Nursing Commons^™

Long-Term Effects On Nursing Alumni: Assessing A Course In Public And Global Health, Sheri P. Palmer, Karen Lundberg, Karen De La Cruz, Cheryl A. Corbett, Sondra Heatson, Shelly Reed, Mary Williams

Faculty Publications

The impact of a cultural awareness course among nursing students may affect the particular person for years to come. Cultural awareness can be taught via many methods, often requiring study abroad and/or extreme investment of time, money and effort. There is little research on sustained effects on nursing alumni from such a course. The purpose of this descriptive survey study was to determine the long term outcomes of a cultural awareness course and 2) compare the long term effects between alumni who went abroad and those who chose to complete the course locally. One hundred and twenty-one nursing alumni completed …

Utilization Of Pharmacogenetic Principles In Prescription Medications By Nurse Practitioners, Hyrum Wright, Karen Whitt

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Pharmacogenetics is the study of the relationship between genetics and the metabolism of medications. Some classes of drugs have been shown to be metabolized differently in people of specific genetic profiles, with gene markers correlating to the differences in metabolism. For example, patients taking simvastatin have a modest increase in myopathy risk even with lower doses of simvastatin if they have the C allele at SLCO1B1 rs4149056, compared with other alleles. This would be significant to the provider who prescribes a statin drug to patients. The provider, ideally, would be aware that certain patients have an increased risk for myopathy …

Sexual Assault Kit Submission Tracking Initiative, Sage Williams, Julie Valentine

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Sexual assault has serious community health and social consequences and is a prevalent problem throughout the United States. Although many would like to believe that this is only a national problem, recent studies have shown that Utah is not an exception. In Utah, one in three women are sexually assaulted and one in six are raped (Mitchell & Peterson, 2008). Forcible rape is the only violent crime factor in which Utah is higher than the national average (Federal Bureau of Investigations, 2013).

Eliciting The Functional Processes Of Apologizing For Errors In Health Care: Developing An Explanatory Model Of Apology, Marie M. Prothero, Janice M. Morse

Faculty Publications

The purpose of this article was to analyze the concept development of apology in the context of errors in health care, the administrative response, policy and format/process of the subsequent apology. Using pragmatic utility and a systematic review of the literature, 29 articles and one book provided attributes involved in apologizing. Analytic questions were developed to guide the data synthesis and types of apologies used in different circumstances identified. The antecedents of apologizing, and the attributes and outcomes were identified. A model was constructed illustrating the components of a complete apology, other types of apologies, and ramifications/outcomes of each. Clinical …

Differentiating Between Lactose Intolerance, Celiac Disease, And Irritable Bowel Syndrome-Diarrhea, Karlen E. (Beth) Luthy, Sophia G. Larimer, Donna S. Freeborn

Faculty Publications

The purpose of this article is to assist nurse practitioners (NPs) and other primary care providers in differentiating between lactose intolerance, celiac disease, and diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome in adults. Based on subtle characteristics gathered from the history and physical examination, the NP’s examination and approach to testing will help distinguish between the 3 conditions. NPs should use a sequential process of examination and testing to distinguish gastrointestinal disorders that share common symptoms. A best practice algorithm is provided.

Critical Care Nurses' Perceptions Of End-Of-Life Care Obstacles: Comparative 17-Year Data, Renea L. Beckstrand, Nicole Lamoreaux, Karlen E. Luthy, Janelle L. B. Macintosh

Faculty Publications

Background: Nurses working in intensive care units (ICUs) frequently care for patients and their families at the end of life (EOL). Providing high-quality EOL care is important for both patients and families, yet ICU nurses face many obstacles that hinder EOL care. Researchers have identified various ICU nurse-perceived obstacles, but no studies have been found addressing the progress that has been made for the last 17 years.

Objective: The aims of this study were to determine the most common and current obstacles in EOL care as perceived by ICU nurses and then to evaluate whether meaningful changes have occurred since …

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

Student Works

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 current research in diagnosis and treatment of PA, 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.

Best Practice For Treatment Of Vaccination Side-Effects With Antipyretic And Analgesic Medications, Lacey M. Eden, Meridith G. Lind, Karlen E. Luthy

Student Works

Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are on the frontlines providing parental education regarding vaccines. While there are several reasons for vaccine hesitancy, the potential side-effects of vaccine administration, such as pain and/or elevated temperature, are often cited as a parental concern. According to research, prophylactic administration of an antipyretic/analgesic medication, such as acetaminophen, reduces vaccine side-effects when administered prior to 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. Thus, NPs should reassure parents that an antipyretic/analgesic medication can be administered prior to or at the …

Comparison Of Testosterone Replacement Therapy Medications For Treatment Of Hypogonadism, Karlen Beth Luthy, Chris Williams, Donna S. Freeborn, Aaron Cook

Faculty Publications

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is one treatment option for men with hypogonadism. When TRT is prescribed, effectiveness, patient compliance, cost, and potential side effects should be considered and utilized to develop an individualized treatment plan. Depo-testosterone is the most cost-efficient TRT option and is only administered every 2 weeks which may improve patient compliance, although the dose interval can be adjusted to once per week. Androderm is the most efficacious TRT medication, with up to 92% of patients reaching normal testosterone levels. Testim and Vogelxo have the fewest reported side effects. We recommend depo-testosterone as a first line treatment option.

