Nursing Commons^™

Preconception Care For Women With Pregestational Diabetes: Information For The Family Nurse Practitioner, Kathryn Conover Morrill

Student Works

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to evaluate present literature and guidelines regarding preconception care for women with type I diabetes mellitus (T1DM) or type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and familiarize the family nurse practitioner (FNP) with current clinical recommendations. Data Sources: The guidelines reviewed include the Clinical Practice Recommendations from the American Diabetes Association 2013, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists pregestational diabetes mellitus guideline reaffirmed in 2010, and the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence on how to manage diabetes and its complications from preconception to the postnatal period 2008. Conclusions: Guidelines were established based …

The Use Of Non-Nutritive Sweeteners In Establishing And Maintaining A Healthy Weight, Derrick Pickering, Mary Williams

Student Works

Obesity is an epidemic and continues to rise. The associated increased risk of mortality and co-morbid conditions is well documented. The use non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) is a strategy being used to manage weight by reducing calorie intake. Research is inconclusive regarding the efficacy of NNS in weight management due to their inappropriate use and also the potential they may increase appetite. To most effectively manage weight, a comprehensive individualized plan must be devise of which proper use NNS may be a part.

Vaccination Perceptions Of School Employees In A Rural School District, Janelle Macintosh, Karlen E. (Beth) Luthy, Renea L. Beckstrand, Lacey M. Eden, Jennifer Orton

Faculty Publications

Background: There continues to be a need for increases in adult vaccination rates, especially among those working in environments which may easily become communicable disease outbreak centers, such as school employees in the school environment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate why rural Utah school employees were non-compliant with the influenza and measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccines, as well as to identify their views on mandatory vaccination policies.

Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to all school employees in a rural Utah school district. Data analysis included frequencies and measures of central tendency and dispersion for quantitative items …

Telehealth In The School Setting: An Integrative Review, Cori A. Reynolds, Erin Maughan

Student Works

Telehealth, the provision of healthcare through long-distance telecommunications technology, is a tool that can be used by school nurses to address and improve the health status of school children. The purpose of this literature review is to examine research related to implementation of telehealth in the school setting. A review of the literature was conducted using CINAHL, ERIC, Medline, and Pub Med databases, and the search terms telehealth, telecare, telemedicine, school, and schools. Fifteen research studies related to telehealth in the school setting were identified. Themes identified included: benefits, barriers, feasibility, and limitations of telehealth. Implications for practice are presented, …

Erectile Dysfunction As A Motivational Tool For Health Behavior Change In Men With Diabetes, Camille W. Allred, Donna Freeborn

Student Works

The purpose of this literature review is to outline a health promotion plan for healthcare providers and diabetes educators, using erectile dysfunction (ED) as a motivational tool to change health behaviors for men with diabetes. Because the most severe complications might not manifest themselves until later in life, patients with either type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are less likely to make the dramatic behavioral changes necessary to control their diabetes at the time of diagnosis. Twenty-eight articles obtained from CINAHL and Medline databases were examined. Eleven of those articles were selected for analysis based …

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Comparison Of Medication Efficacy And Cost, Robert M. David, Karlen E. Luthy, Janelle L. B. Macintosh, Lacey M. Eden

Student Works

Although a common psychological disorder, pharmacological treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder can be a costly endeavor. Among 4-5 year olds, methylphenidate is a safe, efficacious, and cost-effective option for short-, intermediate-, and long-acting medication options. Short-acting methylphenidate, intermediate-acting methylphenidate ER and SR, and long-acting methylphenidate LA are the most efficacious and cost-effective medications. Selection of non-stimulant medications should be based upon recommended guidelines rather than primarily on cost. For children incapable of swallowing pills, the most efficacious and cost-effective treatments are short-acting dextroamphetamine liquid and long-acting methylphenidate LA capsules that can be opened and sprinkled over food.

Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome: Understanding, Diagnosing, And Treating, Chad W. Padovich

Student Works

The effects of obesity are multifaceted and lead to poor quality of life, increased risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and death. Obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) is a widely misunderstood and under diagnosed disease process, which carries specific diagnostic criteria. The purpose of this work is to: (1) provide practitioners with a better understanding of OHS and how it differs from other obesity related breathing disorders (such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea, OSA), (2) provide diagnostic criteria of OHS, (3) provide work up recommendations, and (4) provide current recommended treatment. Data Sources: An electronic search of the literature was conducted to identify …

Oncology Nurses' Suggestions For Improving Obstacles In End-Of-Life Care, Rosanne Johnson Oliver

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this paper was to determine the most important changes needed to improve the quality of end-of-life (EOL) care to terminal cancer patients as perceived by experienced oncology nurses. The study was designed as a cross-sectional survey, sampling 1,000 Oncology Nursing Society members from the United States with experience caring for inpatient cancer patients, who could read English, and had experience in EOL care. Eligible nurses responded to an open-ended item sent to them as part of a mailed questionnaire. Nurses were asked to respond to the following question: “If you had the ability to change just one …

Vaccination Status And Attitudes Of Urban School Employees In Utah, Kim Estella Thompson

Theses and Dissertations

Individuals who work with children are at risk for exposure to vaccine-preventable diseases. School settings can quickly become outbreak centers for communicable infection since school employees are in direct contact with children in confined areas for many hours each day. Therefore, it is important for school employees to be fully vaccinated. There are many reasons school employees may be inadequately vaccinated. One common myth is that adults believe vaccines are only for children. Another reason for inadequate vaccination rates among school employees is that many adults believe vaccinations received during childhood are still effective. Healthcare providers (HCPs) constitute the first …

Vaccination Perceptions Of School Employees In A Rural School District, Janelle L. B. Macintosh

Faculty Publications

Background: There continues to be a need for increases in adult vaccination rates, especially among those working in environments which may easily become communicable disease outbreak centers, such as school employees in the school environment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate why rural Utah school employees were non-compliant with the influenza and measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccines, as well as to identify their view on mandatory vaccination policies.

Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to all school employees in a rural Utah school district. Data analysis included frequencies and measures of central tendency and dispersion for quantitative items …

Bariatric Surgery Versus Lifestyle Interventions In Managing Obesity In Patients With Type Ii Diabetes: A Systematic Review, Leslie C. Nakaya, Mary Williams

Student Works

Obesity, with coexisting T2DM, is difficult to treat successfully for various reasons and carries enormous health risks and financial burdens. The purpose of this systematic review is to compare outcomes of conventional medical treatment to bariatric surgery for the treatment of T2DM, and determine which patients may be appropriate for referral. Data Sources: An electronic search of the literature was conducted to identify studies from 2008 to 2014 in the following databases: CINAHL, National Library of Medicine PubMed®/MEDLINE®, EBSCO, SciVerse®, Springer Link®, and the Cochrane library. Conclusions: Bariatric surgical options, even before weight loss occurs, positively affect glucose homeostasis and …

A School-Based Intervention’S Impact On Children’S Knowledge And Self-Efficacy Related To Physical Activity And Nutrition: A Pilot Study, Katherine Turley Jenkins

Theses and Dissertations

Childhood obesity has become epidemic in the United States. One of the best places to combat this problem is within the school system. The purpose of this study was to examine changes in exercise self-efficacy, science interest, and science knowledge of children who participated in a school-based anatomy and healthy lifestyle intervention called Anatomy Academy. In this pilot study, 212 study participants were recruited from 5th and 6th grade children enrolled in one of three charter schools who participated in our 7-week intervention, Anatomy Academy. Children completed four questionnaires pre and post intervention: (1) a science knowledge questionnaire, (2) a …

The Impact Of The Ohana Mana Challenge On Native Hawaiian And Pacific Islander Children, Kristin Kay Van Tassell

Theses and Dissertations

In this four-week, family-focused pilot intervention study, researchers studied the impact of culturally relevant nutrition and activity sessions on eleven children from eight Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) families. Mixed methods were used in analysis. In their favorite meal drawings, children included more fruits and vegetables at week four than week one, which was consistent with their self-reported intake of healthy foods that were new to them. From week one to four, mean total scores increased on the nutrition and exercise knowledge exercise questionnaire and the physical activity self-efficacy tool; however, the mean total score decreased on healthy diet …

Evaluation Of A Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (Sane) Program On Sexual Assault Criminal Case Outcomes, Julie Valentine, Alyssa Lark, Michael Worthington

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of a community-based sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) program on sexual assault criminal case outcomes in Salt Lake County, Utah.

Exploring The Influence Of Charge Nurses On Patient Safety, Charity Rowley, Dr. Katreena Merrill

Journal of Undergraduate Research

In 2010, The Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reported that adverse events during hospitalization contribute to the deaths of 180,000 patients each year! The study at hand was based on these findings and aims to improve the safety in the hospital environment.

