Nursing Commons^™

Alzheimer’S Disease, Brandi Herman

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Alzheimer’s disease is a cause of dementia that affects older adults worldwide. There is a greater understanding of the disease but the cause remains unknown. Alzheimer’s disease affects the brain ultimately leading to cognitive decline. Although there are modifiable risk factors that could potentially decrease the risk of Alzheimer’s there is no definitive treatment. As numbers increase of Alzheimer’s patients in the United States, updated research and clinical trials are needed to find a cure. Education on managing Alzheimer’s patients along with treating their symptoms is essential.

Medication Adherence And The Schizophrenic Patient, Vennessa Downs

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Medication adherence and patients diagnosed with schizophrenia is an ongoing issue for both health care practitioners and the patient. This a concern because patients with schizophrenia may experience severe adverse reactions from delayed care, withdrawal symptoms and cognitive impairment. Psychiatric medications have side effects that induces sickness, this may explain the reluctance of patients not wanting to continue psychiatric medication therapy. The lack of medication adherence in psychiatric patients leads to a disturbed quality of life; inducing clinical depression, anxiety, psychosis and the use of physical and chemical restraints in the hospital. Patients with schizophrenia that have a good insight …

Aortic Stenosis, Christina Lower

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Aortic Stenosis is the progressive and permanent narrowing of the aortic valve that is located between the left ventricle and the aorta. The pathophysiology is endothelial damage to the valve resulting in lipid penetration, calcific changesand valve stiffness.Major risk factors for aortic stenosis are natural aging>60 years(atherosclerotic changes in vasculature) and male gender.In the early phases of aortic stenosis, the body compensatesvia hypertrophy of the left ventricle to accommodateforthe increased pressure gradient. Progression is typically over years to decades untildecreased outflow of blood leads toinadequate perfusion to major organsystems including the heart itself. Patientsdo not typically have symptoms until …

Sepsis: Early Identification Of Sepsis, Natasha Asante

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Sepsis is a life threatening emergency and it is the body’s extreme response to an infection (CDC, 2019). Sepsis continues to be a problem for all medical institutions globally due to its high mortality rate. Sepsis can be caused by any pathogen and may arise from pneumonia, urinary tract infections and infections in the skin or soft tissue (Nagalingam, 2018). As sepsis progresses, it can lead to organ dysfunction, tissue damage and death. The progression of sepsis can be categorized in 3 stages, that is Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS), severe sepsis and septic shock. Septic shock is the most …

The Importance Of Understanding Pheochromocytomas, Aaron Corn

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Pheochromocytomas are endocrine tumors that originate from the adrenal medulla. These tumors secrete endogenous catecholamines that elicit significant hemodynamic effects. If left untreated, these tumors can cause chronic, permanent damage to organs and possibly lead to death. The clinical triad of symptoms include headache, heart palpitations and diaphoresis. The generalized symptoms that pheochromocytomas cause combined with their rarity make them a difficult illness to identify. Early management of these tumors is paramount. Symptoms are managed with alpha-adrenergic blockers until surgical intervention can be performed. Surgical intervention is the only curative treatment. It is important to note that there are pertinent …

Effects Of Bariatric Surgery On Metabolic Insulin Resistance, Tricia Brown

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Diabetes and Obesity are major diseases that affect Americans today. This project looks at insulin resistance independent of weight loss in diabetic patients who have had undergone bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgery changes the structure of the stomach and the digestive process. A metabolic change has been noted in patients immediately after surgery. Studies have shown that bariatric surgery can cause a remission of diabetes. A change in insulin resistance is noted immediately after surgery. A specific pathologic process is still unclear, and more research is needed. This project explores different theories of metabolic changes in the human body after bariatric …

Neuroblastoma, Cydney Keene

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

In the pediatric population, Neuroblastoma is the most common solid malignant tumor, beginning in utero along the sympathetic nervous system. The maturation of neural crest cells determines if an immature cell does not mature, a solid malignant mass can form. Various articles and journals conduct studies and compare statistics in supporting the development and pathophysiology of Neuroblastoma in children. Dependent upon the tumor site and presence of metastasis, with interventions and early detection, the cancer cells will be targeted for removal.

