Nursing Commons^™

Prevention Of Pediatric Mortality Associated With Malaria: An Exhaustive Literature Review, Taylor Mosley

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

Malaria, a disease that is preventable yet frequently fatal, disproportionately affects pediatric African populations at a rate that results in a child under the age of 5 dying every two minutes. Since 1955, the World Health Organization has contributed to a significant reduction in the morbidity and mortality of malaria; however, progress has stalled in recent years. In some countries, particularly those in sub-Saharan Africa, cases have increased since 2015. This literature review seeks to identify factors associated with this incline, as well as what interventions can have the greatest impact to prevent pediatric mortality in areas with the largest …

The Intersection Between Sexual Assault And Mental Illness: Psychiatric Nurse’S Role, Shylettera Davis, Leslie Miles, Julie Valentine, Linda Mabey

Student Works

The Intersection between Sexual Assault and Mental Illness: Psychiatric Nurse’s Role

Shylettera Davis

College of Nursing, BYU

Master of Science

Background: Mental illness (MI) affects one in five Americans. Individuals with severe MI are frequently victims of crime, which includes sexual assault (SA). It is well established that individuals with severe MI are more vulnerable for SA victimization. What is not recognized is if this vulnerability for SA extends to other less serious types of MI.

Aim: To identify and synthesize findings from the literature for any connections between having a MI and increased vulnerability for SA victimization, specific mental …

Purposeful Hourly Rounding And Reduction Of Patient Falls, Iesha S. Bell

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Falls are a pervasive and persistent problem in all healthcare settings, with adverse clinical, social, and economic outcomes for patients, staff, and institutions involved. The systematic process of purposeful rounding is an intentional act conducted with a clear purpose for the patient's benefit. Prevention of inpatient falls remains a challenge for nurses. Despite fall prevention efforts by nurses, the rate of patient falls in the acute care setting is a major safety concern. A Doctor of Nursing Practice project was crafted and implemented to educate nursing staff on purposeful hourly rounding and apply the 4 P's (pain, positioning, possessions, and …

Using Patient Safety Principles To Prevent Patient Harm, Octavia Reed Wynn

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

While healthcare is intended to promote and restore optimal health and quality of life, it has been realized that patients often experience unintended harm while consuming healthcare services. In a project conducted in a 12-bed intensive care unit, nurses completed a pre-survey to identify a baseline understanding of patient safety principles. They then completed online educational modules designed to teach patient safety principles including patient and family centered healthcare, systems safety, and culture of safety. Following the educational intervention, a postsurvey to assess for increased understanding was administered. Forty-seven nurses completed the presurvey and education showing improved understanding of patient …

Determining The Knowledge And Practices Of Obstetrics Healthcare Professionals Regarding Maternal Intrapartum Pertussis Vaccination Administration, Kristie Mattix

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Project

Pertussis is a contagious respiratory disease that can occur in all age groups. Signs and symptoms of pertussis, however, are worse in infants and young children; likewise, the rates of severe cases, hospitalizations, and deaths are higher in this group as well. Vaccination against pertussis is the most effective way to combat this illness. In the last 15 years, there have been a number of changes in the recommendations regarding vaccination against pertussis. In order for these recommendations to be followed, healthcare professionals must be aware of the guidelines as well as be knowledgeable about the condition they are trying …

Implementation Of Post Falls Huddles In Skilled Nursing Facility, Princess Lomax

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the quality improvement project, implementation of the post fall huddle in a long-term care facility. Falls are the most common problem in adults 65 years and older. Falls in this population can have devastating effects, often leading to significant changes in morbidity or death. Adults in long term care settings have an increased risk of falling and having a subsequent fall due to an acute illness, weakness, or confusion (CDC, 2015). At the skilled facility, there has been a significant increase in hospitalizations due to injuries sustained from falls. To address this …

Preventing Substance Use Disorder In Anesthesia Providers, Tyson Rogers

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Developing substance use disorder is considered one of the most serious occupational risk factors for anesthesia providers. The purpose of this project was to identify the prevalence and risk factors of substance use disorder within the anesthesia community and to signify the importance of early education and awareness to help prevent the development of substance use disorder through early education, identification, and awareness. The project consisted of an educational PowerPoint that was placed on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s (SIUE) wellness website within Black Board. The third-year nurse anesthesia students at SIUE were sent an email on how to access the …

Prevention Of Postherpatic Neuralgia In Patients With Herpes Zoster Infection, Kadie Erickson Rn

Nursing Capstones

No abstract provided.