Adults With Type I Diabetes: Lifetime Support And Management, Jordan Lynne Prescott, Dr. Donna Freeborn

Journal of Undergraduate Research

To explore the effects of family support and how that relates to personal management of people diagnosed with Type I DM.

Vaccination Perceptions Of School Employees In A Rural School District, Jennifer Orton, Dr. Beth Luthy

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Comparing the pre-vaccine rates to the 2010 rates, vaccine preventable diseases have decreased by 98% or greater for diseases such as smallpox, diphtheria, measles, mumps, and rubella (American Academy of Microbiology [AAM], 2010). High vaccination rates are required to maintain low disease prevalence, and all 50 states have legislated mandates with childhood vaccination requirements before enrolling in public schools in an effort to maintain high vaccination rates (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2011). Conversely, adult vaccination rates are low and many adults are unsure of their vaccination status (Johnson, Nichol, & Lipczynski, 2008) or are not completely vaccinated …

Nursing Home Staff Perceptions Of Older Adults With End-Stage Dementia, Camille Tranter, Dr. Barbara Heise Phd, Aprn, Bc, Cne

Journal of Undergraduate Research

According to the Alzheimer’s Association (2012), one in eight older adults has Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and by 2050, someone will develop AD every 33 seconds doubling the current number of people suffering from AD. The purpose of this pilot study was to explore the impact of an end-of-life educational module on nursing home staff perceptions of end-stage dementia care. End-of-life education may improve the quality of care for nursing home residents with advanced dementia.

What Do Nursing Students Know About Quality And Safety? A Pilot Study, Arlene S. N. Johnston, Dr. Katreena Collette Merrill

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Quality and patient safety has become a strong focus in the hospitals. However, academic institutions vary in their approach to preparing student nurses in the areas of quality and patient safety. Quality and Safety Education in Nursing (QSEN) was initiated in 2007 with the charge to prepare student nurses with the knowledge, skills and attitudes (KSAs) necessary to improve healthcare quality and patient safety. Six QSEN competencies were developed. These QSEN competencies are patient centered care, teamwork and collaboration, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, informatics, and safety. These QSEN competencies are beginning to be implemented across nursing curriculums. Emphasis has been …

Accuracy Of Blood And Fluid Loss Estimation In The Adult Patient: A Comparison Among Healthcare Team Members, Diana Carter, James E. Kohl

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The ability of registered nurses and healthcare providers to correctly quantify blood and fluid loss is an important factor in providing quality care as it often directs healthcare interventions. Underestimation of blood and fluid loss can lead to delays in treatment and can be detrimental to the patient. Overestimation can lead to needless, wasteful, costly and often times dangerous treatments placing the patient at risk for harm and additional comorbidities. Multiple studies have shown that blood loss is overestimated in small amounts, and underestimated in large amounts. As blood and fluids are lost, the mean arterial pressure may decrease to …

Religiosity, Spirituality, And Family Hardiness In Parents: Raising A Child With A Disability, Brittni Carr, Dr. Barbara Mandleco

Journal of Undergraduate Research

According to Cohn, the number of children in the United States with a disability has increased to 5.2 million, making 1 in every 12 children disabled (2002). This number continues to rise with every passing decade, so more research is being done concerning the parenting of these children. While some studies have been done relating to religiosity and coping, there is a falling out in the literature on religiosity’s correlation to family hardiness. These two variables greatly influence the upbringing and development of CWD. Some researchers have assessed that a parent’s faith helps him or her through stressful situations (Dura-Vila, …

The Intersection Of Child Abuse And Parenting Self-Efficacy In A Teen Population: A Systematic Review Of The Literature, Madeline Goodfellow, Dr. Janelle Macintosh

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Over three quarters (79.6%) of rape victims are assaulted before the age of 25 years (Black et al., 2011). In a nationwide survey, 11.8 percent of female high school students report being abused (hit, slapped, or physically hurt on purpose) by their significant other in the last year (Eaton et al., 2012). It has been suggested that traumatic childhood experiences affect many adjustment processes (Liang, Williams, & Siegel, 2006). Although teen pregnancy rates are the lowest they have been in years, teens that have experienced maltreatment, abuse, or sexual abuse are at a higher risk for becoming pregnant (Noll, Shenk, …

Evaluation Of A Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (Sane) Program On Sexual Assault Criminal Case Outcomes, Alyssa Lark, Dr. Julie Valentine

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The purpose of this project was to evaluate the effect of a community-based sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) program on sexual assault criminal case outcomes in Salt Lake County, Utah. SANEs work with law enforcement and other personnel to collect evidence which is used in prosecution of sexual assault cases. The idea is that SANEs collect more accurate, and therefore usable, evidence which leads to higher prosecution rates.

