Nursing Commons^™

Using High-Fidelity Simulation To Prepare Nursing Students In The Obstetrical Environment, Cynthia Ann Dixon

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Aim: The goal of this study was to evaluate senior nursing students and use of high-fidelity simulation in the development of critical thinking skills. Background: Nursing students are only given limited opportunities in the specialty areas, such as obstetrics, and often lack the skills and confidence necessary to provide safe and effective care as they join the health care industry as new graduates. Methods: The senior nursing students were brought into the simulation lab and given a new scenario on a preeclampsia patient. The students were given ten minutes to ask questions of the patient, complete a focused assessment, call …

Socio-Demographics And Exclusive Breastfeeding In The Medicaid/Women Infant And Children (Wic) Population In Spartanburg County, April D. Miller

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Breast milk is recognized as the optimal source of nutrition for infants because of its unique nutritional and immunological characteristics. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of an infant’s life. "Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF)" is defined as no other food or drink except breast milk for the first six months of life. Despite its countless benefits to children and mothers, the continuation rates of exclusive breastfeeding are low in the United States, especially in the Medicaid/Women Infant and Children population. It is vital to understand how multiple factors affect breastfeeding practices in order to …

Factors That Influence Mothers' Decisions Concerning Breastfeeding, Kimberly M. Futrelle

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

The purpose of this study was to explore factors that influence decisions concerning breastfeeding in a group of 30 mothers who are employed, place their children in a childcare center, and whose children are five years of age and under. The study utilized Fishbein and Ajzen’s Theory of Reasoned Action as the conceptual framework. The descriptive study allowed for determination of the factors of attitudes, beliefs, and opinions that influence mothers’ decisions concerning breastfeeding. Statistical data compiled from survey results revealed many participants believed that breast milk is less expensive than formula. However, a significant number of mothers were neutral …

Evidence-Based Obstetric Emergency Team Training And Drills, Michelle R. Cox

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Obstetrical emergencies occur in less than two percent of all pregnancies in the United States. These emergency situations are unanticipated and occur rapidly. According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the most common obstetric emergencies in the United States are postpartum hemorrhage and shoulder dystocia. When these emergency medical situations occur, the entire medical team should respond immediately with precision and confidence. There is evidence to support planning and collaboration of interdisciplinary teams with ongoing education and training, leading to prompt recognition and response to critical situations, which can ultimately mitigate poor outcomes during obstetric emergencies. This capstone …

Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy In A Sample Of Wic Participants, Sarah Rowe

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Breastfeeding is recognized as the gold standard for infant nutrition. Women enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) give birth to over half of the infants born in the US and over 50% of manufactured formula is sold to WIC participants. The aim of this study was to determine the breastfeeding self-efficacy score and to evaluate if there was a relationship between breastfeeding self-efficacy scores and initiation and duration of breastfeeding in a sample of women enrolled in a WIC program. A total of 33 subjects were included in this study. Findings indicated women …

Variables Influencing Breastfeeding Among First Time Mothers, Myra Westbrooks

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

This research examined the variables that influence breastfeeding in first time mothers. The study utilized Fishbein and Ajzen’s Theory of Reasoned Action as the theoretical framework. The sample included 147 first time mothers and utilized a descriptive design with a retrospective chart review. The descriptive study allowed for the identification of variables and patterns or characteristics of first time mothers who chose to breastfeed. Associations between several demographic variables and breastfeeding were identified in this study. By identifying variables that have a significant influence on breastfeeding, focused action plans can be developed to improve both maternal and infant health outcomes.

Effects Of Comfort Education On Maternal Comfort And Labor Pain, Abby E. Garlock

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

A lack of understanding regarding the relationship between comfort education and maternal comfort experienced during labor exists within current literature. This project examined the effects of providing education regarding comfort and comfort options available in the hospital setting on level of maternal comfort during labor. A quasi-experimental pretest/posttest comparison group design was used for this project, in which a convenience sample of 80 participants was randomly assigned into a standard care control group or an educational intervention group. Providing comfort education during admission to the labor and delivery unit did not increase comfort scores or decrease pain scores in the …

Breastfeeding Education: Improving Initiation And Duration Of Breastfeeding, Rhonda Coffey

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

The purpose of this research study was to examine the level of self-efficacy for new mothers attending a formal breastfeeding education compared to those that did not. Participants were asked to complete the Breast Feeding Self-Efficacy Scale - Short Form via telephone. Twenty primigravida mothers who were breastfeeding at the time of discharge agreed to participate. A Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated examining the relationship between the participant's level of self-efficacy and participation in formal breastfeeding. The Pearson correlation coefficient was positive but was not statistically significant ( r (18)= .250, p > .05) indicating no relationship between the participant's self-efficacy …

The Late Preterm Infant: How Much Transition Time Is Needed To Prevent Hypothermia?, Sandi Lane

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Late preterm infants are those infants born between 34 weeks and 36 and 6/7 weeks gestation. They are generally the same weight and appearance of full term infants and are treated in level 1 or well baby nurseries the same as full term infants. Late preterm infants are not as physiologically mature as full term infants and have problems that may go overlooked. Late preterm infants experience complications such as hypothermia, hypoglycemia, respiratory difficulties, and feeding problems that lead to hyperbilirubinemia. These complications can lead to longer hospital stays or readmissions and higher healthcare costs. It is the purpose of …

