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Articles 601 - 630 of 638

Full-Text Articles in Nursing

Urinary Bladder Assessment Skills Used By Hospital Nurses Before A Decision Is Made To Institute Intermittent Catheterization, Marion L. Burke Jan 1993

Urinary Bladder Assessment Skills Used By Hospital Nurses Before A Decision Is Made To Institute Intermittent Catheterization, Marion L. Burke

Theses : Honours

Intermittent Catheterization is an invasive technique in which a hollow tube (catheter) is inserted into the bladder to drain urine at regular intervals when a patient does not void. Catheterization is a technique frequently performed by nurses. The skills of assessment by nurses of a patient's urinary bladder prior to instituting intermittent catherization (IC) have been neglected in the field of nursing research. The purpose of this descriptive-correlational study is to identify bladder assessment skills (BAS) among hospital nurses prior to instituting intermittent catheterization. The study asks the questions: To what extent do nurses utilize BAS, and what is the …

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Needs Of Terminally Ill Cancer Patients In An In-Patient Hospice Unit, Marylynn C. Oldham Jan 1993

Needs Of Terminally Ill Cancer Patients In An In-Patient Hospice Unit, Marylynn C. Oldham

Theses : Honours

In Western Australia, in-patient hospice/palliative care units are caring for increasing numbers of terminally ill cancer patients. Hospice philosophy is based on the belief that the terminally ill patient in individual needs are of paramount importance. The needs of advanced cancer patients have been researched in the home, for patients continuing or having completed curative treatment, and for patients receiving palliative care. However, there is a lack of literature about the needs of terminally ill cancer patients in in-patient hospices. Using a descriptive approach, this study investigated the needs of six terminally ill cancer patients in a 26 bed in-patient …

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Comparison Of Primiparous Women's Expected And Experienced Pain In Labour, Shelagh Lawrence Jan 1993

Comparison Of Primiparous Women's Expected And Experienced Pain In Labour, Shelagh Lawrence

Theses : Honours

Pain is a subjective phenomenon and is, in varying degrees, an inherent part of the childbirth experience. However, most Western societies view suffering as unacceptable and as such, regard analgesia as a necessity. Many women do not anticipate the intensity of pain experienced in childbirth and are, therefore, not ready to manage this amount of pain when it occurs. This prospective study compared the expected and experienced labour pain of 99 primiparous women, aged 17-40 years. The relationship between expected and experienced pain and acceptance of pregnancy; identification with the motherhood role; relationship with mother; relationship with husband/partner; preparation for …

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Does An Individualized Back Education Programme Change Nurses' Knowledge And Practice About Back Injury Prevention, Diane K. Riley Jan 1993

Does An Individualized Back Education Programme Change Nurses' Knowledge And Practice About Back Injury Prevention, Diane K. Riley

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Back injury has predominantly been a problem which has affected a large cross-section of nursing staff involved with direct patient care. While back injury prevention has been instituted in hospitals for sometime, the percentage of nurses with back injury remains high. Within a major teaching hospital, a ward in which nurses suffered a high rate of back injuries was identified. Through an action research approach the researcher (who worked in the same area as the participants) developed and implemented an individualized back injury prevention programme. The 4 criteria by which the study was measured included, a reduction of back injuries, …

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Preoperative Predictors Of Postoperative Pain, Robyn A. Paterson Jan 1993

Preoperative Predictors Of Postoperative Pain, Robyn A. Paterson

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The purpose of this study was to investigate five factors, which have been identified in the literature as having influence on the experience of postoperative pain. (1) Patient satisfaction with preoperative information, (2) Anticipated postoperative pain, (3) General self-efficacy, (4) Age, (5) Gender. These variables were examined to determine their relationship, if any with postoperative pain. Any relationship between these variables was also examined. Review of the literature revealed considerable research on pain, and that much of that research has been directed at the treatment of, rather than prediction of postoperative pain. Also, these studies have focused on patients who …

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A Comparison Of Three Midwifery Interventions On The Continuity And Knowledge Of Breast Feeding, Athalie Johnston Jan 1993

A Comparison Of Three Midwifery Interventions On The Continuity And Knowledge Of Breast Feeding, Athalie Johnston

