J Psychosoc Nurs Men
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J Psychosoc Nurs Men · Sep 2014
Legalization of marijuana for non-medical use: health, policy, socioeconomic, and nursing implications.
The legalization of marijuana is a controversial issue with implications for health care providers, policy makers, and society at large. The use of marijuana for medical reasons is accepted in many states. However, legal sale of the drug for non-medical use began for the first time on January 1, 2014, in Colorado, following a relaxation of marijuana restrictions that is unprecedented worldwide. ⋯ Evidence suggests its potency has increased since the 1980s. Colorado has established regulations regarding the sale of marijuana for non-medical use, but concerns still exist. The current article offers a discussion of the health, public policy, socioeconomic, and nursing implications of the legalization of marijuana for non-medical use.
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The age at which gender dysphoria can be diagnosed with enough certainty to justify medical intervention is controversial. The aim of this article is to explore current literature as it relates to the gender reassignment process and diagnostic indicators supporting an appropriate age for intervention. ⋯ However, preliminary studies suggest that early intervention improves the quality of life in individuals who are transgender. Ongoing research suggests that it may be possible to confirm gender dysphoria at an earlier age.
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J Psychosoc Nurs Men · Aug 2014
Case ReportsPalliative care for terminally ill individuals with schizophrenia.
Individuals with schizophrenia are often medically undertreated and experience symptoms that interfere with communication and the capacity to make medical decisions. These issues complicate quality end-of-life care for this population and are of particular concern for hospice and palliative care nurses and health care providers. ⋯ It is divided into a series of vignettes; each vignette presents a common clinical issue encountered by the palliative care team. Interventions suggested in the literature and those used by team members when working with the patient are discussed.
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Delirium is a complex neurobehavioral syndrome caused by dysregulation of brain activity, characterized by an alteration in the level of attention and awareness, which develops over a short period of time and is seen as a change from the patient's baseline. Dysregulation of 24-hour circadian cycles, including melatonin secretion or activity, has suggested the potential therapeutic use of melatonergic drugs for delirium. Melatonin and the melatonin analog drug ramelteon have been shown to be effective in the prevention of delirium in three controlled studies. Additional studies using these drugs are warranted.
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Many health care professionals, including psychiatric nurses, are faced with increasing questions from patients about mobile applications (apps). The purpose of this article is to give psychiatric-mental health nurses (PMHNs) an overview of the world of mobile health and medical apps to answer their own questions as well as those of their patients. Mobile apps will continue to evolve; thus, this article will serve as a base for PMHNs to build knowledge and understanding to help their patients.