Pregnancy Resolution Counseling With Adolescents, Michelle Taylor Skipper

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

The results of a positive pregnancy test for an adolescent female mandate a time-sensitive decision to be chosen on the outcome of that pregnancy--whether to continue to pregnancy or terminate. Ambivalence regarding the pregnancy in adolescence is typically high as the rate of unplanned pregnancies has been reported as high as eighty-six percent. In this project, Allanson's Abortion Decision Balance Sheet (ADBS) was modified to an age-appropriate literacy level and completed by nine adolescents in a public health department setting in the project "Pregnancy Resolution Counseling with Adolescents" (PRCA). Providing objective questions related to emotions regarding the pregnancy was proposed …

Nurses' Perceptions Of Intradermal Sterile Water Injection Use In Labor, Abby E. Garlock

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Nurses' perceptions of barriers may influence the type of pain control options offered to women in labor. While effective in relieving low-back pain associated with labor, nurses rarely utilize intradermal sterile water injections for women during labor. Using the Nurses' Perceptions of the Use of Intradermal Sterile Water Injections in Labor survey, labor nurses identified barriers to offering intradermal sterile water injections during labor. Individual and institutional characteristics were associated with higher perceived barriers. Nurses who reported working primarily day shift ( t = 2.06, p = .05), higher epidural rates ( r = .45, p = .018), and higher …

The Impact Of Simulation-Based Learning Experience On Critical Thinking Acquisition, Candice Rome

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

The purpose of this comparative experimental project was to compare the impact of simulation-based learning experiences to traditional clinical rotations on critical thinking acquisition of associate nursing students within a maternal-child course. Innovative pedagogies have been integrated in nursing programs to augment inadequate clinical placement and instructor availabilities. A longitudinal convenience sample of 45 second year associate level nursing students enrolled in a maternal-child course was utilized. Four experimental groups, 24 students were exposed to an eight-hour simulation-based learning experience in place of one clinical rotation. During the eight hour simulation day, students participated in three various maternal-child centered simulations. …

Registered Nurses' Perception Of Hispanic Women's Use, Decline And Preference Of Pain Control During Childbirth, Sarah R. Conte

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

The purpose of this descriptive study was to identify registered nurses' perceptions of why Hispanic women use or decline pain control during the childbirth process and to identify preferences of pain control. A convenience sample of registered nurses (N = 30) from a large healthcare system in North Carolina was utilized. An 11-item questionnaire using a Likert scale was used. (Appendix A). The questionnaire instrument was developed specifically for this study, and was validated by Julie Stembridge, certified nurse mid- wife, an experienced mid-level provider in obstetrical care. (Appendix B) Demographic data was collected to provide a basis for variations …

Implications Of Perinatal Safety Nurse Fetal Monitoring Surveillance In The Labor And Delivery Setting, Kellie M. Griggs

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Successful maternal and infant outcomes are the most important safety goals for all obstetrical units providing care for low and high-risk patients. The purpose of this research study was to describe how the implementation of the "Perinatal Safety Nurse" position in the Labor and Delivery setting effected fetal outcomes as well as provided an added level of safety. This study proposed that a direct correlation exists between fetal outcomes and fetal safety initiatives. The research design chosen for this proposal was a retrospective study that utilized a descriptive design. The data compared one hundred deliveries from January 2009 to December …

Holistic Comfort And Bereavement Of Families Receiving Prenatal Hospice Support During The Loss Of An Unborn Child With Lethal Anomalies, Sally S. Smith

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

The purpose of this descriptive study was to explore the grieving process and coping mechanism of families that was faced with the impeding loss of their unborn child. Grief is a very lonely process.

The aim of this research is to examine how parents cope with the lost of an unborn child with the aid of perinatal hospices. Giving families a broader range of options in regards to continuing their pregnancy. Each family has a right to choice what option is right for them. Choices should be in the hands of the family in regards to continuing with their pregnancy …

Effect Of Remote Fetal Monitoring In An Inpatient Obstetrical Unit: A Retrospective Review, Lauren Reavis

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Electronic Fetal Monitoring (EFM) has been used as a tool for inpatient obstetrical care in the United States since the 1980's. The litigious nature of our society has caused much emphasis to be placed upon EFM use and interpretation; however, little evolution has occurred in monitoring techniques. The review of relevant literature found a significant gap in knowledge in regards to research of the current monitoring practice. Therefore, this study was aimed to look at the effect of remote monitoring, like the practice currently used in telemetry, on inpatient obstetrical care. The study used a retrospective review to look at …

Expectations Of Pain Relief Utilizing Epidural Analgesia, Kelly Powell Morris

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

This study describes patient expectations and actual pain relief reported by patients experiencing childbirth while utilizing epidural analgesia as their method of choice to reduce the pain associated with childbirth using a quantitative descriptive design. Data were collected using the Expectations of Pain Relief Utilizing Epidural Analgesia Questionnaire. The sample (N=17) consisted of first-time mothers delivering at an acute community hospital who were participants in the county's Nurse-Family Partnership Program. The questionnaire, developed by the researcher, was distributed to participants by their Nurse-Family Partnership Registered Nurse during a routine postpartum home visit during the three month study time span. The …