Axone (Dartmouth, N.S.)
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Axone (Dartmouth, N.S.) · Mar 1997
Immobilizing the cervical spine using a collar. Complications and nursing management.
Using a collar to immobilize the cervical spine is a standard health care intervention for patients with cervical spine injuries. Although there is little research into the nature and extent of possible iatrogenic complications resulting from this intervention, anecdotal information suggests that prolonged use a cervical collar may case skin ulcers and infections. Further, the stabilizing effect of a cervical collar may impart a false sense of security as it permits fine flexion and extension movements. ⋯ As a first step to examining the problem, the author surveyed trauma and neuroscience centres throughout Canada to determine: what immobilization devices are currently used; patient problems associated with these devices; nursing care interventions employed including hygiene and transfer techniques; and the outcomes of these interventions. The findings describe the relative efficacy of different products and nursing interventions as reported by the surveyed groups. Further, the findings offer direction for future research that will quantitatively investigate the patient care outcomes associated with specific interventions.
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Extensive study of the brain has resulted in the development of interventions to augment and preserve function. However, there exists a phenomenon that affects the vital brain centres including speech and memory the control of vital functions, and the immune system. What has this power? Humour. ⋯ It will look at using humour as an adjunct to pain control and an augment to the efficacy of treatment. Nurses will learn what constitutes therapeutic humour, and the pathways to humour. Participants will come away with a repertoire of strategies to incorporate humour in neurosciences nursing care infusing it with joy.
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Axone (Dartmouth, N.S.) · Dec 1996
Congruence between parent satisfaction with nursing care of their children and nurses' perceptions of parent satisfaction.
The purpose of this descriptive study was to determine the degree of congruence between parents' satisfaction with nursing care on a pediatric neurosciences unit and nurses' perceptions of parent satisfaction. Convenience samples of 20 pairs (20 parents and 20 nurses) from the neurosciences unit participated in this study. Data were collected by means of a 25-item self-administered satisfaction with nursing care instrument and socio-demographic tools. ⋯ Satisfied health care consumers are known to show better rates of compliance with treatment regimens and be more willing to seek health care services (Greeneich et al., 1992; McMillan, 1987; Naylor, Munro, & Brooten, 1991). The findings of this research study support the need for nurses to explicitly ask consumers (patients and families) whether or not their expectations of nursing care are being met. For unless nurses ensure that the care they provide is consistent with what consumers want, nurses risk basing nursing interventions on assumptions and erroneous perceptions and consumers are unlikely to be satisfied.
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Axone (Dartmouth, N.S.) · Dec 1995
Clinical indicators contributing to I.C.U. length of stay in elective craniotomy patients with brain tumour.
The immediate purposes of this study are (a) to indicate the I. C. U. and hospital length of stay in elective craniotomy patients with brain tumour, and (b) to identify the clinical indicators that contribute to the I. ⋯ C. U. length of stay, and post-op complications. The results of this pilot study, with sample size of 55 patients, could assist us in the nursing profession to develop an appropriate Care Map for craniotomy patients with brain tumour.
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Gabapentin represents a significant advance in the management of epilepsy. To date, it appears to be most useful as an add-on therapy for patients with partial seizures uncontrolled by standard anticonvulsants. Side effects are mild and often subside with continued therapy. Unlike traditional anticonvulsants, gabapentin lacks significant drug interactions.