Nursing Commons^™

The Benefits Of Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Agonists In Adult Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Bethany A. Johnson

Nursing Capstones

Background: PCOS is the most common endocrinopathy in women of reproductive age, affecting 5-6 million women in the United States. Symptoms include hirsutism, acne, hormone imbalances, menstrual irregularity, obesity, infertility, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. GLP-1s are being studied for their benefits in women with PCOS.

Purpose: To review the current evidence on the efficacy of GLP-1 receptor agonists in improving symptoms and complications of PCOS.

Methods: This scoping literature review used three databases, including CINAHL Ultimate, PubMed, and ClinicalKey. Inclusion criteria were women 18 and older diagnosed with PCOS and studies that evaluated any type of GLP-1 and their effect on …

Effect Of Whole-Food Plant-Based Diet On Ldl Cholesterol: A Scoping Literature Review, Joel Gregory Mueller

Nursing Capstones

Background: The whole-food, plant-based (WFPB) diet includes whole grains, whole plants, unrefined sugars, beans, and legumes. The diet excludes meat, dairy, and added fats. The diet has been popularized by documentaries .The diet claims to lower total and LDL cholesterol to a safe level as both a primary and secondary mode of prevention.

Purpose: Review existing studies to see whether the WFPB diet will lower LDL cholesterol in adult males over a 14 day or more duration.

Methods: A scoping literature review was completed of the University of North Dakota’s library system for keyword combinations. The returned 102 studies were …

Impact Of Medication Opioid Use Disorder (Moud) Programs In Emergency Departments, Mechelle A. Zima

Nursing Capstones

The purpose of this paper is to provide a discussion of how a medication opioid use disorder (MOUD) programs integrated into the emergency department (ED) can improve patient’s outcomes compared to standard ED discharges. This study utilized a systematic literature review using PubMed, CINAHL and Google Scholar. The initial literature search identified 594 articles. After applying the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 18 articles were selected. Inclusion criteria included peer reviewed articles that focused on opioid use disorder (OUD) patients treated in the ED with OUD medications while exclusion criteria involved articles with OUD patients treated in ED without OUD …

Effects Of Exercise On Adhd Symptoms In Children And Adolescents, Morgan Mozinski

Nursing Capstones

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of exercise compared to traditional treatment methods on symptoms of ADHD in children, such as improved executive function. A systematic literature review utilizing PubMed, CINAHL, and UND Medical Library resulted in a total of 113 articles, with 15 articles meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results were filtered to studies within the past 5 years. Studies suggest that physical activity could be used as an adjunct to current treatment. Results of various studies support this concept as children showed an improvement in attention, a decrease in impulsivity and hyperactivity, and an …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Telehealth Interventions In Managing Type 2 Diabetes Among Adults In Underserved Rural Areas, Taylor Lemke

Nursing Capstones

Managing Type 2 diabetes (T2D) in underserved rural areas presents ongoing challenges due to limited healthcare access and provider shortages. Telehealth interventions, such as remote monitoring, mobile health applications, and virtual consultations, have emerged as promising strategies to enhance care delivery. This systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of telehealth in improving glycemic control and patient satisfaction among adults with T2D in rural settings. Recent studies, including randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and systematic reviews published between 2019 and 2025, were analyzed. Overall, telehealth was associated with reductions in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), improved medication adherence, and increased patient engagement. High levels …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors In Reducing Migraine Frequency In Adults: A Literature Review, Samantha Tully

Nursing Capstones

This scoping review aims to evaluate current literature on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for migraine prevention and prophylaxis in adults. Key themes and gaps in the research are identified. A systematic review was completed across two databases including PubMed and Cochrane. Fifteen studies have been examined in this review with a range of publication dates from 1999 to 2022. Based on this literature review, the author concludes that SSRIs may reduce migraine frequency and severity in the adult population through their action to increase serotonin availability and stabilize serotonin levels. Further research is needed in this area.

The Effect Of Patient-Centered Discharge Instructions In Reducing 30-Day Readmission Rates In Heart Failure Patients, Ashley Spiering

Nursing Capstones

Background: Heart failure (HF) is a leading cause of hospital readmissions, with nearly one in four patients experiencing rehospitalization within 30 days of discharge. Readmissions within this timeframe present a significant clinical and economic challenge for patients and healthcare services. Reducing 30-day readmissions has become a central goal for hospitals aiming to improve patient outcomes and minimize financial burdens.

