The Nursing clinics of North America
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Diabetic neuropathy can affect every organ system of the body. Diagnosis of diabetic neuropathy is usually one of exclusion. ⋯ Simpler diagnostic tests for cardiac autonomic neuropathy, which can be performed in an office setting, may mean earlier recognition and treatment with less mortality. Oral medications for the treatment of erectile dysfunction make it easier for the patient to seek treatment for a condition that impact quality of life.
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Nurs. Clin. North Am. · Jun 2006
ReviewNursing considerations in the geriatric surgical patient: the perioperative continuum of care.
Although aging is a natural process, caring for an older person is not the same as caring for a middle-aged adult person. The perioperative and perianesthesia nurses need to be competent in geriatric nursing care and possess specialized knowledge and skills related to a myriad of geriatric issues. This article focuses on the special needs of the elderly population and how the perioperative nursing team may address their care best.
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Nurs. Clin. North Am. · Jun 2006
ReviewBariatric surgery risks, benefits, and care of the morbidly obese.
The American Society for Bariatric Surgery defines morbid obesity as a lifelong, progressive, life-threatening, genetically-related, costly, multi-factorial disease of excess fat storage with multiple comorbidities. Obesity satisfies the definition of morbid obesity when it reaches the point of significant risk for obesity-related comorbidities. These significant comorbidities often result in either significant physical disability or even death. ⋯ Morbid obesity is defined as being at least 100 lb heavier than ideal body weight, or a body mass index (BMI) of 40. BMI is calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the height in meters squared. This article focuses on the causes, treatment, and perioperative nursing care of patients who are morbidly obese.
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Nurs. Clin. North Am. · Mar 2006
ReviewCognitive assessment and differentiating the 3 Ds (dementia, depression, delirium).
Differentiation between a diminished or altered cognitive functioning asa consequence of aging and one resulting from serious health problems is critical in the elderly. An unrecognized cognitive disorder or the worsening of the impairment may hamper the effectiveness and appropriateness of care and treatment; therefore, standardized assessment procedures and systematic monitoring of cognition and behavior are important aspects of the nursing care. of older adults. In this article, current notions for accurate and comprehensive cognitive assessment in older persons are delineated. Further, an overview of epidemiological screening and diagnostic dilemmas of dementia, depression, and deliriumare provided.
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Nurs. Clin. North Am. · Sep 2005
ReviewThe role of public health nursing in emergency preparedness and response.
Public health services are vital to homeland security and defense, and nurses make up the majority of public health care workers. This article identifies issues in preparing for bioterrorism and describes the role of public health nurses in bioterrorism preparedness.