Trauma Informed Care (Tic): Caring For Victims Of Trauma, Deanna Smith

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

This poster discusses the use of trauma-informed care (TIC) in care settings to address health needs of patients who have experienced traumatic events. Complex trauma, childhood trauma, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can cause long term impacts on health of patients including physical, behavioral, and cognitive manifestations. This poster explores health implications of trauma, how they can present in healthcare settings, and how the use of trauma-informed care can alleviate the burden on healthcare settings and improve patient outcomes by preventing further re-traumatization. The use of the TIC approach is applicable to all care modalities and settings, including primary and …

Wound Healing, Emily Schmitter

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

The topic being presented is wound healing. Wound healing is a pathological process that occurs in three phases: inflammation, proliferation and new tissue formation, and remodeling and maturation. Several factors can affect wound healing such as nutrition status, increased age and health status. Wound healing is relevant to advanced practiced nursing because APNs participate in prevention, assessment, and treatment of wounds. The APN is responsible for teaching diabetic patients about the importance of proper nutrition. The APN must also be able to identify a hard-to-heal wound. And the APN must know how to prevent infection and induce healing in hard-to-heal …

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Caroline Bedinghaus

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a complex disease discussed in the following poster. ARDS is an inflammatory disease with a high mortality rate, making it a topic of high interest. Numerous different diseases can initiate ARDS, but not everyone who develops one of those diseases goes into ARDS. The inflammatory response within the lungs causes refractory hypoxemia and shunting. Treatments available for ARDS is mechanical ventilation with smaller tidal volumes, prone positioning, and neuromuscular blocking agents. Nurses caring for these critically ill patients must have an understanding of the overall picture of ARDS, while continuously assessing for possible complications …

Diabetes Mellitus, Cara Young

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

There are two types of diabetes mellitus, Type 1 which involves a decrease in insulin production and Type 2 which is related to an impaired sensitivity to insulin due to peripheral insulin resistance (Chesworth, 2019). Type 1 diabetes is a dysfunction of the pancreas that an individual is usually born with and affects about 10 percent of the diabetic population. Type 2 diabetes is a product of obesity and age that affect the body’s sensitivity to insulin, not a problem with its production, and affects the remaining 90 percent of the diabetic population (Chesworth, 2019). The hyperglycemia that comes with …

Coarctation Of The Aorta, Megan Berens

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is a ductal dependent congenital heart defect that causes decreased blood flow to areas of the body distal to the site of constriction. CoA is one of the most common congenital heart defects, though is often missed in neonatal assessments. Neonatal patients with CoA often present to the hospital in a state of cardiopulmonary collapse. CoA is occasionally diagnosed in older children and adults who have upper extremity hypertension and decreased femoral pulses. CoA repair is performed through surgery or percutaneous catheter interventions. Patients with CoA have an increased likelihood of developing other vascular lesions. …

Venous Thromboembolism, Ngwangong Mitti

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a serious pathophysiological condition that is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, especially perioperatively (Elisha at al., 2015).

The Pathophysiology Of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (Ards), Alyscia Defrancisco

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is fatal when not recognized early, nursing care can have a positive impact on patient outcomes. ARDS is a disease of the lung caused by an acute lung injury. ARDS accounts for 10-15% of ICU admission and is underrecognized. Key nursing consideration are essential to help identify and treat ARDS.

Healthcare Inequities Of The Hiv Population, Michael Silvka

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

AbstractThe social attitude in the United States toward people living with HIV (PLWH,) has changed verylittle since the diagnosis became prevalent in the 1980’s. Healthcare inequities experienced by(PLWH) affect their well-being in many ways every day. The ability of society to decrease theseinequities is within our grasp. (PLWH) are depending on social determinants being addressedto allow equitable access to preventative measures, testing, and treatment of their illness. Theneed for appropriate and sustainable change to social perception of the HIV epidemic must beaddressed to ensure fair and equitable treatment is available to all persons affected by thisdisease

