Nursing Commons^™

Can Non-Pharmacological Interventions Effectively Reduce Anxiety And Pain In Chronic Pediatric Patients?, Kiara Harvey

Symposium of Student Scholars

Abstract

Pediatric anxiety and pain have been historically poorly managed. The failure of providers to adequately address medically-induced anxiety and pain in pediatric patients has been shown to prevent them from proactively seeking medical care in the future and has been linked with both altered brain development and increased risk of opioid abuse. Furthermore, poorly managed pain leads to sustained levels of cortisol and exposes patients to several long-term health risks like hypertension. Because non-pharmacological interventions are often preferred by providers, patients, and their caregivers, this research question poses an exploration of the efficacy of non-traditional methods in alleviating procedure-related …

Protocols For Postpartum Hemorrhage, Jackleen Chambers

Symposium of Student Scholars

The occurrence of postpartum hemorrhages (PH) within the healthcare system are on the rise. The detrimental effects that can occur are extremely serious and require an intervention of education and proper training. Labor and delivery units experience traumatic PHs due to lack of proper training regarding early warning signs and correct technical interventions needed for a quick turnaround. This project will use research from scholarly articles to take a closer look at statistical evidence based on the outcomes of being prepared versus underprepared. The project will discuss various methods on how to better prepare nurses to care for hemorrhagic situations. …

Postpartum Depression For Mothers With Early Fetal Death Or Stillbirths, Callie Goldman

Symposium of Student Scholars

Background: Many times, prevention of early fetus death and stillbirths is possible; however, some mortality events are spontaneous or unavoidable. While existing research reveals the likelihood of postpartum depression for mothers following birth, few studies address the potential for postpartum depression of mothers of stillbirth or demised fetuses. The purpose of this study is to determine how mothers can be better prepared for the hardship of losing a baby during childbirth, while going through common difficulties, such as postpartum depression, following birth. Methods: A mixed method approach will be conducted to gather qualitative (interview) and quantitative (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale …

Impact Of Alarm Fatigue In Critical Care Nurses On Patient Outcomes, Addie Mctyre

Symposium of Student Scholars

Background

Critical care units are equipped with extensive amounts of patient monitoring equipment that sound alarms to alert nursing staff to changes in the patient’s condition. The constant beeping of alarms can result in a phenomenon known as alarm fatigue, when nursing staff becomes accustomed to the continuous sound of alarms and either tune it out or ignore it completely. This can result in poor patient outcomes. The purpose of this project is to propose techniques to decrease false alarms to reduce the overall number of alarms during a shift. This will lead to a reduction in the occurrence of …

Pediatric Spinal Cord Injury Spasticity Interventions, Zola Lopeman

Symposium of Student Scholars

Muscle spasticity is a common spinal cord injury sequela that causes muscle stiffness, spasms, and painful involuntary contractions. Spasticity can result in difficulty walking, deformed joints, lack of head control, and impairment performing activities of daily living. Spasticity is dynamic and often requires a multifaceted approach to manage symptoms and achieve patient goals. The leading treatment for spasticity is oral Baclofen. Additional treatment methods include electrical stimulation and phenol injections. Oral baclofen is frequently prescribed in combination with these.

Research suggests SCI induced spasticity can cause changes in the muscle. Thus, it is important to assess neural and muscle impacts …

Improving Discharge Planning In The Nicu, Jessica Fleming

Symposium of Student Scholars

The birth of a child is an exciting time for parents. They spend months preparing for the arrival of their baby, but parents aren’t prepared for complications that can occur at birth. Events such as early arrival or respiratory issues can result in a newborn being admitted to the NICU. This can create stress and anxiety for parents. Once a child is admitted to the NICU, it is important that discharge planning and education begin promptly, to alleviate parental distress, prepare them to care for their child upon discharge, and improve patient outcome, but some NICUs struggle to provide and …

