Nursing Commons^™

Best Practice For Prevention Of Vaccination Common Problems With Antipyretic/Analgesic Medications, Lacey M. Eden, Meridith G. Lind, Karlen E. Luthy, Janelle L. B. Macintosh

Faculty Publications

Nurse practitioners are on the front lines providing parental education regarding vaccines. Some reasons for vaccine hesitancy include the potential common mild problems of vaccine administration, such as pain and/or elevated temperature. According to research, prophylactic administration of an antipyretic/analgesic medication, such as acetaminophen, reduces common mild problems related to vaccines when administered before or at the time of vaccination. Additionally, the evidence that prophylactic administration of antipyretic/analgesic medication decreases antibody response to vaccinations is insufficient at this time. However, this research has led to some confusion on best practice guidelines. This review of the literature resulted in recommendations that …

Identifying United States And Territory Education Requirements For Childhood Vaccination Exemptions, Lacey M. Eden, Emily G. Dunn, Karlen E. Luthy, Katelyn Wells, Janelle L. B. Macintosh, Renea Beckstrand

Faculty Publications

Background: : Children are required by law to receive vaccinations to enter school. States and territories offer exemptions for parents who refuse to vaccinate their children. Types of exemptions vary by state or territory, as does the exemption filing process. The purpose of this research was to identify the various education-related processes implemented by states and territories which allow parents to exempt children from vaccinations.

Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to immunization program managers in the 50 United States, District of Columbia, the United States Indian Health Service, and eight United States territories. Managers reported vaccination requirements for their jurisdiction …

Role Of The Endocannabinoid System And Medical Cannabis, Sabrina Jarvis, Sean Rassmussen, Blaine A. Winters

Faculty Publications

Our bodies produce complex substrates called endocannabinoids, which attach to the endocannabinoid system (ECS) receptors and impact many physiologic processes. Current research on the ECS and cannabis-based medications is accelerating in the presence of continued conflict between federal and state laws. In this article we present a summary of the latest information on the ECS, its receptors, and current research on the cannabis-based medicines and their potential to treat various disease pathologies and medical conditions. Our study includes the latest information on the continued legal ramifications nurse practitioners face in treating patients with these medications.

The Peanut Allergic Patient: Diagnosis, Treatment, And Prevention, Daniel W. Hill, Jane H. Lassetter, Craig Nuttall

Faculty Publications

The prevalence of peanut allergies (PAs) continues to rise through recent decades, despite the best attempts to reverse that trend. PAs are unpredictable and can be life-threatening. Therefore, it is imperative that nurse practitioners (NPs) are fully aware of the most recent guidelines and evidence regarding diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of PAs. This article presents information on the current research in the diagnosis and treatment of PAs as well as the latest guidelines established to prevent PA development. NPs should understand this information, allowing them to provide the best care possible for their patients.

Critical Care Nurses’ Stories Of Eol Care Obstacles, Robin Grigg, Beckstrand Renea

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The purpose of this project was to discover critical care nurses’ perspectives of obstacles in providing end-of-life (EOL) care to patients. Because 20% of Americans die in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) (CDC, 2011), EOL care is a vital component of critical care nursing. Therefore, discerning and overcoming obstacles to EOL care is necessary in order for critical care nurses to provide quality EOL care. Additionally, The National Institute of Nursing Research’s strategic plan lists five areas of focus, the third being EOL care, emphasizing the need for EOL care research (NINR, 2014).

Get Moving: Motivating Sedentary Young Adults, Rebecca Edmunds, Neil Peterson

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Obesity and sedentary behavior are increasing in the United States and the world. On the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website recent statistics put over one third of the American adult population as obese and over half as overweight (2015). This epidemic has contributed to a drastic increase in disease and cost. Obesity and the accompanying diseases are not only expensive to treat but also decrease quality of life. Prevention is essential. Many companies are working to find devices that help motivate people and encourage physical activity and a healthy lifestyle. This research project focused specifically on the …

Immunization Rates Of Nicu Infants, Emily Gardner, Janelle Macintosh

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The goal of this project was to determine the vaccination rates of infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of various hospitals throughout the Wasatch Front in Utah. We collected data related to possible reasons why infants may not receive their immunizations during their stay at the facility. Many are uninformed of the recommendation from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) which states that that preterm and low birth weight babies should receive all immunizations at the same chronological age as full term infants. Yet, many pre term infants fail to be immunized. Preterm infants are at an increased …

Meaning Of Childbirth For Hmong Women In Vietnam, Jamie Gettys, Cheryl Corbett

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The basis of this research project comes from data collected on a BYU Anthropology field school in Vietnam during the summer of 2015. The data consisted of eight in-depth interviews with Hmong women who had given birth within the last eighteen months. The focus of the interviews was on their experience giving birth and what that experience meant to them. The purpose of this research is to educate healthcare providers on the perceptions of the Hmong women interviewed so as to better accommodate to their preferences.