Pathophysiology Of Schizophrenia, Chimezie Onuchukwu

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

This poster presents the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. This topic was selected because it helps to understand the pathophysiology of the condition as well as the clinical significance of the condition. Schizophrenia is a condition that is not well known and there are misconceptions in the community about the condition. I believe by understanding its etiology, pathophysiology, and presenting signs and symptoms; I will be able to give the best nursing care to my patients. Patients with the condition exhibit five major symptoms including delusions, hallucinations, disorganized, disorganised speech or thinking, and inability to function normally. Under DSM V diagnosis criteria, …

Sars-Cov-2 Or Covid-19, Amy Phillips

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

The emergence of COVID-19 has stunned the world and challenged the medical field in ways not seen in almost a century. COVID-19 has proven to be unpredictable and can have effects ranging from mild to life threatening, including pneumonia, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, multi-system organ failure and death. This presentation discusses the presentation, pathophysiology, current treatments and implications on nursing for COVID-19. Research is ongoing to determine just how and why this virus attacks the way it does, how to best treat the virus and how to develop a vaccine to prevent future outbreaks.

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension, Gifty Menka

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), is diagnosed as persistently elevated pressures in the pulmonary arteries. It is a severe disease that requires early diagnosis and treatment as it can be life-threatening if not treated promptly and adequately. The initial presenting signs and symptoms such as lethargy, malaise, and exercise intolerance can be vague, making it difficult to diagnose. Also, doctors at centers that specialize in treating PAH are the only ones who can properly diagnose the condition and initiate disease-targeted therapy. There are different types of PAH; the World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes 5 groups of pulmonary hypertension (PH), and they …

Depression: The Cause, The Signs, The Stigma, Elisabeth Sanderson

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Depression is a common phenomenon. According to World Health Organization (2020) there are over 264 million people suffering from depression globally. Takahashi (2019) states that major depressive disorder is the most common mood disorder and additionally notes that it is the leading cause of disability not just in the United States but in the world. From a pathophysiological perspective depression has multiple possible causes. This paper seeks to look at depression as a relevant health care concern and to describe accepted theories on the pathophysiology of depression as well as discussing key signs and symptoms of the disorder. It seeks …

Malignant Hyperthermia, Nicholas Colangelo

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Malignant hyperthermia is a rare manifestation of a genetic mutation involving the ryanodine receptors. This mutation causes a sustained intracellular calcium release that is triggered by certain anesthetics such as depolarizing neuromuscular blockers and volatile gases. The extended release of calcium functions as a dangerous catalyst for hyper-metabolism that will lead to rapid death if unrecognized and untreated. Current treatment involves the drug dantrolene in tandem with symptomatic management in the intensive care setting. Symptomatic treatment may likely involve rapid cooling, fluid resuscitation, electrolyte management, and mechanical ventilation until symptoms resolve. A literature review of malignant hyperthermia is of vital …

Malignant Hyperthermia, Alec Smith

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Abstract: There are many issues that healthcare professionals face in the evolving world of medicine. One of these is the development of a disease process known as Malignant Hyperthermia (MH). This condition is precipitated by frequently used anesthetic agents such as volatile gases and depolarizing muscle relaxants. The onset of MH is sudden and can be life-threatening, therefore, diligent monitoring of patients is essential in early recognition and treatment of MH. The purpose of this poster is to provide in -depth knowledge about MH. This includes the pathophysiology of the disease, signs and symptoms, treatment options, and implications MH has …

Schizophrenia And Genomics, Tiffini Lasch

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

There are several advancements in genomics under specific categories, such as cancer and autism. Mental health is one of the leading diseases to cause a significant debt burden in today's society. However, genomics has not translated well into mental health treatment. One area of focus is schizophrenia. Those with schizophrenia suffer from severe and devastating symptoms. The symptoms can lead to harsh complications. Which can make it impossible to function in everyday life. Many believe it is not just genetics alone, but also environmental factors that contribute to schizophrenia. Through large genome-wide associated studies, discoveries are being made. There have …

Pediatric Asthma, Monica Stricklin

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Effective management of asthma will improve pediatric patient quality of life. This may be achieved through the prevention of asthma exacerbations by continuous pediatric and guardian/parent education to proper inhaler technique, appropriate medication management and the avoidance of environmental triggers. These modalities may prevent trips to the emergency department, hospital admissions and the pediatric patient can avoid missing days from school.

