Clinical nursing research
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Facial, body, and cry behaviors, heart rate, palmar sweating, and acoustic cry measures were compared across differing levels of infant pain. Eighty-eight infants were placed in a 16-cell matrix of 4 ages (0 to 3 mo., 4 to 6 mo., 7 to 9 mo., and 10 to 12 mo.) and levels of pain (LOP) (none, mild, moderate, severe) with 5 to 6 infants occupying each cell. Matrix placement was determined by agreement of > 75% among five pediatric clinical nurse specialists who viewed videotapes and read information about the infant's history, diagnosis, medical and/or surgical status, medications, and nutritional/fluid status. ⋯ Facial expressions were clinically useful LOP indicators only for 0- to 3-month-old infants. Facial and body behaviors and cry measures that differed across LOP in younger infants did not differ in older infants due to the development of intentionality. Cry orientation and consolability may be useful clinical indicators of pain with older infants.
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The purpose of this study was to explore the cultural practices and beliefs of the Hmong in the postpartum period. Using the qualitative research method of in-depth interviewing, data were collected through semistructured interviews. ⋯ Data analysis revealed cultural practices and beliefs categories related to diet, rest period, appropriate clothing, breast feeding, and sex practices in the postpartum period. Implications for nursing include both cultural sensitivity and an understanding of such traditional practices, before suggesting or implementing any health-promotion activities.