Nursing Practice And The Prevention Of Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infections, Laura Sherburne

Nursing Masters Papers

There are numerous healthcare associated infections (HAIs) that individuals can acquire while receiving care in an acute healthcare facility. Catheter associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are HAIs that may cause increased lengths of stay, hospital costs, and mortality for patients. CAUTIs may be preventable through evidence-based nursing interventions and care. Using CINAHL, PubMed, and ProQuest, an evidence-based practice inquiry was conducted on the prevention of CAUTIs. Ten articles were chosen based on the relevance to the clinical question and quality of research. The articles were English language, peer-reviewed, and published within the last ten years. The levels of evidence ranged …

Prevent The Preventable: Children With Hypertension Due To High-Sodium Diets., Shana M. Cobb

MSN Capstone Projects

Heart disease in the United States is the number one cause of death and costs $317 billion annually (Centers for Disease Control, [CDCa], 2018). Heart disease is usually considered an adult disease, but today we are finding that more children are developing symptoms of high blood pressure and sodium consumption is the link (Webb, 2017). Health care spending for hypertension is at an all-time high and is expected to triple over the next 20 years (Bussenius, Zeck, Williams, & Haynes-Ferere, 2018). The American Heart Association (AHA) states if sodium consumption was decreased to around 1,500 milligrams (mg) a day, blood …

Reducing Pressure Injuries In The Intensive Care Setting: Nursing Knowledge And Best Practices Approach, Michelle Harvey

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: For many health care organizations, pressure injury (PI) prevention strategies have become a priority focus to improve patient outcomes and associated costs.

Problem: A rural community hospital located in the Eastern U.S. experienced an increase in hospital acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs), predominantly in the intensive care unit (ICU). In 2018, 17.4% of HAPIs occurred in the ICU.

Approach: Implementation of a Quality Improvement project in an adult ICU, providing education and on-going learning activities to nursing staff, and applying a standardized plan of care “bundle” for prevention interventions.

Outcomes: The approach resulted in improved documentation of flotation of heels, …

Maximizing Mental Health With Early Detection In The Outpatient Setting: Provider Education On Suicide Screening, Elizabeth A. Doddato

Nursing Capstones

Background: Despite advancements in research, increased efforts to identify “best practices” for suicide prevention, and the subsequent development of evidence-based interventions, suicide trends continue to rise at epidemic proportions. Objective: The project’s purpose is to highlight the significance and benefit of utilizing and implementing evidence-based research interventions into the primary investigator’s outpatient psychiatric organization. Goal: The project’s goal is to determine if provider-specific education on suicide screening enhanced the provider’s comfort level, knowledge-base, and otherwise positively impacted their plan for future implementation of such tools that would ultimately assist in the early detection of at-risk patients. Methods: The project used …

Identifying Attitudes And Knowledge Deficits Regarding Constipation In The Neurosurgical Patient: A Quality Improvement Project, Denise Trestyn Diaz

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Constipation is a common problem in hospitalized patients worldwide. The providers’ lack of knowledge of the complications that can occur from constipation lead to increased discomfort and increased healthcare costs. Purpose: The purpose of this evidence-based practice education intervention was to improve neurosurgical health providers’ knowledge and attitudes on constipation prevention in neurosurgical patients. Theoretical Framework: Kolcaba’s Comfort Theory was used to guide this project. Methods: A pre- and post-test survey design guided this project. The physicians, nurse practitioners, and nurses completed a pre-test and post-test survey on prevention of constipation in the neurosurgical patient before and after the …

Increasing Compliance With Sequential Compression Devices To Reduce Venous Thromboembolism, Randy Mcclain

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) is a life-threatening complication. Approximately 900,000 people in the United States are affected by VTE with a mortality of 300,000 cases per year. Although potentially preventable, VTE remains the leading cause of hospital deaths in the U.S. The practice problem addressed in the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project was evidence of an increased incident of VTE events on a trauma surgical unit. The practice-focused question evaluated the extent to which a nurse-driven protocol for VTE prophylaxis could improve adherence to mechanical prophylaxis with sequential compression devices and compliance with nursing documentation. The purpose for the doctoral …

Stroke Prevention Through Education, Laura Lee Ballance

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractThis project focused on two concepts: a need for a stroke prevention program and what should be included. The problem with early identification of stroke is not formally addressed at the project site, physician’s office. A physician’s office can play a beginning key role in minimizing the risk of stroke. The purpose of this project was to explore the evidence to support the need for and to determine ideal content for a stroke prevention education program. This program focused on early detection and identification of risk factors to prevent stroke occurrence. The theoretical framework of Pender’s health promotion model aligns …

Managing Childhood Obesity In A Primary Care Clinic, Linda Nnajiofor

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Background: Childhood obesity and overweight have increased health burdens on health care systems, and contribute to chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma, and cancer. Childhood obesity is very complex for healthcare providers to manage in primary care settings.

Purpose: To improve childhood overweight and obesity approach and management in a selected primary care practice (Clinic A) in a large east Texas urban community.