The Healer’S Art Learning History, Lisa Cowan-Echols, Bret Lyman

Journal of Undergraduate Research

A primary purpose of this study was to discover new insights related to organizational learning in a college of nursing that may guide nursing faculty and administrators as they strive to improve outcomes in their own colleges.

Organizational learning is highly context-dependent process through which organizations progress toward achieving their desired outcomes. For a college of nursing, desired outcomes may relate to student achievement, faculty productivity, leadership in the profession, etc. Although organizational learning has been studied in a variety of business and industrial settings, it has not been studied in colleges of nursing. Understanding organizational learning in colleges of …

Electronic Health Records And Patient Safeety: Nurse Practitioners’ Experiences In Clinical Practice, Lindsay Dixon, Karen Whitt

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The purpose of this project was to evaluate practicing nurse practitioners’ experiences and satisfaction with electronic health records (EHRs). In response to health policy initiatives and incentives, many healthcare organizations in the U.S. have recently implemented EHRs in clinical practice. Despite expectations that EHRs can improve patient safety, there is evidence that EHRs have the potential to contribute to adverse patient events and medical errors. Therefore, an urgent need to improve the safety of EHRs has been recognized. In June 2015, a study was conducted by Dr. Karen Whitt that invited nurse practitioners to share their experiences and satisfaction with …

Effects Of Poverty Simulation: Perceptions Of Medical Sociology Students, Mike Mcneil, Gaye Ray, Rn, Ms, Fnp-C

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Poverty affects 46.7 million people in the United States. The U.S. Census data show that poverty rates have increased 2.3% from 2007 to 2014 (DeNevas-Walt and Proctor, 2015). It is shown that poverty has become a major social determinant of health. Beckles (2011) states that the socioeconomic circumstances of individuals and the places where they live and work strongly influence their health. In the United States, the risk for mortality, morbidity, unhealthy behaviors, reduced access to healthcare, and poor quality of care increases with decreasing socioeconomic circumstances. Evidence indicates that students benefit remarkably from classroom and clinical learning experience in …

Predicting New Graduate Rn Success Through Pre-Hire Simulation, Brooke Holman, Katreena Merrill, Rn, Phd

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Decisions about which new nursing graduate to hire can be difficult. Pre-employment testing and assessments have shown to aid in this process. Pre-employment testing, including both medical tests (drug screening) and psychosocial testing (simulations), are well known in both the health care field and other industries. Simulation is often used in healthcare for employees to teach and assess critical thinking. With the implementation of simulation in healthcare, however, little information is available related to how simulation can help us in the pre-employment process, especially when deciding which new nursing graduate to hire. The purpose of this paper is to discuss …

Understanding Performance Improvement In A Post-Surgery Unit, Lindsey Shaw, Bret Lyman

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The purpose of this study was to discover how a health system, specifically a hospital unit, learned to improve patient and hospital outcomes. This study builds upon previous research in which the Learning History research method was used to discover and describe the pathway by which a critical care unit learned to achieve and sustain excellent outcomes. The previous study focused on hospital unit situated in a regional medical center that was part of a large, not-for-profit health system. That hospital unit’s history of learning improvement extended over 10 years, and included several distinct developmental eras, progressing from creating staff …

Validating Basis Peak Activity Tracker And Its Influence On Activity Level In Adolescent And Young Adults, Austen Tullis, Neil Peterson

Journal of Undergraduate Research

As the population of obesity is increasing, there is greater need to address this health issue (CDC, 2012). Many companies have been developing activity tracking devices to motivate people to be active and live healthy balanced lives. This research project is focused on the product Basis Peak and its influence on activity levels of young adults and adolescents.

Parent Perspectives Of Their Child’S Diagnosis With Type 1 Diabetes, Elizabeth Kerr, Dr. Donna Freeborn

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the beta cells of the pancreas stop secreting insulin. Insulin is the hormone that delivers blood sugar to the body tissues. This life changing diagnosis affects not only the newly diagnosed child—It affects the whole family.

Although research has previously been done on parent experiences raising a child with type 1 diabetes, no research has been done from the perspective of a parent who has raised their child to adulthood. This unique outlook provides greater perspective and insight on the experience as a whole. The purpose of this project was to increase …

Sedentary Behavior Research Network (Sbrn) – Terminology Consensus Project Process And Outcome, Mark S. Tremblay, Salomé Aubert, Joel D. Barnes, Travis J. Saunders, Valerie Carson, Amy E. Latimer-Cheung, Sabastien F.M. Chastin, Teatske M. Altenburg, Mai J.M. Chinapaw, Neil E. Peterson

Faculty Publications

Background

The prominence of sedentary behavior research in health science has grown rapidly. With this growth there is increasing urgency for clear, common and accepted terminology and definitions. Such standardization is difficult to achieve, especially across multi-disciplinary researchers, practitioners, and industries. The Sedentary Behavior Research Network (SBRN) undertook a Terminology Consensus Project to address this need.

