bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Pleasure of Your Company: Attitudes and Opinions of Preceptors Toward Nurse Practitioner Preceptees
Authors: Gibson Sandra E. , Hauri Claudia 
Published: May 2005

PURPOSE:To survey the attitudes and opinions of preceptors about their experiences with nurse practitioner stu‐dents.DATA SOURCES:Original research using a mailed questionnaire designed by the researchers to 196 physician and nurse practitioner preceptors (23% response rate).CONCLUSIONS:Preceptors desired faculty support and feedback, wanted involvement in shaping the curriculum, and had strong opinions about the precepting experience.IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE:The attitudes and opinions of preceptors are extremely important to the availability of a qualified and motivated pool of preceptors, the clinical growth of the stu‐dents, the quality of the student's learning experience, and the survival of nurse practitioner programs.
Advances in the Treatment of Hepatitis C: Combination Antiviral Therapy With Interferon alfa‐2b and Ribavirin
Authors: Benson Laura , Birkel Alice , Caldwell Linda , Stafford‐Fox Valerie , Casarico Beverley 
Published: May 2005

PURPOSE:To provide nurse practitioners with the information to manage patients with chronic hepatitis C (HCV) receiving a new combination drug therapy containing ribavirin and interferon alfa‐2b.DATA SOURCES:Reviews of clinical trial results including large multicenter trials, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention documents, data from the drug manufacturer.CONCLUSION:This new therapy offers the potential for HCV remission or complete cure of the HCV infection. Although virologic responses are markedly improved with combination therapy, the side effects associated with combination therapy warrant regular patient monitoring, management, and medical intervention when clinically indicated.IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE:Combination therapy does not significantly worsen the side effects associated with mono‐therapy, which are predictable, manageable, and reversible. However, proper patient education, symptom management, vigilance for serious side effects, and monitoring of hematologic parameters are critical to patient outcome.
Primary Care Provider's Guide to Cardiology
Authors: Maddox Margie 
Published: May 2005

Primary Care Provider's Guide to Cardiology G.N. Levine & D.L. Mann (Eds.) (2000)Dying: A Book of Comfort P. McNees (1996)A Pocket Manual of Differential Diagnosis (4th ed.) S.N. Adler, D.B. Gasbaria & D. Adler‐Klein (Eds) (2000)A Clinician's Guide to Tuberculosis M.D. Iseman (2000)
Nurse Practitioner Student Prescriptive Patterns
Authors: Fontana Susan A. , Devine Elizabeth C. , Kelber Sheryl K. 
Published: May 2005

ABSTRACTAs employment of nurse practitioners (NPs) increases in health care systems, there is a need to have current data on their prescribing practices and patterns, and to implement a system for updating such data. This study reports prescriptive data based upon 10,421 primary care visits conducted by 55 family NP students over a 15‐month period in 1997 and 1998. Numbers of over‐the‐counter drugs taken regularly, prescription drugs currently prescribed and prescription drugs prescribed or refilled at the visit were recorded in addition to types of drugs, compliance issues, diagnoses rendered and socio‐demographic information. Individual student data were aggregated and analyzed using Epi Info (Epidimiology Program Office of the Centers for Disease Control) and SPSS‐PC®. Results identified that: 1) the majority of patient visits involved the prescription of 1‐2 drugs (88%); 2) major compliance issues included financial concerns, knowledge deficits, and complexity/demands of treatment; 3) commonly rendered diagnoses at drug visits for chronic conditions were hypertension and diabetes; for acute conditions, otitis sinusitis and upper respiratory infections; 4) anti‐microbial agents, drugs used for relief of pain, and cardiovascular drugs account for 60% of drug mentions; and 5) the numbers of drugs prescribed or refilled at visits were similar by type of preceptor, except fewer single drugs were prescribed or refilled at visits supervised by nurse preceptors. Findings are discussed relative to deepening the understanding of advanced practice nursing education and the prescribing practices of NP students and their preceptors.
coping Strategies of Rural Families of Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Hunsucker Sharon , Flannery Jeanne , Frank Deborah 
Published: May 2005