Reducing The Risk Of Chemotherapy Exposure, Miranda Susman

Symposium of Student Scholars

Concerns about antineoplastic drugs (ANPDs), also known as chemotherapy, began in the early 1970s by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Although ANPDs are used as a standard treatment for cancer, these drugs are considered hazardous due to their adverse health effects. About eight million healthcare workers are exposed to ANPDs and therefore essential that we continue to educate on ways to reduce the risk of exposure to occupational and home health hazards. The overall purpose of this study is to determine if additional education and use of surface wipe samplings reduce the risk of exposure. A literature …

Botulism Toxin And Its Affects On Spasticity, Paige Nicholas

Symposium of Student Scholars

Abstract

Spasticity is a symptom associated with spinal cord injury patients that is caused from an influx in excitatory and inhibitory signals controlling muscles and reflexes generating a pattern of spasms in a period of time. When not treated properly adverse effects include: contractures, respiratory arrest, pain, paralysis and decrease in efficiency of nursing and therapeutic care. Interventions including medications (i.e. baclofen, dantrolene, gabapentin), physical therapy, surgery and orthotic devices are used to decrease spasticity however show minimal effect, short duration and multiple side effects. These side effects include dizziness, weakness, confusion, headaches, nausea and constipation. Recent research has shown …

Training In The Use Of Interpretive Services For Patients With Limited English Proficiency, Kristina Wooten

Symposium of Student Scholars

In clinical settings, there is a disconnect between health care professionals (HCPs) and patients with limited English proficiency (LEP). HCPs rely on ad hoc interpreters to communicate with patients with LEP (e.g. nurses using untrained friends and family or nursing students to interpret care information). Refusing to use or misusing professional interpreters and other interpretive services may lead patients with LEP to avoid seeking necessary care, misunderstand their diagnoses and treatment regimens, and fail to return for follow-up care. This increases the already existing health care disparity between patients who speak English and patients with LEP. Studies show that if …

Does The Use Of Machine Learning Algorithms Help Reduce Mortality Rates In Patients With Sepsis, Jacqueline Easter

Symposium of Student Scholars

Abstract

Background: Sepsis is the result of the body’s dysregulated response to an infection. The response can cause an inflammatory chain reaction which can lead to multiple organ dysfunction septic shock, and death. Early recognition and treatment of risk of sepsis is essential to control the disease. Each hour of delay treatment is associated with 3%-9% increase in mortality rate (Kuo et al., 2021). The current methods for prediction of sepsis such as SOFA have prediction rates low as 61% (van Doorn et al., 2021). Research using Machine Learning Algorithm has demonstrated prediction rates of 95% within an hour (Singh …

Intensive Care Unit (Icu) Delirium, Mckenna Redmond

Symposium of Student Scholars

The purpose of this evidence-based practice project is to implement and evaluate an effective way to prevent intensive care unit (ICU) delirium. My research question is asking whether nonpharmacological or pharmacological therapies are effective for preventing intensive care unit delirium acquired during stay. Delirium is a mental state that occurs from a variety of reasons that creates changes in arousal, cognition, and in mental abilities. It results in confused thinking and a lack of awareness of someone's surroundings. Delirium during acute settings, such as the ICU, can cause an increased risk for mortality. Thorough evaluation of multiple studies exemplified that …

The Effects Of Hospital Policy And Procedure On Cauti Occurrence, Kevin Kaga, Michaela Morrison, Daniel John

Symposium of Student Scholars

Abstract

Background: Clients that require indwelling catheterization often get bacterial infection causing catheter-associated urinary tract infections. These infections lead to longer hospital admissions and poorer outcomes for clients.

Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of the use of suggested hygiene methods from hospital policy/guidelines in preventing catheter-associated urinary tract infections.

Methods: Using the Kennesaw State Library search system, 10 articles were found to support that the use of consistent evidence based practices can prevent urinary tract infection occurrence.