Objectives: 1. Increase the percentage of children and adolescents ages 2 to 19 years seen in Clinic A, who received adequate weight management and obesity counseling, to 75%. 2. Increase the number of referrals to …

Getting To Zero: Creating An Infrastructure To Support Fall Prevention In A Medical–Surgical Unit, Krys Elgarico

Master's Projects and Capstones

Problem: Hospital falls are a growing national patient safety concern that cause anxiety, pain, distress, serious injuries, and increased health care utilization. Despite the presence of a well-developed falls prevention protocol since 2017. Internal data from an inpatient medical-surgical telemetry (MST) unit indicate the largest number of fall-related events among the hospital’s departments.

Context: Practice improvement project was initiated in a 217-bed community hospital to determine barriers and potential success factors. This MST is a dynamic, 48-bed unit providing care to mainly geriatric patients who require continuous telemetry monitoring and complex medical, trauma, and surgical services. Senior leaders in the …

The Use Of Simulation To Practice Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Sexual Health Risk Screening, Management, And Follow-Up Within A Doctor Of Nursing Practice Program., Skyler K. Frye

Doctor of Nursing Practice Papers

Introduction: Incidence and prevalence for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has yet to experience a significant decline. Increasing provider knowledge regarding use of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, an HIV prevention drug, correlates with increased provider risk screening & prescribing PrEP. Standardized patient (SP) simulation is an effective teaching method for healthcare students to increase knowledge and confidence in providing sexual healthcare.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to evaluate an educational program aimed at increasing participant knowledge attainment and self-confidence in the ability to ascertain a sexual health history and advance the participant’s ability to manage PrEP candidates in a primary …

Nicotine Replacement Therapies To Decrease Withdrawal Symptoms And Improve Patient Experience, Cheryl Pawloski, Holly Stewart, Devon Gillis, Dena Whitesell, Maya Bulman, Christopher Racine, Raymond Serrano, Leslie Gatcombe-Hynes, Elizabeth Mullany, Amy Mcauliffe, Jayne Weisberg, Amy Sparks, Suneela Nayak, Stephen Tyzik, Ruth Hanselman

Operations Transformation

Smoking is one the leading causes of preventable death in the United States. Patient centered care revolves around encouraging patients to reduce their chances of preventable disease and death. To that end, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) prescribed within 24 hours of hospital admission increases the chance of quitting and decreases the chance of nicotine withdrawal.

A pilot performance improvement project was initiated on two cardiac units at an academic tertiary medical center. The goal the project was to have NRT ordered within 24 hours of admission 100% of the time. Baseline metrics demonstrated admission NRT orders were below acceptable levels …

Human Papillomavirus, Alexandra Irwin

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection that is not curable. HPV can damage cell DNA which increases the risk of oncogene expression; this leads to an increased risk of cancer. HPV is one of the leading causes of cervical cancer, among other types of cancers. Prevention is key because HPV is usually asymptomatic. The population at risk is anyone sexually active, including participation in oral sex. The health care provider should advocate for preventative measures against HPV. There are vaccinations that prevent the contraction of HPV that should be given before a person is sexually active for …

Highlights From The American Heart Association's Epi|Lifestyle 2019 Scientific Sessions, Alvaro Alonso, Madison D. Anderson, Michael P. Bancks, Sherry Ann Brown, Melissa C. Caughey, Alex R. Chang, Erin Delker, Kathryn Foti, Véronique Gingras, Michael G. Nanna, Alexander C. Razavi, Jewel Scott Phd, Rn, Fnp-C, Elizabeth Selvin, Catherine Tcheandjieu, Alvin G. Thomas, Ruth Alma N. Turkson-Ocran, Allison Webel, Deborah R. Young, Bailey M. Debarmore

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Highlights From The American Heart Association's Epi|Lifestyle 2019 Scientific Sessions, Alvaro Alonso, Madison D. Anderson, Michael P. Bancks, Sherry Ann Brown, Melissa C. Caughey, Alex R. Chang, Erin Delker, Kathryn Foti, Véronique Gingras, Michael G. Nanna, Alexander C. Razavi, Jewel Scott Phd, Rn, Fnp-C, Elizabeth Selvin, Catherine Tcheandjieu, Alvin G. Thomas, Ruth Alma N. Turkson-Ocran, Allison Webel, Deborah R. Young, Bailey M. Debarmore

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

The Roles Of An Evidence-Based Weight Management Protocol In Hypertension Control, Belinda Akakpo Maxwell

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

The Roles of an Evidence-Based Weight Management Protocol in Hypertension Control

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to evaluate the impact of a healthcare provider-led protocol for patients with hypertension (HTN) and weight loss needs to improve weight control, cardiovascular risk and quality of life.