ABSTRACTThis study explored the coping strategies of families of critically ill patients in a rural Southern Appalachian setting. A convenience sample of 30 family members of 22 critically ill patients in two rural hospitals completed the Jaloweic Coping Scale. The five most frequently used coping methods were helping, thinking positively, worrying about the problem, trying to find out more about the problem and trying to handle things one step at a time. The five most effective coping strategies were talking the problem over with friends, praying, thinking about the good things in life, trying to handle things one step at a time and trying to see the good side of the situation. Findings contradicted many of the more “negative” descriptions of Appalachian people in the literature. Similarities outweighed differences when comparing the coping styles of rural and urban populations. Findings suggest that coping strategies must be considered for positive outcomes in the delivery of care to such a rural population.
Diagnosing Appendicitis Across the Life Span
Authors: Gauf Christine L. 
Published: May 2005

ABSTRACTArriving at a definitive diagnosis of acute appendicitis (AA) requires an understanding of the various presenting signs and symptoms of all ages and genders across the life span. Primary care providers must also be aware of the pertinent laboratory tests and imaging procedures that will assist in providing useful information toward making an accurate diagnosis of AA. Utilizing an in‐depth review of the literature, this article delineates the presenting signs and symptoms of AA from children to adults to elders. It also delineates which laboratory and imaging techniques should be used for each age group as effective adjuncts in diagnosing AA.
The A, B, C's of Bone Building in Adolescence
Authors: Durst Eugenia S. 
Published: May 2005

ABSTRACTThe majority of treatment for osteoporosis has focused on secondary and tertiary strategies that attempt to preserve acquired adult bone mass. However, the occurrence of osteoporosis and its related physical and economic sequelae continue to escalate, resulting in devastating morbidity and mortality in later adulthood because of bone fractures. Mounting evidence continues to support primary intervention strategies that target adolescents during skeletal maturation as effective in building bone mass reserves with the power to resist the threat of osteoporotic fractures. Nurse practitioners need to exercise their expertise as primary care providers by teaching adolescents and their families the A, B, Cs of bone building with calcium, vitamin D and exercise.
Creating a “Health Connection” Between STD Services and Primary Care
Authors: Brian Donna L. , Pond Jane B. 
Published: May 2005

ABSTRACTWomen's health nurse practitioners may find their practice includes men who present for treatment of sexually transmitted diseases (STD). In seven months, the women's healthnurse practitioner at Temple Health Connection treated 70 African‐American males for STDs. Seventeen males (24%) were diagnosed with hypertension. Nine of these patients returned for follow‐up care with a primary care adult nurse practitioner. Our experience shows it is important to combine STD treatment with accessible primary health care.
Increasing the Knowledge Base of Asthmatics and Their Families Through Asthma Clubs Along the Southwest Border
Authors: Alexander Jackie , Divin‐Cosgrove Chris , Faner Maria Luisa , O'Connell Michael 
Published: May 2005

ABSTRACTThis study focused on behavior modification and enhancement of knowledge concerning home asthma management. The intervention focused on asthma awareness, severity assessment, medication use, and development of management plans while building a support group. The quasi‐experimental design utilized various tools to evaluate knowledge, behavior modification, and self‐care management. A 25% increase in knowledge and a 13% decrease in emergency department visits was identified over the 12‐month period of the study.
Hereditary Hemochromatosis: Should Clinicians Screen for this Common Disease?
Authors: Russell Linda C. 
Published: May 2005

ABSTRACTHereditary hemochromatosis is a serious condition of abnormal iron metabolism that is often missed until complications involving multiple organ systems occur. It is an autosomal recessive condition primarily affecting Caucasians of Western European origin. This article discusses the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of this condition. Questions related to population screening are examined and recommendations made for a cost‐effective screening program.
Integration of Spirituality into Health Care Practice by Nurse Practitioners
Authors: Treloar Linda L. 
Published: May 2005

