Nursing Commons^™

The Effect Of Oral Care On Intracranial Pressure In Critically Ill Adults, Christina Szabo

Theses and Dissertations

A major goal in the care of patients with neurological problems is to prevent or minimize episodes of increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Elevations in ICP in response to nursing interventions have been acknowledged since the 1960’s when ICP monitoring was first introduced in the clinical setting. Until recently few studies have specifically examined the effect of oral care on ICP and oral care and other hygiene measures were combined or not specified, prohibiting a direct interpretation of the influence of oral care alone on ICP. The purpose of this study was to describe the relationship between routine oral care interventions …

Surgical Delay For Hip Fracture Clients And The Use Of Clopidogrel: An Integrative Review, Phoebe Genevieve Waller

Senior Honors Theses

Abstract

Hip fractures in elderly patients have very high postoperative mortality rates and the number of hip fractures in the United States is expected to increase exponentially before 2030. Early surgery is essential to improve outcomes, but patients on clopidogrel (Plavix) have a high risk for increased bleeding if surgery is performed within the usual 72 hour window. This paper presents literature and research addressing the dangers of delaying surgery versus undergoing surgery before the effects of the clopidogrel are gone. Based on articles published after 2006, most researchers advocated earlier surgical intervention than previously recommended and emphasized an individualized …

Bowling Green Warren County Medical Society Alliance, 1952-2011 (Mss 402), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

Manuscript Collection Finding Aids

Finding aid only for Manuscripts Collection 402. Organizational materials including constitution, by-laws, membership directories and scholarship files for the Bowling Green Warren County Medical Society Alliance of Bowling Green, Kentucky. The bulk of the collection relates to the two Western Kentucky University nursing scholarships granted by the group: the Newman & Lena Harris Scholarship and the Maydelle Johnson Funk Scholarship.

Redesign Of A Medical Crash Cart, Jozey Mitcham, Brittany Ireland, Tyler Towner, Scott Winston

College of Engineering Poster Presentations

For the 2011/2012 school year at Boise State University, the health science department has requested that a Mechanical Engineering senior design project be focused around the redesign of a medical crash cart. A crash cart, more commonly known as a code cart, is a set of trays, drawers, and shelves on wheels used in hospital emergency rooms for the transportation and dispensing of emergency supplies and equipment for use in cardiac emergencies. The current crash cart design is top heavy, unstable, inefficient, unorganized, and unsafe. In an attempt to increase functionality, efficiency, and safety, a new design is being developed …

Nature Versus Nurture: A Study Of Adopted And Biological Children And Their Behavioral Patterns, Courtney Janaye Grenke

Senior Honors Theses

Nurses encounter many different populations of people every day and they must know how to treat them. Adopted children are a population that nurses encounter and there are disagreements concerning whether they are at an increased risk for developing behavioral problems as compared to biological children. It is also debated whether genetics or environment plays a more prominent role in childhood development. Most studies conclude that adopted children are at an increased risk for more behavioral problems due to the unique struggles and challenges they must overcome with genetics playing a bigger role than environment. Nurses can use this information …

Community Healthcare Clinics: An Answer To Reducing Misuse Of Emergency Department, Kelly Cantlin, Lisabeth Searing, Faculty Advisor

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

No abstract provided.

Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness: Educational Techniques, Katherine Racanelli, Victoria Folse, Faculty Advisor

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

No abstract provided.

A Social Controversy: Autism Spectrum Disorder's Correlation To The Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccination, Lindsay A. Frye

Senior Honors Theses

A 1998 research study lead by Dr. Andrew Wakefield linked the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination as a probable cause to autism spectrum disorder. This publication has started a significant debate among healthcare professionals and instigated an anti-vaccination movement within the general population. This vaccination controversy was started by parents who readily accepted Wakefield’s findings as truth and frequently would choose to withdrawal the administration of vaccinations from their children’s care plans. There has also been disapproval by healthcare professionals over Wakefield’s study since numerous research teams have been unable to replicate his findings. This disagreement surrounding the MMR vaccination is likely …

Opioid Withdrawal Signs And Symptoms In The Pediatric Patient During Opioid Tapering, Deborah Fisher