Method

First, a literature review was completed to identify key terms in sedentary behavior research. These key terms were then reviewed and modified by a Steering Committee formed by SBRN. Next, SBRN members were invited to contribute to this project and interested participants reviewed …

Rural Critical Care Nurses’ Suggestions For Decreasing End-Of-Life Care Obstacles, Lisa Smith, Renea L. Beckstrand

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Our research focused on gathering a rural cross-sectional, survey which will help determine the direction to move to improve the End-Of-Life care given by rural critical care nurses. The first step of our research was looking up over 1,300 rural hospitals names, addresses, phone numbers, and number of nursing staff at each hospital across the United States. I and another teammate were assigned to this task, and spent most of our research time completing it.

Nursing Perceptions Of End Life Care Obstacles In Critical Access Hospitals, Rebekah Leavitt, Renea Beckstrand

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Death is an unavoidable occurrence. Nurses are on the front lines when it comes to caring for dying patients. When providing end of life (EOL) care for critically ill patients, nurses frequently come across obstacles (Beckstrand, Giles, Luthy, Callister & Heaston, 2012). The purpose of this study is to identify the largest and the most frequent obstacles when providing EOL care to rural critical care patients. Our intent is to use the data to improve EOL care for rural patients and their families.

One quarter of community hospitals in the United States are critical access hospitals (CAH) and 19 percent …

Critical Care Nurses' Experiences Of Family Behaviors As Obstacles In End-Of-Life Care, Caitlin Brook Mallory

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Critical care nurses (CCNs) frequently provide end-of-life care for critically ill patients. CCNs may face many obstacles while trying to provide quality EOL care. Some research focusing on obstacles CCNs face while trying to provide quality EOL care has been published; however, research focusing on family behavior obstacles is limited. Research focusing on family behavior as an EOL care obstacle may provide additional insight and improvement in care. Objective: What are the predominant themes noted when CCNs share their experiences of common obstacles, relating to families in providing EOL care? Methods: A random geographically dispersed sample of 2,000 members …

Opioid Prescription And Use After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy, Valynn Christina Haslam

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Opioid abuse has become a serious public health issue. While adequate pain management is an ethical responsibility for health care providers, responsible stewardship of controlled substances is of equal concern. Opioids are often prescribed for treatment of acute pain post-operatively. The purpose of this study is to examine opioid prescription practices and use of opioids after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods: A convenience sample of 42 patients scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy were enrolled in the study. Using a descriptive study design, patients were interviewed by phone 6-10 days post-operatively using a scripted questionnaire. The average number of excess prescribed opioid medication …

Parents Advising Parents: Raising A Child With Type 1 Diabetes, Becky Jean Rasmuson

Theses and Dissertations

Background and Purpose: Children diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes face significant challenges in the day to day management of their disease. Parents play an important role in supporting children at every stage of their lives and helping them transition to independence in the management of T1D. The purpose of this study was to learn from parents who have raised their children with T1D to adulthood and identify strategies for parents who are currently raising a child with T1D. Methods: Using a biographical method, a qualitative design, two in-depth interviews with open-ended prompts were completed with purposively selected parents of children …

Activity Trackers: Are They The Answer, Connor Ogden, Neil Peterson

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Physical inactivity in young adults leads to a 40% greater chance of cancer mortality, 50% greater risk of dementia, 60% greater risk of stroke, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and a number of other health related issues1. In our country in which sedentary jobs have increased by 83% since 1950, and 69%2 of all adults are obese or overweight, these health related factors due to inactivity become a real concern. Many companies have created these activity trackers as a solution to solving physical inactivity. The purpose of this project was to evaluate what aspects of the Microsoft Band that young adults …

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (Ptsd) In The Veteran Population: An Education Simulation For Nursing Students, Deven Jennings, Stacie Hunsaker

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The veteran population receives health care in various locations outside of Veteran Affairs facilities. Current research supports that 18-30% of veterans suffer from PTSD. Census records show that in 2013, 19.3 million veterans living in the US, this means that nearly 3.5-5.8 million American veterans suffer from PTSD currently (Census.gov, 2014). The need for nurses to become more familiar with PTSD and specific nursing care related to PTSD is necessary to care for the diverse population we find in many health care settings. The purpose of this project was to create a simulated educational experience for nursing students in order …

Rural Emergency Nurses’ Suggestions For Improving End-Of-Life Care, Renea L. Beckstrand, Kelly E. Smith, Karlen E. (Bethy) Luthy, Janelle L. B. Macintosh

Faculty Publications

Introduction: Many patient visits to emergency departments result in the patient dying or being pronounced dead on arrival. The numbers of deaths in emergency departments are likely to increase as a significant portion of the U.S. population ages. Consequently, emergency nurses face many obstacles to providing quality end-of-life (EOL) care when death occurs. The purpose of this study was to identify suggestions that emergency nurses have to improve EOL care, specifically in rural emergency departments.