Organizational Learning In A Cardiac Intensive Care Unit: A Learning History, Bret Lyman, Kalene M. Ethington, Carly King, Jonathan D. Jacobs, Hayley Lundeen

Faculty Publications

Introduction: Providing high-quality care to every patient is challenging, particularly in critical care units (CCUs). However, this standard can be achieved through organizational learning. Unfortunately, the process of organizational learning in CCUs is not well understood.

Objective: The objective of this study is to describe the developmental progression of a cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) to reach its current state of reliably excellent clinical performance.

Methods: The method selected for this study was a learning history. A total of 43 individuals with experience working on the CICU participated in small group interviews. Participants included nurses, surgeons, unit clerks, administrators, nursing …

Honoring Motherhood: The Meaning Of Childbirth For Tongan Women, Shelly J. Reed, Lynn Clark Callister, 'Ana Kavaefiafi, Cheryl A. Corbett, Debra Edmunds

Faculty Publications

Purpose: The purpose of this ethnographic study was to describe the meaning of childbirth for Tongan women.

Study Design and Methods: In this qualitative descriptive study, 38 Tongan women, 18 from Tonga and 20 from the United States, who had given birth in the past year were invited to share their perceptions of childbirth. Themes were generated collaboratively by the research team.

Findings: The overarching theme was honoring motherhood; other themes include using strength to facilitate an unmedicated vaginal birth, describing the spiritual dimensions of birth, adhering to cultural practices associated with childbearing, and the influence of the concept of …

Global Perinatal Nursing Research: Sustainable Development Goals Update, Lynn Clark Callister, Cheryl A. Corbett

Faculty Publications

Global health experts suggest that there is an urgent need for research supporting healthcare for childbearing women that is both respectful and evidence-based beyond “too little, too late and too much too soon.” The purpose of this editorial is to describe global perinatal research priorities, provide examples of global collaborative networking and research, identify global perinatal nursing research priorities, and describe exemplary global maternal health nursing research.

Identifying United States And Territory Requirements For Childhood Vaccination Exemptions, Emily Groth Dunn

Theses and Dissertations

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 claiming 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 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 (collectively referred …

The Meaning Of Giving Birth: Voices Of Hmong Women Living In Vietnam, Cheryl A. Corbett, Lynn Clark Callister, Jamie Peterson Gettys, Jacob R. Hickman

Faculty Publications

Increasing knowledge about the sociocultural context of birth is essential to promote culturally sensitive nursing care. This qualitative study provides an ethnographic view of the perspectives of birthing of Hmong mothers living in the highlands of Vietnam. Unique cultural beliefs exist in Hmong culture about the spiritual and physical wold as well as ritual practices associated with childbearing. This includes variations of ancestor worship, reincarnation, and healing practices by shamans. Traditionally, Hmong families take an active role in childbirth with birth frequently occurring in the home. Situated within a large collaborative anthropology project, a convenience sample of 8 Hmong women, …

Role Of The Endocannabinoid System And Medical Cannabis, Sabrina Jarvis, Sean Rasmussen, Blaine Winters

Student Works

Our bodies produce substances called endocannabinoids which attach to receptors within the endocannabinoid system (ECS) impacting physiological processes on a daily basis. The cannabis plant contains over 100 different cannabinoids which also manipulate the ECS. Knowledge about these interactions have led to an increase in cannabis based pharmacological studies. Providers should have a basic understanding about how the ECS works and how cannabis is being used to treat certain illnesses. This article presents what is currently known about the ECS and how cannabis based medicines impact it, as well as the current laws providers need know regarding cannabis use.

Critical-Care Nurses' Suggestions To Improve End-Of-Life Care Obstacles: Minimal Change Over 17 Years, Kacie Hart Hadley

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Critical-care nurses (CCN) provide end-of life (EOL) care on a daily basis as one in five patients dies while in Intensive Care Units (ICU). CCNs overcome many obstacles to perform quality EOL care for dying patients. Objectives: The purposes of this study were to collect CCNs' current suggestions for improving EOL care and determine if EOL care obstacles have changed by comparing results to data gathered in 1998. Methods: A 72-item questionnaire regarding EOL care perceptions was mailed to a national, geographically dispersed, random sample of 2,000 members of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. Nurses were asked for …

Organizational Learning In Health Systems, Bret Lyman

BYU Research Development Office Research Networking Conference

Research about organizational learning, health systems, cognition, and patient-centered care.