Theses and Dissertations

Opioids are used routinely in the pediatric intensive care population for analgesia, sedation, blunting of physiologic responses to stress, and safety. In children, physical dependence may occur in as little as two to three days of continuous opioid therapy. Once the child no longer needs the opioid, the medications are reduced over time. A review of the literature revealed that the majority of the published studies used either a neonatal opioid assessment tool or no assessment tool. A subsequent international survey of pediatric providers found a wide range of opioid tapering practices and sporadic use of opioid withdrawal instruments to …

Instituting An Oral Health Preventive Service Program, Including Fluoride Varnish, For Preschool Children Birth To Five Years In A Rural Health Clinic: A Clinical Scholarship Project, Carol Ann Berger

Dissertations

Abstract This project was designed to institute an oral health preventive program in a rural health clinic, in a dental provider shortage area, promoting oral health in preschool children birth to five years by: (a) instituting a program that supports the Missouri preventive service program in oral health, (b) promoting oral screenings and fluoride varnish twice yearly, (c) assessing the risk of caries, (d) referring to appropriate dental services and (e) educating parents or guardian about the importance of oral health and how to maintain oral health at home with children birth to five years. This project sought to answer …

Development Of An Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Primary Care Telephone Clinic, Linda G. Kaiser

Dissertations

Abstract Development of an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Primary Care Telephone Clinic This pilot project developed and implemented a telephone clinic based on established Veterans Affairs telephone policy and procedures and determined patient acceptability of this new visit type as an alternative to face to face visits. The review of the literature produced research that indicates telephone clinics are a viable visit option for patients. Telephone visits provide access to the primary care provider while being convenient and economical for patients. Research studies demonstrate that patients are satisfied with this visit option. The pilot project was successfully implemented in a …

Community Health Nursing Service Learning, Joyce K. Edmonds, Diane Coste

Office of Community Partnerships Posters

Through the Service Learning Course, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, RN-BS Online Program, Senior Level Course, Community Health for RN’s and NU 461, 6 credits Student Body Registered Nurses (70-105 each semester) throughout the state seeking to obtain a Bachelor in Science of Nursing. The Institute of Medicine, Future of Nursing Report recommends increasing the proportion of nurses with a baccalaureate degree to 80% by 2020. Instructional Aim Students obtain a better understanding of public health and nursing theory and practice as they further develop their professional and civic identities through meaningful service to their communities. Service Learning Requirement …

Sex And Gender In Tobacco Reduction - The State Of The Evidence, Iris Torchalla, Chizimuzo T.C. Okoli

Nursing Presentations

• Global prevalence, risk, and mortality from smoking

• Gender/Sex specific diseases associated with tobacco use

• Gender/Sex specific reasons for smoking

• Gender/Sex specific factors in treating tobacco use

The Tobacco Dependence Clinic: Gender Issues And Possibilities In Cessation Treatment, Chizimuzo T.C. Okoli, Milan Khara

Nursing Presentations

• The Tobacco Dependence Clinic (TDC) is a program that provides behavioural counselling and up to 6-7months of no-cost pharmacotherapy for clients through VCH Mental Health and Addiction Services

• Program is run with a team of nurses, counsellors, respiratory therapists, and a physician.

• Currently in 7 Addictions services located in community health centres in Vancouver.

Chhs April 2012 E-Newsletter, Dr. John Bonaguro, Dean, Vashon S. Wells, Editor, Wku College Of Health & Human Services

College of Health & Human Services Publications

No abstract provided.

The Current Status Of Maternal Health In Samoa: Maternal Health Perspectives According To Professionals And Women, Yesenia Pedro Vicente

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Countries that face pressure to develop at a rapid pace under the western model must adapt to social change and adopt new policies that will secure their well-being. In an attempt to guide these countries, the United Nations has established the Millennium Development Goals as a framework for national development. The United Nations recognizes the importance of improving maternal health and has established it as one of the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) agreed to by member states. Samoa has agreed to these Goals and is said to be “on track” for improving maternal health by the year 2015. This …

Medications Use And Patient Outcomes At Two Indianapolis Area Skilled Nursing Facilities: A Retrospective Chart Review, Christine Brockett, Priscilla T. Ryder

Scholarship and Professional Work – COPHS

Background: Residential health care has changed over time. Skilled nursing facilities (SNF) as an alternative to standard long-term care are understudied. Objective: To describe current prescribing patterns of medication use in two Indianapolis SNFs.