Results: Our articles identified appropriate and inappropriate indications for catheterization and effective hygiene techniques used by nurses in the prevention of CAUTIs. These …

Effects Of Oral Care And Positioning On The Incidence Of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia, Nneka Uwaekwe

Symposium of Student Scholars

Abstract

Background: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a lung infection that is acquired after endotracheal intubation. It is associated with increased length of hospital stays, costs, and rate of mortality for mechanically ventilated patients in the intensive care unit. The role of oral care with chlorhexidine and patient positioning are being considered as interventions for VAP prevention, however, uncertainties remain regarding the benefits and harms of chlorhexidine and positioning for preventing VAP. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of positioning and the use of chlorhexidine for mechanically ventilated patients, on the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia …

Effectiveness Of Non-Pharmacological Interventions When Treating Postpartum Depression In First-Time Mothers, Rudy Trujillo, Tamantha Minton-Damm, Ashley Muntean, Natalia Lack

Symposium of Student Scholars

Abstract

Non-pharmacological intervention alone or paired with pharmacological interventions is somewhat effective in treating and lowering rates of postpartum depression (PPD) in women. Undergraduate students reviewed studies of the use of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for postpartum depression. To narrow down results, the students based the review on studies completed within the last 10 years, focusing specifically on primiparas (first births) women. Responses ranged from no notable efficacy in reducing PPD measured against the Edinburgh Scale to marginal improvements when non-pharmacological and pharmacological approaches were combined, and testing extended to other scales of motherhood and postpartum. The students discuss the …

High Anxiety In Pediatric Oncology Patients? What About Art Therapy?, Rebekah Love

Symposium of Student Scholars

Anxiety and depression are becoming more prevalent in the pediatric population today. In addition to the general pediatric population experiencing an increased risk of mental illness, children with an oncology related diagnosis have an even heightened risk. Most pediatric oncology patients reported fear or worry daily, which is cited to be most severe when they had an appointment or went to the hospital for a fever. It is imperative we discover interventions to lessen the anxiety and depression pediatric oncology patients experience daily. A literature review revealed conclusive interventions have not been determined. The purpose of this research is to …

How Are Health, Burnout, And Satisfactory Levels Affected By The Use Of Mindfulness Therapies Among The Nursing Population?, Khushali Patel

Symposium of Student Scholars

Abstract

Question: How are health, burnout, and satisfactory levels affected by the use of mindfulness therapies among the nursing population? Background: Burnout has increased significantly in the United States and around the world since the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is even more pronounced among healthcare professionals. Significance: The percentage of burnout increased from 20%-40% to over 60% in healthcare professionals, the spring of 2021. This can lead to unsafe practices: human errors, low satisfaction rates, and a negative environment. Purpose: This project will see if mindfulness approaches combat poor health, burnout, and low satisfactory rates in …

Do Automated Reposition And Alert Systems Reduce The Development Of Pressure Ulcer?, Adanech Jones

Symposium of Student Scholars

Abstract

Do Automated Reposition and Alert systems reduce the development of Pressure Ulcer?

Each year more than 2.5 million people in the USA develop pressure ulcers, which are painful skin lesions that increase the risk for serious infection in patients. In some cases, pressure ulcers, if left untreated can lead to death. In the USA, hospital acquired pressure injury costs (HAPI) has a possibility to exceed $26.8 billion. About 59% of these costs are disproportionately attributable to a small rate of Stages 3 and 4 full-thickness wounds, which occupy clinician time and resources. PUs occurs when bedridden or wheelchair bound …

Nurses Assisting With Breastfeeding, Sofia Robles-Gonzalez

Symposium of Student Scholars

Abstract

Background: It is a World Health Organization (WHO) global goal to increase the rate of breastfeeding infants exclusively up to 6 months from the current 37% to 50%. It’s a journey for mothers to have a successful breastfeeding experience and nurses can be a part of it. Nurses are trained to assist mothers in breastfeeding but there are difficulties to breastfeeding that could lead to unintended cessation. The difficulties can lead to a decrease in documenting newborn feedings. The purpose of this research is to see how nurses are trained to assist mothers in breastfeeding and what impacts the …