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Although it is widely recognised that breast milk is biologically perfect to provide nutrition for the newborn infant many new mothers do not continue to breast feed throughout the postpartum period. A possible influencing factor is the decreased length of hospital stay, whereby new mothers are discharged home away from the supportive-educative role of the midwife before they are ready to learn the art of breast feeding. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of three midwifery interventions on the continuity and knowledge of first time breast feeding mothers at 6 weeks postpartum. A convenience sample of …

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The Effect Of 'Environmental Manipulation' On Agitation And 24-Hour Sleep In Dementia Sufferers In An Institutional Setting, Ernest A. Matthews Jan 1993

The Effect Of 'Environmental Manipulation' On Agitation And 24-Hour Sleep In Dementia Sufferers In An Institutional Setting, Ernest A. Matthews

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Living in an institutional setting places on residents certain constraints in relation to freedom of choice as to when, where, and how they conduct activities of daily living, such as, sleeping eating, attending to hygiene needs. Studies indicate this loss of control over the environment contributes to loss of self-esteem, leads to stress, and at times precipitates agitation among nursing home residents. Cognitive impairment may render dementia sufferers more vulnerable to loss of control over their control over their environment and result in agitation, which may in turn influence sleep. The study therefore, investigated if ‘environmental manipulation’ as in introducing …

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An Evaluation Of A Workshop On Pain Assessment And Management For Nurses, Beverley Bradshaw Jan 1993

An Evaluation Of A Workshop On Pain Assessment And Management For Nurses, Beverley Bradshaw

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The purpose of this study was to assess nurses’ knowledge of pain assessment and management, examine what change occurred immediately following a pain assessment and management workshop and examine whether any changes were retained one month later. Chin and Benne’s theory of change provided the theoretical framework for this study. Their approach to planned change involves assessing the existing structure, formulating and implementing a plan to change that structure, then evaluating the change. The following hypothesis was formulated for investigation: That nurses’ knowledge of pain assessment and management would increase after a workshop on the subject and be retained over …

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Remote Area Nursing In Western Australia: An Examination Of A Conceptual Model For Practice, Anne Magee Jan 1992

Remote Area Nursing In Western Australia: An Examination Of A Conceptual Model For Practice, Anne Magee

Theses : Honours

The intent of this research was to explore the phenomenon of remote area nursing in relation to a theoretical framework, the SUN Conceptual Model. A Theory-Research-Theory strategy was chosen in order to modify, refine or redevelop the model. Using a descriptive, interpretive design, a sample of eight Remote Area Nurses (RANs) in Western Australia were asked to describe their experiences of remote area nursing. The data were collected by telephone interview. Themes were extrapolated and categorised according to key concepts of the previously developed model. Common components of significant statements were identified in order to gain understanding of the meanings …

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Comparison Of Pulmonary Artery Pressure Measurements In The Supine And Lateral Positions, Leanne Maree Aitken Jan 1992

Comparison Of Pulmonary Artery Pressure Measurements In The Supine And Lateral Positions, Leanne Maree Aitken

Theses : Honours

Pulmonary artery pressure monitoring, with the patient in both the supine and lateral position, constitutes an essential element of assessment in the critically ill. Previous work offers conflicting results regarding the accuracy of pulmonary artery pressure measurements obtained with the patient in the lateral position. Additionally, recent studies question the most appropriate thoracic surface landmark for use as the zero point for pulmonary artery pressure monitoring. The purpose of this study was to identify a reliable surface landmark to be used as the zero point for pulmonary artery pressure monitoring, as well as to determine if use of that zero …

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The Relationship Between Episiotomy And Perineal Lacerations And Perineal Pain Following Childbirth, Christine J. White Jan 1992

The Relationship Between Episiotomy And Perineal Lacerations And Perineal Pain Following Childbirth, Christine J. White

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

One of the major contributions that midwives can make to the comfort and well-being of child-bearing women is the skilful care of the perineum during delivery. This study investigated the short and long-term effects of perineal trauma in order to provide a basis for decision-making in the midwives' perineal management at delivery and client self-care. Specifically, the study examined the relationship between the extent of perineal trauma and the intensity and duration of perineal pain during the first three months following a vaginal birth; and compared discomfort among mothers whose perineal trauma was the result of an episiotomy, perineal, vaginal …

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Parents' Understanding Of Discharge Advice, Susan Howard Jan 1991