Purpose: To evaluate whether patient-centered discharge instructions are an effective tool in reducing 30-day readmission rates for patients with HF.

Method: A literature review was conducted using PubMed and CINAHL databases. Keywords such as heart failure, readmission, education, discharge, and instructions …

Moderate Exercise And Tirzepatide Versus Tirzepatide Alone For Long-Term Weight Loss Maintenance, Edward Amoah Acheampong

Nursing Capstones

Background: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist (RA) drugs have been transformative when managing obesity in the clinical setting. Though these medications are effective for weight loss, questions regarding their efficacy for long-term weight loss or maintenance remain unanswered.

Purpose: The purpose of this scoping review was to answer the following clinical question: Can overweight or obese patients (P) who use tirzepatide without exercise (I) as compared to those incorporating 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic exercise (C) sustain a ≥5% weight loss (O) one-year post-treatment (T)?

Methods: Five electronic article databases were searched to locate articles …

Nature's Relief: Efficacy Of Plant-Based Therapies Vs. Placebo In Easing Vasomotor Menopausal Symptoms, Megan N. Schneider

Nursing Capstones

Background: Vasomotor symptoms (VMS) impact the lives of menopausal women. Plant-based therapies are frequently used as alternatives to hormonal therapy, warranting evaluation of their effectiveness.

Purpose: This literature review evaluates the efficacy of plant-based therapies in alleviating VMS during menopause and compares their effectiveness to placebo treatment.

Methods: A literature review was conducted utilizing PubMed and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL).

Results: The review includes a synthesis of 16 primary studies, highlighting five therapies: black cohosh, soy, red clover, evening primrose, and combination therapy in managing VMS. Soy consistently reduces VMS. Black cohosh, red clover, evening …

Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Therapy And Substance Use Disorders, Rachel J. Brunsell

Nursing Capstones

Background: Treatment options for SUDs fail to address the neurobiological underpinnings of addiction. Recent studies suggest that GLP-1s, including semaglutide, liraglutide, and exenatide, offer therapeutic benefits by reducing cravings, improving treatment adherence, and decreasing relapse rates across a range of SUDs, including alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, nicotine, and opioid use disorders.

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to explore studies that highlight the potential benefits of GLP-1 receptor agonists in reducing substance cravings, improving treatment adherence, and decreasing relapse rates for patients with various SUDs.

Methods: A comprehensive review of recent studies examining the effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists, including …

The Effect Of Breastfeeding On Maternal Mental Health, Quinn Packineau

Nursing Capstones

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant public health issue impacting maternal and infant well-being, and though breastfeeding benefits both mother and baby, its effect on PPD is uncertain. This scoping literature review explores whether breastfeeding versus bottle feeding reduces PPD risk within six months postpartum using CINAHL and PubMed search of studies from the last five years on breastfeeding, bottle feeding, and PPD correlations. From 17 qualifying studies, results display exclusive and prolonged breastfeeding linked to lower PPD rates. However, the relationship is bidirectional because PPD can also prompt early breastfeeding cessation. Maternal self-efficacy, lactation support, and socioeconomic- demographic factors …

Internationally Educated Nurse Onboarding Program Evaluation Toolkit, Kolton Jacobson

Nursing Capstones

A large rural healthcare system has onboarded over 200 internationally educated nurses (IENs) and needed to develop an evaluation method to determine longitudinal program outcomes. This project’s purpose was to develop an evaluation toolkit to be utilized by this health system to evaluate and support overall program outcomes. The Casey-Fink Graduate Nurse Experience Survey was identified through a literature review to be utilized within the toolkit to evaluate program outcomes. Utilizing a descriptive evaluation research design with post-survey, expert opinions were collected from 20 IEN clinical educators at this health system about their expected use and effectiveness of the toolkit …

