Journal of pediatric nursing
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The Spanish Parental Stressor Scale: Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (SPSS:PICU) was developed to assess Hispanic parents' perceptions of stressful stimuli in the PICU. Twenty parents completed a personal data sheet and the SPSS:PICU. ⋯ Significant positive correlations were found between SPSS:PICU scores and parents' level of education. Although further instrument validation is suggested, this pilot study of the SPSS:PICU instrument proved to be reliable in assessing Hispanic parents' perceptions of stress.
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When children experience nausea and vomiting (N/V) as side effects of anesthesia or chemotherapy, a major role for nurses is to promote comfort. In addition to the discomfort of N/V in children, other detrimental effects include dehydration, weight loss, fluid and electrolyte imbalance, and emotional distress. ⋯ Medications used to control nausea and vomiting, including phenothiazines, substituted benzamide, corticosteroids, benzodiazepines, antihistamines, and serotonin antagonists, are discussed. Nonpharmacological interventions that are described include reducing anxiety, music therapy, hypnosis, progressive muscle relaxation, dietary modifications, and acupressure.
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Comparative Study
Perceived stressors and coping strategies of parents who have children with developmental disabilities: a comparison of mothers with fathers.
The purposes of this study were to describe perceived stressors and coping strategies of parents who have children with developmental disabilities and to examine similarities and differences of mothers and fathers in their perceptions of stressors and coping. A sample of 203 parents of children with developmentally disabilities, ages two through five years, participated in the study. Hymovich's Parent Perception Inventory: Concerns (Hymovich, 1988) and the Ways of Coping Questionnaire (Folkmann & Lazarus, 1988) were used for data collection. ⋯ The stressor reported by the largest number of both mothers and fathers was concern about the child's future. There were fewer differences between mothers and fathers in reporting of stressors than in reporting coping strategies. The importance of recognizing parental individuality in family coping is addressed within the context of implications for nursing practice and research.
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Nurses assess severity of dehydration as well as prescribe and supervise oral rehydration therapy to treat the following nursing diagnosis: fluid imbalance, less than body requirements, related to diarrhea. Published literature is reviewed to address the scope of the problem in the United States, provide a historical perspective, and review the components of oral rehydration solution. The nursing management of dehydration is outlined using the nursing process. The need for further nursing research, especially related to homemade oral rehydration solution, is discussed.
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This two-part article reports on the results of qualitative data derived from the study on the impact of pediatric cancer pain on the family. Part I of this two-part article explores the family caregivers' description of a child with cancer, the helplessness experienced in the management of the child's pain, and the impact of pain on the entire family. Study findings support existing literature identifying inadequate assessment and management of pediatric cancer pain. ⋯ Family caregivers also identified the stresses associated with managing pain at home. Part II will describe the role of the parents in managing their child's pain. This study provided valuable information that can enable health care professionals with an opportunity to intervene not only with the child but also with the family.