Methods: A 57-item questionnaire was sent to 53 rural hospitals in 4 states in the Intermountain West, plus Alaska. One item asked nurses to identify …

Global Immunizations: Health Promotion And Disease Prevention Worldwide, Janelle L. B. Macintosh, Lacey M. Eden, Karlen E. Luthy, Aimee E. Schouten

Faculty Publications

Background: Immunizations are one of the most important health interventions of the 20th century, yet people in many areas of the world do not receive adequate immunizations. Approximately 3 million people worldwide die every year from vaccine-preventable diseases; about half of these deaths are young children and infants. Global travel is more common; diseases that were once localized now can be found in communities around the world.

Problems: Multiple barriers to immunizations have been identified. Healthcare access, cost, and perceptions of safety and trust in healthcare are factors that have depressed global immunization rates.

Interventions: Several global organizations have focused …

Association Between Vitamin D And Utis, Elizabeth Harding

Student Works

Urinary tract infections are a common infection that can have serious sequela. Many populations are susceptible to urinary tract infections. This article reviews emerging research that optimizing vitamin D levels can decrease risk of developing urinary tract infections. Recommendations are made for the health care provider based on the review of research.

Mindfulness Interventions For Preventing And Treating Eating Disorders In Adolescent And Young Adult Females, Amanda P. Graves, Jane Lassetter

Student Works

Purpose: The portrayal of women in the mass media is increasingly sexualized. An accumulation of negative media exposure can cause adolescent girls to fall prey to self-objectification. Repeated experiences of self-objectification can result in body shame, which consequently may lead to dietary restraint and binge eating to achieve the idealized thin body. The goals of a mindfulness intervention are to change how one feels in response to external cues and to develop healthier coping skills. The purpose of this literature review is to compare and contrast recent studies on mindfulness measures aimed at preventing or treating disordered eating behaviors in …

Using Patient-Centered Care After A Prenatal Diagnosis Of Trisomy 18 Or Trisomy 13: A Review, Shelly Haug, Mitchell Goldstein, Denise Cummins, Elba Fayard, Allen Merritt

Faculty Publications

IMPORTANCE Patient-centered care (PCC) has been advocated by the Institute of Medicine to improve health care in the United States. Four concepts of PCC align with clinical ethics principles and are associated with enhanced patient/parent satisfaction. These concepts are dignity and respect, information sharing, participation, and collaboration. The objective of this article is to use the PCC approach as a framework for an extensive literature review evaluating the current status of counseling regarding prenatal diagnosis of trisomy 18 (T18) or trisomy 13 (T13) and to advocate PCC in the care of these infants.

OBSERVATIONS Extensive availability of prenatal screening and …

The Nicotine Content Of A Sample Of E-Cigarette Liquid Manufactured In The United States, Barrett H. Raymond

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Use of electronic cigarettes (EC) has dramatically increased in the United States since 2010 with a forecasted growth of 37% between 2014 and 2019. There is little research on e-liquid nicotine concentration from domestic manufacturers. However, limited research outside of the U.S. found wide inconsistencies between the labeled concentration of nicotine in e-liquids and the actual nicotine concentration. Methods: The seven most popular online manufacturers or distributors were identified. E-liquid samples of the five most popular flavors from each manufacturer were purchased in nicotine concentrations of 0 mg/ml and 18 mg/ml. Of the samples purchased (n=70), all were labeled …

Development Of An Effective International Medical Disaster Relief Team: A Qualitative Descriptive Study, Nicolette Broby

Theses and Dissertations

Natural and manmade disasters are occurring at an unprecedented rate. Injuries and sickness are among the most widespread types of suffering caused by disasters, making medical aid essential. However, medical response depends on multiple factors to be timely and effective. The process of building a competent international medical disaster relief organization is complex, yet many well-intentioned, charitable organizations react hastily after a disaster, sending medical teams without truly understanding what an effective response requires. Consequently, in their genuine effort to help, they may end up hindering the response effort more than helping. Meanwhile, successful organizations implement principles conducive to an …