Nutritional Analysis And Anemia In Ecuador, Michael Brizzee, Sondra Heaston

Journal of Undergraduate Research

According to the World Health Organization, anemia affects over 30% of children in Ecuador and in surrounding countries and has been directly linked to decreased test scores, educational performance, and job proficiency. This study is aimed at finding a nutrition correlation and possible causation of anemia in Ecuadorian children ages 7-15. The research is done in conjunction with an anemia study done through the college of nursing looking at other possible causes of anemia including parasites and deficient vitamin intake. Together, these studies have helped to identify possible causes of anemia which can in turn help agencies find economical and …

The Correlation Between Ratings On Debriefing Sessions And The Amount Of Time The Instructor Spends “Teaching” Versus “Talking” During The Debriefing, Michelle Herring, Dr. Shelly Reed

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Simulation has become and integral part of the nursing students curriculum (Reed, 2012, Neill & Wotton. 2011). Debriefing is an important part of the simulation experience where processing and further learning is achieved (Reed, 2012). Debriefing periods may be limited (Dreifurest & Decker, 2012), thus it is wise to use the available time efficiently and efficaciously. The Debriefing Experience Scale (DES) debriefing tool is a method of evaluating the debriefing period (Reed, 2012). Many instructors are taught how to teach and instruct, but may still be developing their debriefing skills. This project will help the teacher compare his or her …

Diabetes Knowledge In Russian And American Nursing Students, Christie Beck Boswell, Dr. Leslie Miles, Janelle Macintosh

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Little is currently known about the diabetes incidence rate in Russia. Although it is currently reported that approximately eight million people in Russia currently have a diagnosis of diabetes1, other reports suggest that Russia has underreported this number by three to four times2. This exploratory study sought to learn more about Russian nursing students’ perceptions about the incidence and management of diabetes in Russia. We used a focus group style discussion to learn more from the students.

Eliminating Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections: Analyzing Current Standards & Prospective Interventions, Maribelle Burris, Dr. Katreena Merrill

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Each year, about 98,000 preventable patient deaths occur in a hospital setting (Ramanujam, Abrahamson, & Anderson, 2008). Medical errors leading to patient deaths include, medication errors, patient falls, healthcare-associated infections, urinary tract infections, pressure ulcers, etc. (Teng, Dai, Shyu, Wong, Chu, & Tsai, 2009). These patient deaths are avoidable errors and are a direct measure of the healthcare system and individual healthcare facility’s quality. The burden of healthcare-associated infections is heavy, as 1 in every 20 patients has an infection related to hospital care, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths. Not only is this burdensome to patient families, but …

Interventions To Minimize Distress During Pediatric Primary Care Visits: A Systematic Literature Review, Michelle Lee Smith

Student Works

Purpose: This literature review is designed to analyze interventions to minimize trauma and psychological stress experienced by pediatric patients during visits with their primary care providers. Data Sources: An electronic search of the literature was conducted to identify studies from 2008 to 2014 in the following databases: CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane library. Conclusions: Interventions to reduce a child's anxiety are available and easily executed. When anxiety is decreased, children are able to approach medical situations with a sense of comfort, achievement, and control. Decreasing stress can assist children in developing trusting relationships of the health care system as …

Role Modeling Clinical Judgment For An Unfolding Older Adult Simulation, Kathie Lasater, Elizabeth A. Johnson, Patricia K. Ravert, Doris Rink

Faculty Publications

Nurse educators must foster development of clinical judgment in students to help them provide the best care for the increasing population of older adult patients. This article reports qualitative findings from a mixed-methods study that focused on clinical judgment in the simulated perioperative care of an older adult. The sample was composed of treatment and control groups of prelicensure students (N = 275) at five sites. The treatment group watched a video of an expert nurse role model caring for a patient similar to the simulation patient, whereas the control group did not watch the video. Four weeks after simulation, …

Promoting Evidence Based Clinical Practice: Strengthening Eastern European Nurses, Vadim Zhitnikov, Lynn Clark Callister

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Nurses practicing in Eastern Europe do not enjoy the same opportunities as their counterparts in the United States.