Nursing Commons^™

Reducing Medication Errors In The Acute Care In-Patient Setting: An Integrative Review, Ronni T. Rothwell

Doctoral Dissertations and Scholarly Projects

Promoting a culture of safety in healthcare organizations has become a necessary goal to ensure that patients are safe, well cared for, and satisfied with the services they receive. One of the areas recognized as a major safety concern across hospitals in the United States and abroad are medication errors, which continue to occur at a staggering rate. This integrative review seeks to serve two purposes to combat this pandemic problem. First, the project will attempt to determine if an appropriate intervention or strategic initiative exists that can reduce medications errors for adult patients on an acute care patient unit …

Stemi Gender Differences, Rhonda Anderson

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

The purpose of this study was to look at gender differences in a ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), in a population from a large tertiary hospital over one year and three months period to see if there were differences in female and male population. Looking at the time of onset of symptoms to time in seeking treatment and to see if this had an impact on morbidity, treatment modalities, and length of stay in the hospital. The time of onset of symptoms to time of treatment is important because of the time-dependent nature of reperfusion strategies. This can minimize myocardial …

Lived Experiences Of Individuals With End-Stage Renal Disease On Peritoneal Dialysis, Jessica W. Airheart

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is a prevalent condition among the elderly population in the United States. ESRD is the most feared stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD), as it is a terminal diagnosis requiring long-term management. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is the most common method of home-dialysis treatment for individuals with ESRD. The purpose of this research is to gain insight into patient experiences of integrating PD therapy into daily lifestyle for a selected sample of people diagnosed with ESRD and currently on PD therapy. The research questions addressed include: how decisions about ESRD treatment options are made, choosing between PD …

Angioedema: Adverse Reaction From Ace-Inhibitors, Jennifer L. Hawkins

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) medications are one of the leading causes of angioedema in the United States, also known as ACEI-RA (Chan & Soliman, 2015). ACEI medications are frequently prescribed to help manage diseases, such as hypertension and congestive heart failure, and include, but are not limited to lisinopril and enalapril, with lisinopril being the most commonly prescribed at this time (Chan & Soliman, 2015). In addition, ACEIs are used to help prevent myocardial infarction, diabetic neuropathy, and a cerebrovascular accident (Chua, Ignaszewski, & Schwenger, 2011). There are several risk factors for developing ACEI-RA, with African-American females being the greatest …

Time Lost Is Brain Lost: Impact Of Ischemic Stroke, Paula Severns

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Stroke is the leading cause of functional impairment and the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. Annually 795,000 stokes occur with mean annual lifetime cost estimated at $140,000 per person. Approximately every 40 seconds a stroke occurs while every four minutes a stroke death occurs. Stroke is the broad term often used to describe a neurological emergency, of either ischemic or hemorrhagic etiology, affecting blood flow to the brain. Although approximately 90% of strokes are ischemic in nature, both are medical emergencies requiring time sensitive medical intervention. Decreasing modifiable risk factors, public education and recognition, along with …

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus And Cardiovascular Disease, Jayme York

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a challenging auto-immune disorder that incurs sporadic flares, remissions, and relapses (Robinson & Currie, 2011, p. 629). This auto-immune process is caused by the lack of tolerance to self-antigens within the adaptive immune system and can involve multiple organ systems, including the brain, heart and kidneys (Chen, Wu, Wang, Li, 2015, p. 1). SLE, also referred to as lupus, is a disease that affects women more often than men, especially during their childbearing years (Robinson & Currie, 2011, p. 631).

Over the past 3 decades, the five-year survival rate for patients suffering from Lupus have …

Japanese Octopus Traps & Broken Hearts: Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy, Chase A. Smith

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

This academic poster provides a brief overview of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy (TTC), it’s pathophysiology, and implications for nursing care. TTC is a non-ischemic cardiomyopathy that typically presents acutely in a very similar fashion to an acute myocardial infarction (Reeder & Prasad, 2015). Interestingly the disease primarily afflicts females (90% of cases) and is often triggered by an intense emotional or physical stressor (Minhas, Hughey & Kolas, 2014). Despite the acute onset and symptoms, the majority of cases are benign and resolve with conservative heart failure treatment (Scantlebury & Prasad, 2014) though a small percentage of cases can develop profound shock, resulting …

Diabetic Retinopathy, Tara L. Smith

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

This poster is intended to cultivate a better understanding of diabetic retinopathy, the pathological process of the disease, signs and symptoms, and nursing implications related to the disease.

Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy In Multiple Sclerosis, Lauren R. Jackson

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare and debilitating disease caused by the JC virus and results in demyelination of oligodendrocytes and glial cell lysis. The virus is able to cross the blood brain barrier, leading to plaque development on the brain and neurological problems. (Gorelik et al., 2011). PML develops in individuals who have an immune disorder and who have been treated with immunomodulatory medications, including patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). There is no cure for PML and 30-50% of patients who develop the disease die within the first few months of diagnosis. The JC virus is thought to …

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Jessica L. Kaufman

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is defined as lung failure with a ratio of partial pressure oxygen (PaO2) to fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) <100 (Michaels, Hill, Long, Young, Sperley, Shanks, & Morgan, 2013). ARDS is characterized by acute, widespread pulmonary inflammation due to infection (viral or bacterial), trauma, and/or inhaled toxins (Aokage, Palmer, Ichiba, & Takeda, 2015). Approximately 150,000 patients are diagnosed with ARDS each year in the U.S. with reported mortality rates varying from 20%-40% (Butt, Kurdowska, & Allen, 2016; Drahnak & Custer, 2015). The pathophysiology of acute respiratory syndrome is complex, and can result from a number of different insults. Acute respiratory distress syndrome is a life threatening condition that requires aggressive treatment with close monitoring. Successful treatment of ARDS requires expert knowledge from physicians, advanced practice nurses, bedside nurses, and respiratory therapists; all of whom must understand the complex underlying pathophysiology and critical nature of this condition.

Guillain-Barre Syndrome, Tyler B. Skelton

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Guillain-Barre Syndrome consists of a group of neuropathic conditions characterized by progressive weakness and diminished or absent myotatic reflexes. The estimated annual incidence in the United States is 1.65 to1.79 per 100,000 persons (Walling & Dickson, 2013). Understanding how this condition progresses and the affects it has on a patient will assistant in providing optimal patient care as a future nurse anesthetist. As stated by Turakhia, P., Barrick, B., and Berman, J. (2013) “the anesthetic implications for the various comorbidities are varied and can be profound” (p.1). An individual who suffers from Guillain-Barre is a patient who certainly requires critical …

Neurohormonal Activation In Cardiorenal Syndrome, Eric J. Glasstetter

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Cardiac and renal functioning are highly related as each system is interdependent on the other, and subsequently, dysfunction of one system can potentiate the development of dysfunction of the other, a conditioned referred to as Cardiorenal Syndrome, or CRS. (Scully & Goldsmith, 2013). In CRS, heart failure and renal failure exist together. Heart failure is the result of decreased heart efficiency and results in hemodynamic and neurohormonal changes (Nicholson, 2014). A decrease in cardiac function and cause dysfunction of other body systems, including the renal system, and at the same time, impaired renal functioning can result in increased fluid retention …

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Emily Stitzel

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a terminal neurodegenerative disorder affecting an individual’s motor neurons. With a high prevalence affecting people in the United States of America, the progressive disease affects the lives of many. Once a patient is diagnosed, a short survival rate is to be expected. Importance for healthcare workers should be to focus on proper diagnosis, therapeutic communication, and palliative care. The pathophysiology is still under investigation; however, there have been breakthroughs regarding genetic alterations within the Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase gene (SOD1) and a large repeat on the C9ORF72 gene. By examining the signs and symptoms, doing the …