Intimate Partner Violence: The Best Of Primary Prevention Strategies, Sarah Roberts

Student Works

This workshop series is designed as a tool to help prevent the pervasive issue of Intimate Partner Violence. The individual workshops focus on the promotion of empowerment, positive communication, gender equality and on building relationship skills between men and women. They also provide opportunities for participants to examine their values and attitudes towards gender and relationships, to build on their knowledge on aspects of sexuality and to develop skills to help them communicate with others and ensure that they are communicating what they desire. The workshops are based on participatory learning approaches as research demonstrates that this method is more …

Comparison Of Testosterone Replacement Therapy Medications In The Treatment Of Hypogonadism, Christopher M. Williams, Donna S. Freeborn, Karlen Luthy

Student Works

Hypogonadism is one of the most common endocrinologic syndromes seen in clinical practice. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is one possible treatment option for men with hypogonadism. When TRT is a viable treatment option, routes of administration, effectiveness, patient compliance, cost, and potential side effects should be carefully considered by the Nurse Practitioner. In the United States TRT is available via intramuscular, nasal, buccal, and topical routes. All transdermal testosterone is the most effective when regulating testosterone levels. Depotestosterone, an injectable form of testosterone, promotes patient compliance, is considered safe, and is affordable. Nurse Practitioners should initiate TRT with Depotestosterone.

Breast Cancer Risk Assessment: Calculating Lifetime Risk Using The Tyrer-Cuzick Model, Deborah O. Himes Phd, Aprn-Bc, Beth E. Luthy, Aubri E. Root, Amanda Gammon

Faculty Publications

One size does not fit all for breast cancer screening. Early detection and prevention are most effective for those most at risk. Several United States organizations recommend offering annual screening breast magnetic resonance imaging in addition to mammography for women with > 20% lifetime risk for breast cancer using models that take extensive family history into account. The purpose of this article is to help nurse practitioners make critical decisions about breast cancer screening and referrals to genetic services for women based on their lifetime risk for breast cancer. This article reviews several software-based risk assessment models and provides instructions for …

Vaccination Policies Of Utah Family Practice Clinics, Karlen Beth Luthy, Levi R. Kohler, Janelle L B Macintosh, Lacey M. Eden, Renea L. Beckstrand, Emily L. Wright, Katherine Edmonds

Faculty Publications

Background and Purpose: The purpose of this study was to collect information regarding healthcare worker (HCW) vaccination policies in Utah family practice clinics. Methods: The study was conducted in Utah family practice clinics in the most densely populated counties in the state and was a cross-sectional descriptive design. Data were collected from 155 family practice clinic managers. Analyses included frequencies and percentages for quantitative items and a content analysis for open-ended items. Conclusions: HCWs are employed in environments where infectious diseases can be easily spread from person to person, thus, vaccinations can be instrumental in protecting the health of HCWs …

Comparison Of Iron Supplementation And Albendazole On Anemia In Ghanaian Children, Megan M. Zitting

Theses and Dissertations

Half a billion school aged children suffer from anemia, with the majority of anemia caused by iron deficiency. Researchers have shown a strong correlation between low hemoglobin levels and presence of intestinal parasites in children with anemia. Childhood anemia has profound negative effects on physical growth, maturation, and cognitive development leading to poorer educational achievement. Using hemoglobin as a measure of anemia, this quasi-experimental study investigated impact of either iron supplementation or an antiparasitic medication on hemoglobin levels in two groups of children in a rural region of Eastern Ghana. Surprisingly, after a 6-month intervention period, hemoglobin levels in both …

Pediatric Icu Nurses' Suggestions Forimproving End-Of-Life Care, Jeremy Ratliff

Theses and Dissertations

Of the 34,000 children who die annually, over 28,000 are four years old or younger. Nurses working in pediatric intensive care units (PICU) provide end of life (EOL) care before, during, and after death of these children. The purpose of this study was to determine thesuggestions PICU nurses have for improving EOL care for dying pediatric patients and their families. A sample of 1047 PICU nurses, who were members of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), were sent a 70-item questionnaire. One open ended item asked nurses to offer a suggestion for improving EOL care for dying PICU patients. …

Exploring The Effect Of An Interdisciplinary Teamwork Intervention In Acute Rehabilitation, Julie K. Cope

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the efficacy of an interdisciplinary intervention on interdisciplinary teamwork and patient functional outcomes in an acute inpatient rehabilitation unit at a mid-sized regional hospital. Design: Pilot mixed-methods pre-post intervention study. Methods: Interdisciplinary teamwork and patient functional outcomes were measured before and after a teamwork intervention. Interdisciplinary teamwork was measured with the Healthcare Team Vitality Instrument (HTVI) and a qualitative staff questionnaire developed by a content expert. Patient functional outcomes were measured by aggregated Functional Independence Measure (FIM®) scores. Findings: Post-intervention FIM® gain scores increased significantly (p = .008). Staff questionnaire revealed …