Bronchiectasis: Pathophysiology And Management, Olivia Fleetwood

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Bronchiectasis is a chronic respiratory condition that can decrease the quality of life of patients with this disease. A persistent cough, increased sputum production, and recurrent chest infections that lead to damaged dilated and thickened bronchi characterizes this condition. Bronchiectasis can result from several conditions such as abnormalities of airway anatomy, immune deficiency, and infections; however, the cause may not always be identifiable. The damage done to the airways is irreversible and can cause complications in daily life and especially during surgical procedures. This poster evaluates the pathophysiology of bronchiectasis and discusses the surgical implications of having a patient with …

Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State, Justin Momeyer

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS) and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) are dangerous complications of diabetes. HHS is examined in this poster and compared to DKA. Even though both have some similarities, they have very different laboratory profiles, patient presentations, treatments, complications, and can require different levels of care. With diabetes becoming more common amongst patients in the hospital, it is imperative that healthcare providers are aware of both of these complications. Nurses who understand both of these complications are able to act pro-actively for their patients, ask questions regarding correct treatments and orders, include the right providers in the care team, and …

Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction, Jennifer Klubnik

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is a chronic disease that contributes to high morbidity and mortality. This poster will display and discuss HFrEF and effects of this chronic disease on the population. Pathophysiology, treatment modalities, and implications for the advanced practice nurse (APN) will be discussed. Different categories of heart failure will be discussed to compare and contrast the specific indications for HFrEF. The specifics of cardiac remodeling and molecular changes that occur with HFrEF are considered when deciding which treatment modalities to implement. HFrEF treatment focuses on quality of life and mitigation of symptoms. The APN is …

Infective Endocarditis, Tessa Friend

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

The proposed poster is an overview of the pathophysiology and nursing considerations for infective endocarditis. Infective endocarditis (IE) is an infection that affects the endothelium of the heart. While not a highly prevalent disease in the United States, it does have a significant mortality rate of up to 30% at 30 days after diagnosis despite many medical advancements to attempt to prevent and treat it. IE can cause multisystem organ dysfunction through complication of the disease or embolization of the vegetation.

The poster goes over several complications associated with IE and the evidence-based treatment of those complications. Several articles on …

Cardiogenic Shock, Sean Lawler

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Cardiogenic shock is a commonly seen problem within intensive care units across the world. Despite significant research into the process, mortality rates remain high. It is a condition that is frequently developed secondary to myocardial infarction (MI) and can lead to significant hemodynamic compromise and death. The purpose of this poster is to provide more in-depth knowledge of cardiogenic shock. The poster highlights the pathophysiology, signs and symptoms, treatment, and the implications for nursing surrounding the condition. No specific studies were addressed in the poster, however, several examples can be found through the references listed.

Obesity, Tiffany Fry

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Abstract

Obesity is a multifaceted and complex chronic disease ravaging the health of our nation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports reveal in 2017-2018 the prevalence of obesity in the United States was 42.4% (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2020). Not only is obesity a concern in the United States, but also globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) (2016), obesity is defined as an excessive amount of adipose tissue that accumulates in one’s body and poses a significant risk to one’s health. The body mass index (BMI) (weight in kg/height in m²), …

Total Joint Replacements And Prevention Of Surgical Site Infections, Mari Rearley

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Surgical site infections continue to be a leading cause of postoperative complications in hospitals across the nation. Although much progress has been made in preventing postoperative infections, it continues to be cost intensive within the medical institution. It also reduces patient satisfaction and quality of life. The majority of joint replacement surgeries are considered to be elective, which provides an opportunity to plan ahead to provide education to the patient and make other necessary changes to ensure high quality care is provided at all times. Each phase of surgery has the potential to greatly impact the desired outcome and improve …