Kawasaki Disease In Pediatric Patients, Cassandra F. Krinn

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Kawasaki Disease (KD) is an idiopathic, multi system disorder that is characterized by vasculitis of the arteries, capillaries, and veins. It typically affects children 5 years old or younger and is predominately seen in male children of Japanese decent. The inflammation of the blood vessels seen makes Kawasaki disease the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children, with 20% of those affected developing coronary artery aneurysms, cardiac arrhythmias, and heart failure. Diagnosis is based on criteria including presence of fever for 5 days, bilateral conjunctivitis, erythema of the lips and oral mucosa, changes in extremities, rash, and cervical lymphadenopathy. …

Congenital Syphilis, Natalie T. Bennett

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Despite available prevention and treatment measures, congenital syphilis is on the rise again in the United States (Su et al, 2016). Congenital syphilis is caused by maternal infection during pregnancy with the bacteria Treponema pallidum, which is then transmitted to the fetus. Complications include miscarriage, fetal and neonatal death, premature birth, and other anomalies in the newborn. The leading factor in congenital syphilis infection is limited or no prenatal care (Dobson, 2016). If the syphilis-infected mother is treated during pregnancy, infection of the fetus can be prevented (Su et al, 2016). Nurses and health care providers need to be …

Pulmonary Fibrosis, Coreena Wells

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Pulmonary fibrosis is a lung disorder characterized by development of a fibrotic pathway following injury and inflammation. Initial injury can be caused by environmental, biologic, or chemical irritants. Many times the cause is unknown. Lung fibrosis leads to difficult ventilation and perfusion and subsequent hypoxemia. Current research shows an increase in inflammatory mediators which stimulate ECM deposition.

Gram-Negative Bacteria And Sepsis, Christine D. Ridge

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Today’s medical world encompasses an environment in which gram-negative bacteria that once were defeated with common antibiotics, have now become resistant. Gram-negative bacteria like Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter, and Acinetobacter are pathogens that are an emerging threat causing sepsis due to multidrug-resistance (Pop-Vicas & Opal, 2014, p.189). The multidrug-resistance mechanisms of gram-negative bacteria coupled with a patient population commonly seen in hospital settings, that consist of immunocompromised adults due to advancing age, comorbidities (e.g. AIDS, history of transplants, diabetes, and chemotherapy), and immunotherapies, create an environment for advanced infection or sepsis to take place.

Complications of multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria …

Guillain-Barré- Adding Insult To Injury, Casey M. Hudnall

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

a poster project about Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) which is described as an acute peripheral neuropathy causing limb asthenia, or weakness, that progresses over a short period of time.

Simulation In Orientation: Increasing Nurses' Self-Confidence In Hospital Equipment, Policies, And Procedures, Haley Wilmoth

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Simulation provides a safe environment for the nurse to practice and learn new skills in a safe and controlled manner. This allows a novice nurse to advance to an expert level without placing a patient at harm and increasing self-confidence at the bedside. The purpose of the Orientation Simulation Study is to evaluate the effectiveness of simulation on self-confidence on new hire nursing staff when learning how to use the hospital Heparin Nomogram and dose mode on the IV pump. The study was conducted over four months with 18 nurses surveyed using a pre- and post-Likert scale called the Confidence …

Nclex-Rn Success: Correlation Study Of Ati Comprehensive Predictor In An Associate Degree Nursing Program, Wanda L. Jenkins

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

The purpose of this quantitative study was to determine the relationship between the ATI Comprehensive Predictor and NCLEX-RN success on first attempt for the ADN program at a consortium of three community colleges in the foothills of North Carolina. The population sample consisted of graduates from the associate degree consortium of three community colleges in the foothills of North Carolina in 2014-2015 that have made one attempt at NCLEX-RN. The total number of students included in the study was 111. The results were collected and analyzed utilizing the SPSS version 23 statistical system and a predictive spreadsheet to determine overall …

Bedside Nurses' Perceptions Of Intensive Care Unit Telemedicine In A Rural Setting, Susan Parker

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Healthcare is a rapidly changing and continuously advancing field. Currently, virtual care technology (e-ICU) is moving into many rural healthcare facilities in an effort to improve patient care outcomes and bridge physician and nursing shortages. The purpose of this Masters of Science thesis is to determine the impact that electronic telemedicine has on the quality of nursing care at the bedside. The study done by Mullen-Fortino et al. (2012) in an urban academic center was replicated to compare the bedside nurses’ perception of ICU telemedicine in a rural hospital setting. Thirty-eight rural ICU nurses working with ICU telemedicine responded to …