Reducing Skin Injury And Breakdown In Neonatal Patients, Emily Herring

Symposium of Student Scholars

Abstract

The integumentary system is known for being the body’s largest organ, comprised of water, fats, protein, and minerals, for which composition plays a significant role in protecting the body against thermal, chemical, and microbial agents. However, the skin’s functionality is reduced in neonates as the stratum corneum is thin at birth due to diminished water-holding capacity (Oranges et al., 2015). The skin’s fragility is further stressed among preterm neonates and newborns in neonatal intensive-care units (NICU) due to medical status, procedures, and exposure to skin irritants (Visscher et al., 2009). Reduction in skin injury and breakdown in NICU patients …

Unmasking The Leading Injuries In Hospitals And A Promising Change, Taylor Karisny

Symposium of Student Scholars

Abstract

The problem that will be studied is the increased development of pressure ulcers among hospitalized intensive care unit patients. The incidence of pressure ulcers is increasing due to our aging population and the increase in the elderly living with disability. Learning how to manage pressure ulcers appropriately and effectively is increasingly important for all professionals in wound care. The review of the literature shows, hospital-acquired pressure ulcers are expensive to treat with the U.S. median cost at $39,000 per patient stay and costing U.S. health care system $3.6 billion per year. Several interventions and preventive measures are current used …

Intermittent Auscultation Versus Continuous Fetal Monitoring In Low-Risk Pregnancies And Deliveries, Heather Wood

Symposium of Student Scholars

Intermittent auscultation (IA) became the standard of practice during labor through the monitoring developments of Von Winkel. He defined fetal distress parameters that were constant until the development of electronic fetal monitoring (EFM). EFM has since eclipsed the use of IA. However, not to the benefit of the low-risk mother and child. Currently, the global caesarean rate is 21% and the US rate is 31.8%. Research indicates that the use of IA decreases the rate of caesarean section, decreases ICU admissions, and increases fetal well-being outcomes such as higher Apgar scores, lower neonatal seizures, and lower perinatal mortality. With continuous …

For Bedside Nurses In Acute Care, Can Additional Education Contribute To Adequate Performance Of Prevention And Treatment For Hospital-Acquired Pressure Injuries?, Hannah Ly

Symposium of Student Scholars

Background: Hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) are common preventable medical issues among patients receiving acute or critical care, such as cancer, spinal cord injuries, or heart disease. Despite the rapid development of healthcare, HAPIs remains one of the biggest challenges that affect patient outcomes, breach patient safety, and become an economic burden for many healthcare facilities worldwide. The healthcare members, especially nurses, often underestimate the harms because the issues are not a life-threaten concern in the inpatient setting. However, HAPIs can lead to emergency conditions such as sepsis. This study aims to access and provide additional education that acknowledges and improves …

Interventions To Combat Burnout In Intensive Care Unit Nurses, Emily C. Randall, Amber T. Mcclarty, Omotoyosi Ogedengbe

Symposium of Student Scholars

Background: This literature review summarizes the knowledge, causative factors, associations/relationships, and interventions of burnout, positive work environments, and sleep quality in intensive care unit (ICU) nurses.

Objectives: To answer the question, how effective is a positive work environment compared to psychological interventions, specifically improved sleep habits, in reducing burnout in ICU nurses?

Methods: A literature search was conducted using combined keywords in 4 databases of 10 peer reviewed publications from 2016 to 2022. Information related to burnout, positive work environments, and sleep quality in intensive care unit (ICU) nurses was compared and summarized.

Results: There is sufficient evidence that positive …

Project Proposal Abstract For Bedside Nurses In Acute Care, Can Additional Education Contribute To Adequate Performance Of Prevention And Treatment For Hospital-Acquired Pressure Injuries?, Hannah Ly

Symposium of Student Scholars

Background: Hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) are common preventable medical issues among patients receiving acute or critical care, such as cancer, spinal cord injuries, or heart disease. Despite the rapid development of healthcare, HAPIs remains one of the biggest challenges that affect patient outcomes, breach patient safety, and become an economic burden for many healthcare facilities worldwide. The healthcare members, especially nurses, often underestimate the harms because the issues are not a life-threaten concern in the inpatient setting. However, HAPIs can lead to emergency conditions such as sepsis. This study aims to access and provide additional education that acknowledges and improves …