Background: Evidence shows that a 1.2-kg weight loss can reduce systolic blood pressure (SBP) by 3.8mmHg. Thus, a 10kg (22lbs) weight loss is likely to yield a SBP decrease of as much as 32mmHg. Such results would positively impact quality of life and costs. The simple approach of instructing patients to eat less …

Improving Perioperative Warming Of Surgical Patients: Implementation Of A Warming Protocol, Maghy Schrage

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Despite the ample amount of knowledge and interventions available to keep patients warm in the operating room, the issue of inadvertent perioperative hypothermia continues to be a problem affecting surgical patients. Unfortunately, even a mild degree of hypothermia can increase a patient’s chance for negative outcomes such as surgical site infections, bleeding, and higher risk for mortality. The project involved development of a warming protocol/guideline for a small community hospital. The implementation process consisted of two separate presentations tailored to educate both nursing and anesthesia staff about the importance of warming patients, reimbursement initiatives, and appropriate interventions.

The project study …

Implementing Routine Hiv Testing And Prevention In A Primary Care Setting, Michelle Bassett

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Evidenced-based research has identified that routine HIV testing and education is pivotal in identifying new infections, providing access to treatment, and decreasing the rates of transmission. In 2006, the CDC implemented new guidelines recommending that all persons aged 13-64 years be tested yearly for HIV regardless of risk factors. Despite these recommendations, the CDC estimated that less than 37% of people were tested in 2017 and in the years prior. In this project, a protocol for routine testing and education was developed and implemented in a private Southern Illinois primary care practice. Providers and staff were educated on HIV and …

A Multi-Faceted Intervention To Improve Diagnosis And Treatment Rates Of Overweight And Obesity By Nurse Practitioners In Primary Care, Susan Disser

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

The United States is amid an obesity epidemic (Institute of Medicine, 2012). Indiana ranks as the tenth most overweight state. (America’s Health Rankings, 2018). Despite guidelines outlining the treatment of obesity, primary care providers seldom use these guidelines (Hayes et al., 2017). In a 2010 study, only 28.9% of obese patients received a diagnosis of obesity and less than 25% of these patients received counseling on diet, exercise, or weight loss (Bleich, Pickett-Blackely, & Cooper, 2011). The purpose of this evidence-based practice (EBP) project is to determine if a multi-faceted intervention consisting of academic detailing, reminders, audit with feedback, and …

Increasing Prevention And Recognition Of Delirium In A Non-Icu Acute Care Population, Anne Gembrowski

Doctoral Projects

Delirium is associated with increased mortality, nosocomial complications, increased length of hospital stay, and greater chance of readmission, increased hospital costs, and a need for skilled nursing aid after discharge from the hospital. In a hospital, delirium can affect up to 50 percent of older patient 65. The solution is to prevent delirium from occurring and to regularly screen for its presence. The purpose of this paper is to explore the best prevention strategies and screening tool for delirium and to successfully implement a delirium bundle on a medical surgical unit. The question this paper attempts to answer is if …

Nursing Knowledge On Pressure Injury Prevention In The Intensive Care Unit, Yanick Jacob

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Over 60,000 hospital patients die each year from complications associated with hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs). Pressure-injury rates have increased by 2% within the past decade as life expectancy has also increased due to high cost in Medicare. Evidence shows that the incidence of pressure injuries (PIs) in healthcare facilities is increasing, with high rates of occurrence in intensive care units (ICUs). At the clinical site for which this project was developed, multiple in-services had been provided to staff regarding PIs, but uncertainty persisted about how knowledgeable the nurses were. This project, using the Academic Center for Evidence Star Model of …

Reducing Falls In The Vulnerable Elderly: Implementing An Inpatient Fall Prevention Program, Bibi Farida Khan

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Inpatient falls are a leading cause of fatal and serious injuries among hospitalized elderly patients, often with devastating consequences. This quality improvement project was conducted on a geriatric unit in a large southeastern U. S. hospital, following recognition of an increase in the number of falls with several sustained injuries. After an analysis of the previous fall prevention strategies, a panel of stakeholders who formed a falls prevention committee determined that implementing an evidence-based fall risk assessment tool to help identify risk factors, as well as implementing interventions to address those risk factors, would make fall prevention more patient specific …

A Survey Of Providers And Patients Assessing The Need For And Use Of Prevention Practitioners To Combat Obesity In The Primary Care Setting, Amanda R. Lyons

DNP Projects

Purpose: The overall aim of this project was to gather information from two groups of stakeholders, providers and patients, on the feasibility of implementing prevention practitioners in the primary care system to address overweight and obesity.

Methods: This study utilized a quantitative descriptive design through the use of electronic surveys. Provider surveys were explained and presented during a monthly provider meeting. Patient flyers were posted in exam rooms and surveys were accessible through a provided link and QR code.

Results: Providers (N=10) agreed that they saw a need for the use of a prevention practitioner (Mean=4.44, SD=.88) as well as …