The Nursing clinics of North America
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Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death for men and women in the world today. Surgical resection of early stage non-small cell lung cancer is the recommended treatment option and offers the patient the best chance for survival. Nurses are instrumental in lung cancer prevention, early detection, delivery of quality perioperative care, and maximizing long-term patient survival.
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Type 2 diabetes has traditionally been associated with the development of hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome (HHNKS), yet evidence suggests that diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is increasing among this population. Patients with type 2 diabetes may develop DKA or HHNKS and require hospitalization. In addition, patients with type 2 diabetes, hospitalized for other medical or surgical conditions, are clearly at risk for the development of metabolic decompensation during hospitalization. This article explores the acute complications of type 2 diabetes and some of the issues associated with managing these patients in the hospital setting.
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Organizational endorsement for a dynamic, comprehensive pain management program began in the early 1990s, and included assessment, education, interventions, and reassessment. Based on study findings and pain management recommendations from national guidelines and authoritative resources, retooling and updating of the pain management program was shaped to include a multidisciplinary team approach, principles of Total Quality Improvement, and outcomes management. ⋯ The end-point goal of a comprehensive pain management program that demonstrates positive patient outcomes along the care continuum provides an opportunity for merged health care organizations at two sites. This challenge will be supported by the model and the principles of continuous quality improvement, two processes that are complementary in assuring best practice.
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Nurs. Clin. North Am. · Jun 2000
Establishing a mobile health and wellness program for rural veterans.
The US Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Salem, Virginia provides mobile access to health care for over 4000 veterans in southwestern Virginia. This innovative program has joined community outreach with increased use of advanced practice nurses to provide health screenings, risk identification and stratification, education, and enrollment to veterans living in the facility's predominantly rural primary service area. Concurrently, veterans are placed within a comprehensive continuum of care through nurse practitioner intake and assessment clinics, primary care, or routine care every 4 months, with follow-up using the mobile program. Salem's mobile program is extremely effective in its clinical management and fiscal outcomes.
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Nurs. Clin. North Am. · Sep 1999
ReviewEpilepsy and seizures: advances in seizure assessment, treatment, and self-management.
The scope of providing care for people with epilepsy and seizures has expanded dramatically in recent years. The tremendous growth in our understanding, along with new and innovative treatment options has increased the likelihood of seizure control and improved quality of life for many people. ⋯ A fuller appreciation of the patient's perspective will aid nurses in their support of self-management practices. The new millennium will challenge nurses to enhance self-management education in more diverse practice settings, geographical areas, and patient populations.