Method: Chart review to examine associations between medication use and outcomes such as weight changes, falls and re-hospitalization. Discharged patients had to be residents for at least 14 days.

Results: 35 charts were reviewed. 17 (48.6%) patients were male, 22 (62.9%) were Caucasian, 15 (42.9%) had Medicaid, 6 subjects (17%) visited the emergency department, 5 (14.3%) visited the hospital during their stay at the selected facilities, …

Stroke Education In The Chinese Community: A Nurse Resident Project, Laura Beans, Bsn, Rn, Roisin Harvey, Bsn, Rn, Jonathan Lee, Bsn, Rn, David Lincul, Bsn, Rn, Gina Ramos, Bsn, Rn, Jodi Schantz, Bsn, Rn

Department of Nursing papers and presentations

Objectives:

To educate an urban Chinese community by creating a stroke prevention program that increases awareness of the disease.

To educate an urban Chinese community about stroke risk factors, stroke warning signs, and how to reduce modifiable stroke risk factors.

Geriatric Trauma Patients In The Emergency Department: Length Of Stay, Intensity Of Care, And Post Ed Destination", Elanor Gates, Doris Warner, Meg Bourbonniere, Patricia Williams

Department of Nursing papers and presentations

Background & Purpose: Research on emergency department length of stay (EDLOS) suggests that increased LOS may result in worse patient outcomes and increased overall LOS. Additional research suggests that increased age may not only result in lower intensity of care for some patients but might also increase EDLOS. For geriatric trauma patients, intensity of care and EDLOS may be different from non-geriatric patients. Given the nature of geriatric traumatic injury, it is important to understand if improvements can be made in geriatric trauma services.

Study/Project Design: A retrospective descriptive study utilizing the hospital’s trauma registry data was completed, including patient …

Community Mental Health Services: A Way Forward To Rehabilitate Chronic Mentally Ill Client., Ambreen Tharani, Salima Farooq, Anila Naveed

School of Nursing & Midwifery

Schizophrenia and other mental illnesses produce devastating effects on a clients' personal and psychosocial wellbeing. Besides the sufferer, it has irrevocable impacts on the lives of their loved ones. With advancement in the treatment modalities, researches have proven that hospital based care and psychotropic drugs are not the sole solution in managing the client symptoms. Deinstitutionalization is the paradigm shift from hospital based to community based care model that allows client/s to spend rest of their lives in the community setting. A well-structured community care based programme that focuses on psychosocial interventions has significant contribution in treatment and rehabilitation of …

Planning And Integrating Tablet Computing In An Accelerated Nursing Curriculum., Anthony J. Frisby, Phd, Kellie Smith, Edd, Rn, Kathryn Shaffer, Msn, Rn, Mary Hanson-Zalot, Msn, Rn, Aocn, Beth Ann Swan, Phd, Crnp, Faan

College of Nursing Faculty Papers & Presentations

Podium presentation at Rutgers Thirtieth Annual International Interprofessional Technology Conference, New Brunswick, NJ.

32 PowerPoint slides.

Special Ops: Vulnerable Populations And Tobacco Treatment, Chizimuzo T.C. Okoli, Audrey Darville

Nursing Presentations

• Reasons for Smoking among individuals with co-morbid substance use (SUD)and/or psychiatric disorders (PD)

• Smoking cessation treatment for individuals with co-morbid substance use (SUD) and/or psychiatric disorders (PD)

• Smoking among the Homeless population

General Education Requirements In A Community College Baccalaureate Rn-To-Bsn Program, Jason Bentley Krupp

Educational Leadership & Workforce Development Theses & Dissertations

Increasing demand for nurses with bachelor degrees, the growing culture of accountability in higher education, and the community college baccalaureate phenomena provided the impetus for this study. This ex-post facto quantitative study examined the graduation rates and time to degree of 240 students who were enrolled in a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program at a community college in Florida between Fall of 2002 and Spring of 2004. The general education course enrollment patterns of the students were analyzed to determine if they impacted student graduation rates and time to degree. Graduation rates and time to degree of students …

Supporting Underserved Pregnant Women Through Smoking Cessation, Emily Bernhard, Lauren Paczkowski, Nathan Matejczyk, Nina Tu, Michelle De Young

Symposium on Research and Creative Expression (SORCE)