Parents' Understanding Of Discharge Advice, Susan Howard

Theses : Honours

Although it is often assumed that a person will have increased knowledge after being given new information, it is important to determine how much information the person can recall and comprehend. The study sample was drawn from a paediatric hospital in Australia. The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate parents' understanding of discharge advice. The study is significant both to nursing practice and to hospital credibility. Medical records (1979-85) at the study hospital showed that approximately 100 children per year returned to hospital with secondary haemorrhage after discharge, post tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy. It is reasonable to assume that at least …

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Prophylatic Cord Care: Is It Necessary?, Karen Coyle Jan 1991

Prophylatic Cord Care: Is It Necessary?, Karen Coyle

Theses : Honours

Since the evolution of 'open' cord care in 1974, the umbilical cord of the newborn has been treated prophylactically with many different forms of antibacterial solutions. Recent studies have demonstrated that cord separation is facilitated by bacteria and many of the current treatments, such as the use of alcohol, actually delay separation. The purpose of this study was to compare cleaning the cord with alcohol to dry cord care, a method of cord care which is now being considered as an acceptable alternative to prophylactic umbilical cord treatment. A convenience sample of 205 babies was taken from a small private …

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The Effectiveness Of Salt Baths In Post Partum Perineal Healing, Patricia Dey Jan 1991

The Effectiveness Of Salt Baths In Post Partum Perineal Healing, Patricia Dey

Theses : Honours

Midwives have advocated the use of salt baths for the relief of perineal trauma in post partum women because they believe in their therapeutic powers in an extensive review of the literature no scientific evidence has been found to support this belief. The use of salt baths bas been discontinued in favour of showers and normal hygiene in many obstetric units. The purpose of this study is to discover whether the faith of the believers is misplaced or justified. It is designed to contribute to the body of knowledge of current nursing practice and provide a scientific base for change. …

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Do Nurses Write Nursing Diagnoses Correctly?, Graeme Neil Boardley Jan 1991

Do Nurses Write Nursing Diagnoses Correctly?, Graeme Neil Boardley

Theses : Honours

In this study it was proposed to examine the effect of educational intervention on nurses' abilities to write nursing diagnostic statements. Studies have shown that the way nurses write nursing diagnoses is an area of weakness in the overall documentation process, and this was perceived by the researcher as being true also in Western Australia. One reason for this, identified in the literature, appears to be lack of education in writing nursing diagnoses. This study was conducted in a 190-bed public hospital using an experimental research design, using control and experimental groups to test the hypothesis that nurses' abilities to …

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New Graduates' Self-Perceived Preparedness To Begin Practice As Registered Nurses, Vicci Lodge Jan 1991

New Graduates' Self-Perceived Preparedness To Begin Practice As Registered Nurses, Vicci Lodge

Theses : Honours

The purpose of this study was to investigate new nurse graduates' perceptions of their preparedness to begin practice as registered nurses. The investigation included determining whether their perceptions changed over time and in which areas they perceived they were best and least prepared. A longitudinal descriptive survey design was used for this study. Two self-administered questionnaires were used to gather data from all the students (79) who graduated with the Diploma of Health Science from Edith Cowan University at the end of Semester 1 for 1991. Of these, 34 new nurse graduates completed and returned both questionnaires. Both quantitative and …

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Nursing Health Assessment: A Meta-Analysis, J. E. Jarvis Jan 1991

Nursing Health Assessment: A Meta-Analysis, J. E. Jarvis

Theses : Honours

Health assessment is the responsibility of all nurses (McCain, 1965), however, it is frequently discussed without reference to any global definition and studied under a variety of conditions. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of clinical setting, year of assessment, nursing education and experience in nursing on the scope of nursing health assessment using meta-analysis techniques. Sixty five research journal articles were located of which 16 primary studies were selected and grouped for analysis. The result of this analysis indicates there is a significant difference in the scope of nursing health assessment in varied clinical settings …

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Nurses' Attitudes To The Nursing Process, Glenda M. Prideaux Jan 1991

Nurses' Attitudes To The Nursing Process, Glenda M. Prideaux

Theses : Honours

The nursing process was 'introduced in Australia in the mid 1970s, as a teaching tool, however, with the advent of tertiary based education in the late 1970s, it was used as a problem solving approach to the practice of nursing. Acceptance of the nursing process has required changes' in attitudes and practice. The objectives of the study were firstly, to describe nurses' attitudes to the nursing process, and. secondly, to relate these attitudes to education and experience. The purpose of this study was to describe nurses' attitudes to the nursing process because they are reported to influence the standards or …