The Structure Of Multidisciplinary Rounds And The Effects On Patient Perceptions, Frank Alagna

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Daily rounds is one strategy to improve communication between caregivers and engage patients and families in care decisions. The purpose of this study was to determine if the structure of multidisciplinary rounds affected the patient's perception of care. King's Theory of Goal Attainment guided this study related to the relationship of interaction and outcomes three medical surgical units were identified as using different structures for patient rounding: tabletop rounds, nurse-led rounds, and team-based rounds. Patient perceptions were collected from the Professional Research Consultants (PRC) database, a nationally recognized patient satisfaction survey. Over a six month period, survey data was analyzed …

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 …

Examining Kaplan Nursing School Entrance Exam For Student Success And Attrition: A Retrospective Review, Delicia Mckoy

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

The purpose of this study is to determine what the relationship is between student performance on the Kaplan Nursing School Entrance Exam, academic success, and attrition. Nursing Undergraduate Retention and Success (NURS) Model by Marianne R. Jeffreys (2012) was the theoretical framework for a study. The population consisted of 94 BSN students at a southeast public university in North Carolina. An existing nursing student database was used to collect the data. The independent variables were Kaplan Nursing School Entrance Exam scores, including the composite score and subtest scores in math, science, reading, and writing. The dependent variable, academic success, was …

Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome, Sharon F. Ali

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) is a very serious problem that may affect the patient when admitted inpatient for a traumatic or non-traumatic diagnosis. Chronic Alcohol consumption in moderation may put the patient at risk for delirium tremens which is the most severe form of alcohol withdrawal. Management of alcohol withdrawal in acutely ill hospitalized patients is challenging for healthcare providers (Riddle, Bush, Tittle, & Dilkhush, 2010). Signs and symptoms of AWS are caused primarily by neurophysiologic changes in the brain, which may be mild to severe, and may develop within 6-72 hours after abstaining from alcohol. Mild symptoms of withdrawal …

Outcomes Of Peer Mentoring At An Associate Degree Nursing Program, Melissa B. Harper

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Nursing students have described clinical experiences as being stressful, yet the application of classroom knowledge to the clinical health care setting is a requirement. The purpose of this mixed-method study is to compare students’ perceptions of the peer mentoring leadership experience (PMLE) and the student charge nurse experience (SCNE). The PMLE was piloted at a southeastern community college’s associate degree nursing (ADN) program. Hand-selected PMLE second-year nursing students (n=5) were paired with hand-selected PMLE first-year nursing students (n=5) for medical/surgical clinical rotations. The ADN program’s purpose for these clinical rotations was to provide a mutually beneficial mentoring experience. The remaining …

Ua61/1 Student Handbook, Wku School Of Nursing

WKU Administration Documents

Student handbook created by the WKU School of Nursing.

Ua61/1 Faculty Handbook, Wku School Of Nursing

WKU Administration Documents

Faculty handbook created by and for the WKU School of Nursing faculty.

Analysis Of The Health Care System Of Pakistan: Lessons Learnt And Way Forward., Zohra Kurji, Zahra Shaheen Premani, Yasmin Mithani

School of Nursing & Midwifery

BACKGROUND:

Pakistani health care system is in progress and since last year, Pakistan has tried to make much improvement in its health care delivery system and has brought out many reforms.

METHODS:

A systematic search of national and international literature was looked from peerreviewed databases form MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PubMed.

RESULTS:

There is little strength in health care delivery system in Pakistan like making health policies, participating in Millennium Development Goals program, initiating vertical programs and introducing Public Private Partnership, improving human resource development and infrastructure by making Basic Health Unit and Rural Health Centres. However, these all programs are …

Important Strategies For Effective Family Planning Counseling, Savera Aziz Ali, Minaz Mawani, Gulshan Bano, Sumera Aziz Ali

School of Nursing & Midwifery

No abstract provided.