This project assessed smoking behaviors and supported smoking cessation in underserved pregnant women. Using a longitudinal design, women were recruited from a community prenatal center. Using the Transtheoretical model, interventions were designed to support the subjects’ movement along the stages of change. Subjects willing to quit were given a smoking cessation “quit kit.” For subjects not contemplating smoking cessation, information about the harmful effects of smoking was distributed to encourage movement towards quitting. Women who were smoking were followed throughout their pregnancy and up to one year after delivery. Subjects (N = 134) ranged in age from 18 to 41; …

Nursing Satisfaction In Caring For Elders, Sarah L. Vlachos

Honors Theses and Capstones

Despite the increasing number of Americans who are over 65 years of age, little research exists about the satisfaction of nurses who care for this population. This qualitative descriptive study investigated the factors that influence the satisfaction of such nurses, and yielded five main themes. Registered Nurses (RNs) reported providing high-quality care, developing relationships, and making a difference to be rewarding components of geriatric nursing. The nurses also discussed challenges, which included caring for elders with dementia and being unable to deliver the high-quality care they felt patients deserve. Several of these finding were consistent with existing studies that addressed …

Two Cultures Of Caring: A Comparative Study, Lisa Armstrong, Chistina Polito

Honors Theses and Capstones

There is much that the UK and the US could and should learn from each other to understand the quality of end-of-life care, through comparison of practice, analysis of care patterns and via original research (Higginson, 2005, p.170). Although comparisons between end-of-life care in the United Kingdom and United States have demonstrated similarities and disparities in many contexts, there is little evidence of research that directly compares nursing perspectives between the two Atlantic partners. This research explores nurse’s perceptions and experiences of caring for people within a hospice context and identifies themes of commonalities and disparities in theory and practice, …

Understanding The Experience Of Weight Gain And Body Image During Adolescent Pregnancy, Jessica L. Hinkley, Liana J. Newcombe

Honors Theses and Capstones

This qualitative descriptive study explores the experience of adolescent pregnancy and the influence of body image and other factors on weight gain. It identified three main themes through content analysis: Continuity of Care, Adolescent Investment in a Healthy Pregnancy, and the Impact of Pregnancy Symptoms.

Beyond The Volcanoes: A Community Partnership For Health In Rural Nicaragua, Paige Snyder, Cathy Wingstrom, Chelsea Zeman

Symposium on Research and Creative Expression (SORCE)

Background: Health inequities related to gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and geography exist in rural Nicaragua due in part to lack of access to health services. The purpose of this ongoing project is to improve health equity in rural Nicaragua through social transformation using community-based participatory action research. Bronfenbrenner’s ecological model of human development, school health, and primary health care theories provided the framework for this research. Community-based participatory action research involves six phases: partnership, assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation, and dissemination. In the evaluation phase, the goal was to gather information from stove recipients to see if their new stoves have …

Trends Of Emergency Department Use By Uninsured Individuals For Non-Urgent Health Care Conditions, Kelly A. Cantlin

Honors Projects

Abstract

Roughly one-third of all emergency department (ED) visits by both insured and uninsured individuals in the United States (US) are for non-urgent health conditions that can be effectively treated at a reduced cost by a primary care provider (Hossain, 2011). The purpose of this study is to identify trends of ED visits by uninsured individuals. This study is a secondary data analysis of patient visits to a midwest community ED. This study examined the services provided in the ED for non-urgent visits that could be provided at a less costly and non-urgent care facility, such as a Community Health …

The Future Of Nursing: How Important Is Discipline-Specific Knowledge? A Conversation With Jacqueline Fawcett, Janie B. Butts, Karen L. Rich, Jacqueline Fawcett

Faculty Publications

Nurses have long attempted to secure a unique identity for the profession. Many scholars are now promoting an interdisciplinary framework for nursing practice. Fawcett is convinced that interdisciplinary practice poses a danger for nursing to lose its identity and that interdisciplinary practice cannot be successful if members of each discipline do not understand the conceptual models, practice, and research of their own discipline. Dr. Janie Butts and Dr. Karen Rich interviewed Dr. Jacqueline Fawcett about her views related to discipline-specific knowledge and nursing's future. The authors conclude that Fawcett's scientific foundation gives nursing the solidarity and power necessary to determine …