obstetric units continue to rely on non-specific emergency triage tools, such as the Emergency Severity Index (ESI), which inadequately account for pregnancy-specific physiological changes and fetal status. To address these limitations, the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses developed the Maternal-Fetal Triage Index (MFTI), a five-level obstetric-specific triage tool. Although the MFTI has been increasingly adopted in clinical practice, the …

The Role Of Intravascular Ultrasound Imaging In 30-Day Readmissions Among Acute St-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients, Britta Watson

MUSC Theses and Dissertations

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the largest contributor to deaths that result from cardiovascular disease. When CAD is left untreated, it can result in an acute ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). To treat coronary blockages caused by CAD, a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is performed. A PCI is a non-invasive procedure that uses coronary balloons and stents to open a narrowed or blocked coronary artery and restore blood flow.

An acute ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a major cause of early hospital readmissions. Technological …

Costs, Demographics, And Causative Agents In Patients Hospitalized For Drug Induced Liver Injury: Trends In A Large Academic Healthcare System, Megan Kozar, Yunisse Gonzalez, Dina Halegoua-De Marzio

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

PURPOSE: Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening condition. To date, the burden of DILI on a single, large healthcare system has not been investigated, preventing adequate resource allocation. This study aims to quantify DILI-related healthcare utilization within the Jefferson Health System (JHS) and identify case-related factors associated with high resource requirements; such information is crucial to focus efforts toward resource reduction.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study characterizes trends of 48 DILI cases within JHS, including demographics, payer status, causative agent, and DILI pattern. These variables were correlated with length of stay (LOS) and cost relating to …

Improving Anesthesia Provider Confidence In The Identification, Management, And Treatment Of Postoperative Delirium, Brittany M. Whistle, Charles Dustin Phelps

Scholars Week

Purpose: Postoperative Delirium (POD) is a potentially devastating complication of anesthesia that is poorly understood by clinical staff leading to poor outcomes for surgical patients. This study is meant to determine if a focused knowledge presentation accompanied by visual aids could increase anesthesia providers confidence in identifying, diagnosing, and treating Postoperative Delirium.

Methodology: Utilizing a statistical model to analyze respondents results on a standardized test administered before and after an informational presentation with visual aids on the topic of Postoperative Delirium.

Results: Results indicated a statistically significant difference between pretest and posttest scores, with a p-value of .002, t(11) = …