4ms Framework For Aging Healthcare, Christine Zaki

Nursing Capstones

Background: At the beginning of the pandemic, primary care clinics in North Dakota (ND) had just a trickle of daily telehealth encounters. Over time, these encounters increased, primarily for the youngest seniors (55 – 70 years old). Due to increased COVID-19 cases among the elderly population in ND, the Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP) allocated a grant to the University of North Dakota (UND) to promote telehealth use in the elderly residing in rural ND and receiving home care through the desired home care agency. This project aims to promote telehealth to reduce exposure to COVID-19 among the geriatric populations …

Telehealth Assessment In The Elderly Using The 4ms, Melissa Koehl

Nursing Capstones

The current 2019 novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, has presented new threats and challenges in healthcare, especially when attempting to conduct wellness exams amongst the most vulnerable. Older adults with underlying medical conditions are at great risk for exposure and infection of COVID-19. The Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP) grant was given to the University of North Dakota (UND) to create a geriatric telehealth team and implement a telehealth project, promoting the use of telehealth technologies amongst older adults utilizing the 4Ms (mentation, medication, mobility, and what matters). A modified wellness assessment tool was created and administered through telehealth technology to …

An Education Intervention In Integrating The Mobile Applications In Treating Disruptive Sleep Patterns In Mental Health Patients, Agnes M. Aondo

Nursing Capstones

Background: Disruptive sleep patterns in patients with mental health disorders are a common occurrence. Unfortunately, many people are often treated for their mental health disorders solely or prescribed more medications to manage sleep, leaving sleep evaluation, and management addressed inadequately in the clinical setting. There is extensive evidence supporting the benefits of integrating mobile applications into clinical practice.

Objective: The purpose of the clinical project was to determine if an educational intervention would increase APRN’s knowledge about the mobile app in the care of mental health patients who experience disruptive sleep patterns in primary care outpatient clinics

Methodology: A one-group …

Telehealth Assessment In The Elderly Using The 4m'S, Janet Obonyo

Nursing Capstones

COVID-19 has accelerated an already urgent need for telehealth in the United States. While health care systems have been providing telehealth for years, the number of providers and patients who need to participate in telehealth has ballooned overnight. Though telehealth has been in use for a while, the geriatric population seems to be disadvantaged, especially those who reside in rural settings. Due to increased COVID 19 cases among the elderly population in North Dakota, the Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP) allocated a grant to the University of North Dakota to promote telehealth in the elderly receiving homecare services in rural …

Telehealth Assessment In The Elderly Using The 4m'S, Witeh Esoe

Nursing Capstones

COVID-19 brought unprecedented challenges in accessing healthcare services. The lack of accessibility to healthcare drastically impacted older adults, especially those in rural America, who experienced multiple issues accessing quality care with an increase in healthcare cost leading to a significant increase in morbidity and mortality rate from COVID-19. Consequently, the usage of telehealth services skyrocketed during the pandemic. As a result, the Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP) emerged with the aim to promote the use of telehealth services to reduce COVID-19 exposure to older adults in rural North Dakota (ND). Thereby keeping older adults safe at home and still having …

Treatment Of Iatrogenic Hyperprolactinemia Caused By Antipsychotic Medications, Mckenzie Moor

Nursing Capstones

No abstract provided.

Enhancing Diversity In Nursing Education, Ellen Steidl

Nursing Capstones

Diversity in the nursing workforce lags behind the demographic of the national population; therefore, diversity of the student population must be enhanced in nursing education. While racial minority groups account for 40% and men account for 50% of the total population, only 20% of racial minority groups and 9% of men are represented in nursing. The Transcultural Nursing Theory serves as the theoretical framework for this study. A thorough review of the literature was conducted and analyzed. Several barriers to achieving diversity in nursing education exist including issues with recruitment and retention of diverse populations. Strategies for effective implementation techniques …

Trichotillomania Treatment In Children And Adolescents, Tim W. Horton

Nursing Capstones

No abstract provided.