Risk Assessments In The Reduction Of Medication Errors In Older Adults With Polypharmacy, Jacquelyn Blackwell

Symposium of Student Scholars

Abstract

Background: An increasing number of people are on multiple medications which is referred to as polypharmacy. Research has shown that polypharmacy increases the risk of adverse events related to medication errors, especially among elderly patients who are more sensitive to the effects of medication due to physiologic changes that occur due to aging. Information also exists on interventions that may decrease the likelihood of medication errors. However, there is a lack of research on the success of said interventions in preventing medication errors. This project aims to identify, develop, implement, and evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed interventions, …

Reducing Diaper Dermatitis In The Nicu, Yesenia Alvira

Symposium of Student Scholars

Abstract

Purpose: This evidence-based project aims to support the acquisition of diaper dermatitis protocols that include nursing interventions, assessment tools, and educational opportunities for NICU nurses. Neonatal diaper dermatitis cases are common in the NICU due to the skin of neonates often being underdeveloped and sensitive to the environment. Diapers, especially, can irritate the perineal skin of neonates. Nurses who do not comply with standard perineal skin care can compromise the neonate's skin integrity. This can cause diaper dermatitis, which, if left untreated, can pose a risk of infection and cause pain to the neonate. Literature review: The review of …

How Does Sleep Effect Hospitalized Patients, Luke Stewart

Symposium of Student Scholars

In the time I spent in hospitals both for school and work, I saw a common trend of patients complaining they were exhausted. In the hospital vitals are taken every 4 hours, labs drawn multiple times throughout the night, provider rounds, and medication administration. With constant interruptions throughout the night it is no surprise patients constantly feel tired. Sleep is very important for not just the body’s health, but its ability to heal. The overall purpose of the research is 1) how can hospital staff ensure better sleep for patients that have been hospitalized and 2) what does constantly waking …

In Full-Term Pregnant Women With Gestational Diabetes, Does Induction Of Labor Increase The Risk Of The Patient Requiring An Emergency C-Section When Compared To Spontaneous Labor?, Melissa Hernandez

Symposium of Student Scholars

Abstract

Background: Gestational diabetes (GDM) during pregnancy can have serious complications where an induction might be recommended instead of waiting for spontaneous labor (SL) to occur. With all labor, there is a risk of an emergency cesarean section (c-section). Women with GDM might require induction for their safety and the safety of their babies. According to the Mayo Clinic, problems that arise with GDM include the infant with excessive birth weight, congenital defects, and hypoglycemia. Women might develop preeclampsia, birth trauma, or delayed wound healing. The purpose of this project is to compare induction versus SL in full-term mothers with …

Comparison Of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy And Pharmacologic Intervention In Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment, Analily Wong, Collin Owen, Meghan Vatave

Symposium of Student Scholars

Background: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a condition that can result in chronic health conditions that negatively impact a person’s life. Methods to treat AUD involve cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and pharmacologic intervention, including disulfiram (DIS), naltrexone (NTX), and acamprosate (ACA).

Objectives: The purpose of this review is to determine the efficacy of CBT compared to pharmacologic intervention within one year of treatment in adult patients who have been diagnosed with AUD.

Methods: A reference search was conducted using various databases to locate literature. Combined keywords and Boolean operators were utilized to reveal desired articles. A total of 10 …

Interventions To Prevent The Incidence Of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia, Taylor Arnett

Symposium of Student Scholars

Background: Healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs) such as ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) are common complications patients can acquire after being hospitalized. These complications can be preventable through the implementation of appropriate methods of prevention. Objective: This study was designed to discover interventions healthcare facilities and staff can implement to help prevent the incidence of VAP. Method: Research was conducted using CINAHL, EBSCO, and PubMed. The commonly used phrases to find search results include “prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia” and “methods to reduce ventilator-associated pneumonia.” Articles were excluded if they were published prior to 2017 or were not written in the English language. Results: Five articles …