Medical Specialties Commons^™

Improving Intravenous Catheter Insertion Success In Difficult Access Patients, Heidi Berry

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Around one in every nine Emergency Department (ED) patients have Difficult Intravenous Access (DIVA) and 25% of ED patients will require more than one attempt (Fields et al., 2014a). Failed insertion attempts contribute to decreased patient satisfaction, care delays, and financial losses. The freestanding ED affiliated with a multi-state, not-for-profit healthcare system in an urban community had difficulty with first-attempt Peripheral IV (PIV) insertion success in identified patients. The target population was the clinical staff of the freestanding ED which included Registered Nurses and Paramedics. The objective outcome was to enhance personal knowledge of PIV catheter insertion in difficult-access patients …

The Effect Of Individualized Nurse Report Cards And Unit Case Reports On The Awareness And Attitudes Of Nurses Towards Clabsi Contributing Factors, Shannon K. Hawkins

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

This DNP project examined the effect of unit case reports and individualized nurse report cards on nurses’ awareness of and attitudes toward central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) contributing factors. This project also sought to determine whether CLABSI incidences differed across units and if that was affected by nurses’ awareness of and attitudes toward CLABSI contributing factors. A convenience sample of registered nurses (RNs) across four medical units was included in this project. Of the 79 RNs who participated in providing feedback on this project, 48 RNs completed pre-implementation surveys, resulting in a response rate of 61%, and 53 completed post-implementation …

The Effect Of Education On Healthcare Personnel's Knowledge Of Lymphedema Detection And Prevention, Dolly Wilson

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Secondary lymphedema (SLE) is a serious problem for many of the 2.6 million breast cancer survivors in the United States. It is estimated that 28 - 38% of breast cancer survivors develop lymphedema. The five-year incidence ranges from 43% to 94% (Armer, 2010). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an education program on healthcare personnel's knowledge of the risk of and preventive measures for upper limb lymphedema in breast cancer patients. A sample of healthcare personnel (N = 32) included both trained healthcare personnel and ancillary staff who are employed in a single oncology center …

A Study Of Emergency Room Utilization Related To Poorly Controlled Asthma In Pediatrics, Leistey T. Wortman

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Asthma is a disease of the respiratory system, which causes swelling and narrowing of the airways. Asthma is commonly seen in children. It is the leading cause of hospital stays and school absences. Hospitalization accounts for the single largest portion of the direct health care costs for asthma, estimated at nearly $18 billion a year (Everage, et al, 2010). Children with asthma may be able to breathe normally most of the time but when they encounter a substance that can cause problems (a "trigger"); an asthma attack (exacerbation) can occur (PubMed Health, 2011). The purpose of this study is to …

Monitoring Congestive Heart Failure Across The Healthcare Continuum, Katrina E. Walker

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Congestive heart failure is a chronic condition where the heart no longer pumps adequate blood and oxygen to bodily organs. CHF is a chronic condition that affects millions of people on a yearly basis. Common diseases that cause CHF are coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. CHF patients face many compilations that affect their daily activities. Along with morbidity CHF has major financial implications because much of the cost associated with CHF healthcare is avoidable. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of monitoring congestive heart failure across the healthcare continuum with application to the …

The Nurse's Knowledge Of Blood Conservation As A Part Of Blood Management, Lindsey Putnam Austin

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Medicine has historically regarded blood transfusion as an integral component of major surgery or illness. However, clinical studies have shown that allogeneic blood transfusions are associated with increased morbidity and decreased survival. Knowledge of this research and the concepts of blood conservation so as to avoid unnecessary blood transfusions is needed in order to deliver holistic care and serve as patient advocate. This knowledge reaches every specialty of nursing care.

This study of the nurse's knowledge of blood conservation as a part of blood management utilizes The Conservation Model developed by Myra E. Levine in 1973. Levine's work is a …

Copd Care Coordination Program, Glenda Mccall

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. Several studies confirm only 50% of COPD patients receive optimal care. The disease is greatly under-recognized and generally is not diagnosed until it is clinically apparent and moderately advanced. COPD is also a major resource consuming disease. Considering these facts, Mission Hospitals realized the opportunity to improve evidence based quality care for patients diagnosed with COPD as well as the development of a Care Coordinated Program to improve outcomes for the patient as well as the organization. The goal of the program is to provide correct, comprehensive, and …