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An Evaluation Of Comparative Strategies For Teaching Breast Self-Examination, Julia Agars Jan 1991

An Evaluation Of Comparative Strategies For Teaching Breast Self-Examination, Julia Agars

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

This study addresses the issue of breast self-examination (BSE) in female nurses, as nurses who perform BSE are more likely to promote BSE to their clients. The purpose of the study is twofold: first, to assess the effects of three alternative methods of BSE instruction on nurses’ BSE practice; and second, to determine the influence of nurses’ health beliefs on their practice of BSE. Previous studies have indicated that various teaching strategies have improved BSE practice. However, the three methods of BSE instruction to be assessed on this study which includes booklet with written instruction, film and group discussion, and …

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The Relationship Between Diet And Exercise And The Occurrence Of Headaches In Adolescents Aged 12 To 15 Years, Paula Hahnel Jan 1990

The Relationship Between Diet And Exercise And The Occurrence Of Headaches In Adolescents Aged 12 To 15 Years, Paula Hahnel

Theses : Honours

Headaches in adolescents present school nurses with a challenge. Al though separate research has focussed on headaches in children, and on dietary and exercises practices of adolescents, little attention has been paid to the relationship between the two. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether adolescents' dietary and exercise practices affect the occurrence of their headaches. The randomly selected sample consisted of 97 adolescents, aged 12 to 15 years, from a Perth metropolitan high school. Males accounted for 28%. Of respondents, and females 72%.. The average age was 13.5 years. All students taking part in the study were …

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Nurses' Use Of Universal Precautions, Robin G.S. Jackson Jan 1990

Nurses' Use Of Universal Precautions, Robin G.S. Jackson

Theses : Honours

Research into Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, Hepatitis B., and other bloodborne pathogens has led to the current worldwide awareness that patients can be admitted to hospitals with potentially fatal diseases that can remain undetected in blood and certain body fluids. This has resulted in a change of emphasis in Infection Control, namely isolating the source of infection rather than isolating the diagnosed infectious patient. One such technique recommended to protect healthcare workers, and other patients from nosocomial disease, is Universal Precautions. This study, using a descriptive survey design and structured questionnaire examined nurses' stated compliance to this technique in a …

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The Effect Of Shift Length On The Number Of Needlestick Injuries In An Acute Private Hospital, J. Mcmahon Jan 1990

The Effect Of Shift Length On The Number Of Needlestick Injuries In An Acute Private Hospital, J. Mcmahon

Theses : Honours

Needlestick injuries present a hazard to both nurse and patient in that they may be the source of transmission of Hepatitis B and the human immunodeficiency virus. It is therefore important to study the factors which either precipitate or prevent needlestick injury. This study examined the effect of shift length on the number of needlestick injuries. Variables which were tested included length of shift, location of work, time of shift, and time within shift. A descriptive survey was used to demonstrate a relationship between any of these variables and the occurrence of needlestick injuries. The study included two data sources: …

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The Post-Discharge Medication Compliance Of Elderly Medical Patients: Incidence And Influencing Factors, Donna L. Mitchell Jan 1990

The Post-Discharge Medication Compliance Of Elderly Medical Patients: Incidence And Influencing Factors, Donna L. Mitchell

Theses : Honours

This study was designed to estimate the extent to which elderly patients complied with their medication regimens post-discharge from three general medical wards of an acute hospital in Perth. Relationships between medication compliance and age, education, cognitive function, medication supervision, number of drugs taken, number of doses per drug per day, regimen recall and drug knowledge were observed. The sample of the study was the general medical patients of three medical wards who were 60 years or older, fluent in the English language, returning to a home in the metropolitan area with no full-time nursing care needs and discharged during …

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Base-Line Equivalence In Three Paired Groups Prior To The Implementation Of Primary Nursing, Julien Harris Jan 1990

Base-Line Equivalence In Three Paired Groups Prior To The Implementation Of Primary Nursing, Julien Harris

Theses : Honours

Primary nursing, one of the methods advocated for assigning nurses to care for patients, has been the subject of much investigation. The value of the system remains unclear. A review of the literature indicated a lack of consensus with positive, equivocal, and negative findings. This study formed phase one of a collaborative Project which measures the effects of the implementation of primary nursing over a two year period. This portion of the Project studies the base-line data of three paired nursing units, to determine whether there was evidence of base-line equivalence of the study and control groups, as determined by …