Nursing Informatics Research And Emerging Trends In 2015, Jane M. Carrington, Victoria Tiase, Nicolette Estrada, Kimberly D. Shea, Katherine M. Dudding, Brooke A. Finley, Christine Nibbelink, Ryan Jay Rasmussen, Monte L. Roberts

Faculty Publications

This article presents the annual project where we search the literature to learn the advances made in nursing informatics research. The Nursing Informatics Year in Review project originated with the American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA)-Nursing Informatics Work Group (NIWG) as a regular presentation at the AMIA-NIWG Sunday meeting. This article reports on the findings from project year four, 2015, that was presented at the AMIA-NIWG meeting in San Francisco, CA, in November 2015. As with prior years of this project, we have read articles that have contributed to further development of the science. This article presents the results from our …

Vaccination Perceptions Of Urban School Employees, Janelle L. B. Macintosh, Karlen E. Luthy, Katreena C. Merrill, Renea L. Beckstrand, Lacey M. Eden, Emily L. Wright

Faculty Publications

The purpose of this study was to explore public school employee perceptions regarding vaccinations. Employees from 1 urban school district in Utah responded to the School Employees' Perception of Immunizations Questionnaire. Lack of perceived efficacy was the most common explanation for lack of seasonal influenza vaccine. Being unsure of need was the most common reason participants were unvaccinated for measles, mumps, and rubella. The most common reason for rejecting a mandatory vaccine policy was a perceived violation of personal freedoms. Nurse practitioners can positively influence the health of public school employees by ensuring they are properly vaccinated.

Promoting Adult Pertussis Vaccination In The Workplace, Karlen Beth Luthy, Jennifer L. Bainum, Renea L. Beckstrand, Janelle L B Macintosh, Lacey M. Eden, Brooke Saunders

Faculty Publications

Vaccines are an important disease prevention strategy among individuals of all age groups. Despite the success of vaccinations in preventing communicable diseases, adults, in particular, often have sub-optimal vaccination rates. Consequently, some vaccine-preventable diseases, such as pertussis, are still on the rise in the United States despite the availability of the Tdap vaccine. As most adults can be found in the workplace, occupational and environmental health nurses are in a unique position to encourage employers to promote adequate Tdap vaccination among their employees. As specific resources regarding Tdap vaccination are lacking, the Pertussis Prevention Toolkit was developed to help occupational …

Breast Cancer Risk Assessment: Evaluation Of Screening Tools For Genetics Referral, Maren Lothyan Zaro

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: This study assessed effectiveness of five tools recommended by the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), designed to help primary care clinicians determine which unaffected patients to refer to genetics specialists for breast cancer risk assessment based on concerning family history. Design: This descriptive secondary analysis included 85 women aged 40-74. All participants had a first-degree female relative previously diagnosed with breast cancer who also had uninformative negative BRCA1/2 tests. Methods: Each pedigree was evaluated using the five tools including the Family History Screen-7 (FHS-7), Pedigree Assessment Tool (PAT), Manchester Scoring System, Referral Screening Tool (RST), and Ontario-Family History …

Critical Care Nurses' Perceptions Of End-Of-Life Care: Comparative 17-Year Data, Nicole Lamoreaux

Theses and Dissertations

BACKGROUND: Nurses working in intensive care units (ICUs) frequently care for patients and their families at the end-of-life (EOL). Providing high quality EOL care is important for both patients and families, yet ICU nurses face many obstacles that hinder EOL care. Researchers have identified various ICU nurse-perceived obstacles, but no studies have been found addressing the progress that has been made over the last 17 years.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the most common and current obstacles in EOL care as perceived by ICU nurses and then to evaluate whether or not meaningful changes have occurred since data were first gathered in …

Breast Cancer Risk Perceptions Among Relatives Of Women With Uninformative Negative Brca1/2 Test Results: The Moderating Effect Of The Amount Of Shared Information, Deborah O. Himes Msn, Aprn-Bc, Margaret F. Clayton, Gary W. Donaldson, Lee Ellington, Saundra S. Buys, Anita Y. Kinney

Faculty Publications

The most common result of BRCA1/2 mutation testing when performed in a family without a previously identified mutation is an uninformative negative test result. Women in these families may have an increased risk for breast cancer because of mutations in non-BRCA breast cancer predisposition genes, including moderate- or low-risk genes, or shared environmental factors. Genetic counselors often encourage counselees to share information with family members, however it is unclear how much information counselees share and the impact that shared information may have on accuracy of risk perception in family members. We evaluated 85 sisters and daughters of women who received …