The Critical Shortage Of Nurse Educators: Implications For The Nursing Workforce, Catherine Lassila

Nursing Capstones

The profession of nursing depends upon the work of dedicated, caring, and skilled nursing educators. Not only do they prepare those new to the profession at the prelicensure level, but also to train nurses continuing their education. Nursing education is itself facing severe shortages of educators, the impact of which directly affects the number of nurses that are in the workforce. Many accomplished nurse educators are retiring, while the education institutions simultaneously struggle to attract and retain new educators to the field. To combat this, educational institutions must address the reasons behind high attrition rates of new teachers and other …

Utilization Of Simulated Experiences To Replace In-Person Experiences For Bachelor Of Science Nursing Students, Margaret Loehrke

Nursing Capstones

The demand for nurses is growing throughout the United States, increasing the burden on nursing institutions to accept more students into their programs. Yet, schools are having difficulty keeping up with the need. Institutions have been replacing traditional, in-person clinical experiences with simulated clinical experiences. Although state boards of nursing allow for the utilization of clinical simulation hours, there is no consensus regarding the amount or percentage of hours that schools can replace or the types of experiences that lead to the best student outcomes. This paper thoroughly examines the contemporary literature to determine if simulated clinical education meets student …

Borderline Personality Disorder And Increased Aggression In Patients, Rory Connolly

Nursing Capstones

No abstract provided.

Introduction Of Incivility Strategies In The Empowerment Of Nursing Faculty And Students, Angela Wolf

Nursing Capstones

Incivility in nursing education is a growing occurrence that is shown to have profound negative effects on the entire nursing profession. This is a cycle that starts in nursing school and left unchecked carries forward into the workplace. Uncivil behavior is experienced by students, faculty, and peers. A thorough literature review was conducted to describe incivility that occurs in the classroom and possible interventions that allow for improved conditions for nurse educators and nursing students. One study conducted in the university setting using a mixed study design indicated various possible causes including students pay for their education, so this gives …

Addressing Lgbtq Student Population Diversity In Nursing Education, Charlene Ramirez

Nursing Capstones

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) nursing students often find that there is little to no education on health issues that directly affect them. Nursing organizations in the United States have continually made the recommendation to nursing programs to implement LGBTQ health issues in their curriculum, but there has been little to no compliance. This can be attributed to the uncertainty of nurse educators in being competent to provide this education. A thorough literature review was conducted to research how nursing programs incorporate education on LGBTQ health issues into their curricula. By incorporating culturally appropriate education into the nursing …

Enhancing Public Health And School Nurse Knowledge Around Bullying And Mental Health Issues In The Pediatric Population, Holly Bartels

Nursing Capstones

Childhood bullying within schools and the community can leave lasting short- and long-term consequences that can extend into adulthood if not identified early on. Both the bullies and victims of bullies can be impacted both mentally and physically because of bullying. With the increase of technology and social media in schools, cyberbullying has also become a concern. A comprehensive electronic literature search was completed to understand if enhancing public health and school nurse knowledge around bullying and mental health issues would reduce the prevalence of adverse outcomes associated with childhood bullying. Results of the literary search found school and public …

The Current State Of Nursing Education In The Context Of Covid-19, Kaitlyn Kelly

Nursing Capstones

The field of nursing education has undergone massive changes in the context of COVID-19. Healthcare systems shifted to take care of an influx of patients, personal protective equipment shortages arose, and fear of transmission of the virus contributed to many nursing programs quickly transitioning to online instruction. These quick shifts leave many questions about the quality of education nursing students are currently experiencing. Although data may not yet be available to examine the effects of COVID-19 on nursing education, much can be learned by reviewing relevant literature published since the pandemic’s onset. This literature review describes changes to nursing education …

Treatment Of Trichotillomania, Kelsey Schwehr

Nursing Capstones

No abstract provided.

Charge Nurse Orientation, Angela Zafke

Nursing Capstones

Traditional undergraduate training focuses heavily on clinical skills with minimal emphasis on leadership. In practice, a nurse with clinical prowess is often promoted to the charge nurse position. Taking on the leadership role of a charge nurse can be a stressful experience without proper training and preparation that leads to burnout and turnover. With more experienced nurses facing retirement, now is the time to prepare future nursing leaders. This starts with adequately preparing a nurse to lead within the unit in the charge nurse role. A comprehensive literature review was conducted regarding charge nurse orientation. Charge nurse competencies were not …

Strict Glycemic Control In Adults With Type 2 Diabetes And Risk Of Infection, Morgan Borud

Nursing Capstones

No abstract provided.