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Measuring Midwives Accuracy Of Estimating Blood Loss, Christine J. White Jan 1990

Measuring Midwives Accuracy Of Estimating Blood Loss, Christine J. White

Theses : Honours

This study focused on the assessment of blood loss during childbirth by attending midwives. It is very important that the volume of blood loss during childbirth be reported with accuracy. However, it is traditionally accepted that the most commonly used method of estimating blood loss is' inaccurate, This study attempted to determine the accuracy of the attending midwives' visual estimation of blood loss, during vaginal delivery, by measuring all blood loss with electronic weighing scales and comparing it to their visually estimated figures. One hundred and seven women, booked for confinement at a large metropolitan hospital, were selected for the …

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Umbilical Cord Separation Time In Infants, Helen Bailey Jan 1990

Umbilical Cord Separation Time In Infants, Helen Bailey

Theses : Honours

Umbilical cord separation vary throughout the world. This variation makes it difficult to advise parents when the umbilical cord will separate. The purpose of this study was to determine the length of time until umbilical cord separation for a sample of babies born in Perth. A descriptive study was conducted at two hospitals using two different cord care methods. Data were collected on a convenience sample of 228 babies by a structures telephone interview. Mothers were contacted at home after cord separation and asked questions about the study variables. Influencing variables included type and frequency of cord care, sex, mode …

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Clinically Practising Nurses' Perceptions Of Professionalism, Diane E. Twigg Jan 1990

Clinically Practising Nurses' Perceptions Of Professionalism, Diane E. Twigg

Theses : Honours

This study describes clinically practising nurses’ perceptions of professionalism and compares these with reports of nurses’ perceptions of professionalism in the published literature. A phenomenological approach was chosen to identify and interpret the phenomena (professionalism). Ten Registered Nurses representing a range of clinical nursing positions were interviewed on the subject. Data were analysed using an interpretive methodology which identified themes and meanings. Credibility of results was established through participant validation of the identified themes and meanings and by researcher and data triangulation. The study identified six themes common to all participants’ descriptions: expertise based upon a sound education, continued learning, …

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Effect Of Ice Therapy On Post Partum Perineal Pain And Wound Condition, Sheila Klimczyk Jan 1990

Effect Of Ice Therapy On Post Partum Perineal Pain And Wound Condition, Sheila Klimczyk

Theses : Honours

The application of ice to the perineal wound is a common treatment in the post partum period. There is little research available that evaluates the efficacy of ice therapy. This study examined the effects of ice therapy on the perineal wound in the first 24 hours post partum. An experimental design was used to test the hypothesis that the application of ice to the perineal wound, in the first 24 hours post partum, produces a significant reduction in reported pain and use of oral analgesia, and improvement in wound condition. A convenience sample of 58 post partum women from a …

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Personal Practice Of And Beliefs About Breast Self Examination In Students Of Nursing, Charles Lancaster Jan 1990

Personal Practice Of And Beliefs About Breast Self Examination In Students Of Nursing, Charles Lancaster

Theses : Honours

Epidemiological data reveal that breast cancer is a major health problem to women today. Although there are no known means for preventing it, detection and early diagnosis of breast cancer can be readily made through Breast Self Examination (BSE), an inexpensive, non-invasive, cost--effective procedure undertaken by women themselves. Yet, while most women have heard of BSE, very few perform it. By employing Pender's (1987) Health Promotion Model (HPM) as the theoretical nursing framework, it is possible to study reasons for this noncompliance. In this study, two areas are looked at specifically: perceived susceptibility to breast cancer and perceived benefits from …

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Optimal Axillary Thermometer Placement Time For Recording Neonatal Temperature, Athalie Johnston Jan 1990

Optimal Axillary Thermometer Placement Time For Recording Neonatal Temperature, Athalie Johnston

Theses : Honours

Since body temperature is a reflection of neonatal wellbeing, taking and recording an accurate temperature is an important nursing role. Research has shown that axillary temperature adequately reflects core body temperature and is the recommended site for neonates. However, researchers have been unable to agree on the length of thermometer placement time to record an accurate axillary temperature. The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal thermometer placement time to record the maximum axillary temperature in newborn infants using a descriptive correlational design. Axillary temperatures were taken using a convenience sample of 100 healthy, term neonates between 38 …

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