Canadian journal of cardiovascular nursing = Journal canadien en soins infirmiers cardio-vasculaires
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The purpose of this study was to describe pain in adults post surgical repair for congenital heart defects. What is the intensity, sensory, and affective dimensions of pain experienced post-operatively? What is the trend in pain experienced post-operatively over time? What is the effectiveness of post-operative pain management strategies? What factors influence the dimensions of post-operative pain experienced? A descriptive prospective repeated measures design was used with 30 adult congenital heart (ACH) post-operative patients. Pain assessments using the McGill Short Form Questionnaire (MSFQ), a visual analogue pain scale (VAP), and recordings of other variables (analgesic, anxiety, activity level, non-pharmacologic intervention) were performed three times daily until hospital discharge. ⋯ Anxiety predicted VAP and MSFQ scores on PODs one and two; anxiety and analgesia doses predicted VAP and MSFQ scores on POD three; analgesia doses predicted MSFQ scores, analgesia and anxiety predicted VAP scores on POD four; analgesia doses and anxiety predicted VAP and MSFQ scores on POD five. No relationships were found among pain and other demographic, treatment, or clinical variables. Overall, pain was reported as mild to moderate intensity, variable in sensations, decreased over time, and adequately managed.
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Can J Cardiovasc Nurs · Jan 2004
Evaluating treatment-seeking for acute myocardial infarction in women.
A telephone survey of 349 randomly-selected women living in Greater Vancouver was conducted to assess their understanding of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The results revealed that women have not yet personalized AMI risk information. Participants indicated a need for more information pertaining to symptom recognition for AMI; they were largely unaware that females may experience AMI differently than do males. ⋯ Approximately 36% of these women intended to delay treatment-seeking in the presence of suspicious AMI symptoms. One-third or fewer participants would call for an ambulance for the most serious AMI symptoms. Alongside a recent poll result indicating that a large majority of Canadians believe immediate emergency care for chest discomfort and chest pain is unnecessary, these findings are an alert to health care professionals that much work lies ahead in educating the public regarding treatment-seeking for AMI.
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Can J Cardiovasc Nurs · Jan 2003
Re-hospitalizations after myocardial infarction on Prince Edward Island: analysis of the reasons.
In the province of Prince Edward Island (PEI), which has a small homogeneous population of approximately 140,000 people, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death accounting for 37% of the total deaths. Next to Newfoundland, this province ranks second highest in Canada for its incidence of cardiovascular disease. This high incidence of cardiovascular disease in this population has been attributed to smoking, physical inactivity, hypertension and obesity. ⋯ A cross-sectional design representing this one year period was used in a chart audit with an analysis done to determine factors associated with re-hospitalization of post MI patients. This article will offer insight regarding the results of this analysis as well as future recommendations for patients being discharged home follow an AMI. The significance of the research lies in its collection of data focusing on behaviors and attitudes around cardiovascular risk factor modification which will enable effective planning and evaluation of health promotion programs, policies, and legislation.
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Can J Cardiovasc Nurs · Jan 1999
Clinical TrialResearch-based practice: reducing bedrest following cardiac catheterization.
Patient discomfort with prolonged bedrest following femoral arterial puncture for cardiac catheterization is a significant nursing problem. Safely reducing the time required for supine bedrest could improve patient comfort and reduce nursing care needs. Reducing bedrest also has the potential to improve organizational resource utilization. ⋯ Vascular complications were closely monitored in the first 50 patients, as a means of implementing the research-based change in practice. No significant vascular complications occurred and the practice change has expanded to all inpatient and outpatient areas caring for patients undergoing cardiac catheterization. This experience with utilizing research to change practice has created a positive environment for future research-based initiatives.