ABSTRACTAlthough conceptualizations of mind, body, and spirit are ancient, spiritual aspects have not been readily integrated into health care. Western medicine's mechanistic model, with its “fix‐broken‐parts” paradigm, focuses on the physical body, with occasional consideration given to emotional and mental aspects. One's view of self in relation to a Supreme Being, and one's existence and purpose for life is central to health at all levels, e.g., spiritual, physical, emotional, and cognitive. The purpose of this article is to describe the role that nurse practitioners can and should take with patients and their families in integrating spirituality into health care practice.
Syringomyelia: An Expanding Problem
Authors: Yuras Sherry 
Published: May 2005

ABSTRACTSyringomyelia, a central cavitation of the spinal cord, was once thought to be a rare disorder. Associated with congenital malformations as well as trauma and tumors, a syringomyelia can cause a variety of sensory complaints, including parasthesias, changes in temperature recognition, and pain. Other symptoms may range from gastrointestinal problems to shoulder arthropathy. Left unchecked, a syringomyelia can expand and lead to permanent disability. The nurse practitioner should be suspicious of the presence of a syrinx in patients who have otherwise unexplained sensory deficits that follow cervical or thoracic dermatomes.
Providing Wholistic Health Care for the Elderly: Utilization of the Shuler Nurse Practitioner Practice Model
Authors: Shuler Pamela A. , Huebscher Roxana , Hallock Judith 
Published: May 2005

PurposeTo present an application of The Shuler Nurse Practitioner Practice Model with elderly patients through use of a gerontological wholistic assessment and the utilization of the model in developing a treatment plan and evaluating patient outcomes.Data SourcesSelected literature from nursing and medicine, including natural, alternative, and complementary (NAC) therapies, as well as the authors' personal experiences.ConclusionsProviding health care services to the elderly involves recognition of not only physical ail‐ments, but also an awareness of how functional status, psychological condition, social support, environmental conditions and cultural, as well as spiritual beliefs, shape the total health care needs of this vulnerable group.Implications for PracticeNurse practitioners who work with the aged could benefit from a theoretically based, wholistic assessment guide. Treatment plans that include NAC therapies and healing strategies should be considered. Outcome evaluations should reflect adherence to the elders' preferences regarding quality and end‐of‐life issues.
Strategies for Working with Elderly Clients: A Qualitative Analysis of Elderly Client/Nurse Practitioner Communication
Authors: Kaakinen Joanna , Shapiro Elayne , Gayle Barbara Mae 
Published: May 2005

PurposeTo describe communication between nurse practitioners (NPs) and elderly clients.Data SourcesA qualitative study using a focus group composed of 6 NPs and in‐depth interviews of an additional 6 NPs who provide care to elderly clients in a variety of settings.ConclusionsThe NPs described a framework of critical thinking, termed hypervigilance, which they enter before and during an interaction with an elderly client. Specific communication strategies were identified that increased the likelihood of compliance with or adherence to treatment regimens for elderly clients.Implications for PracticeHypervigilance is descriptive of actively working to merge nursing practice with traditional medical primary care practice. This finding raises the issue of the difference in practice between physicians and NPs in regards to communication with clients.
A Motivational Intervention to Improve Adherence to Treatment of Chronic Disease
Authors: Konkle‐Parker Deborah J. 
Published: May 2005

PurposeTo describe an approach to intervention, based on Motivational Interviewing (MI) and the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) of Change that allows the health care provider to support medication adherence in a client‐centered fashion.Data SourcesReview of selected research‐based and theoretical articles on MI, TTM, and medication compliance issues.ConclusionsAdherence is a complex phenomenon that requires a personalized intervention. The response must focus on clients' readiness to adhere, their sense of self‐efficacy in taking medicines in all circumstances, and their personal pros and cons related to adherence.Implications for PracticeAdherence to complex medication regimens is important to long‐term treatment of chronic diseases, such as HIV disease. Adherence in HIV is particularly critical to adequately suppress viral replication as well as to prevent opportunistic infections.
Hypertension Outcomes In an Urban Nurse‐Managed Center
Authors: Benkert Ramona , Buchholz Susan , Poole Michelle 
Published: May 2005

PurposeTo assess the quality of hypertension (HTN) care in an urban nurse‐managed center (NMC) by chart audits of insured and uninsured (N= 52) African Americans who were managed by nurse practitioners.Data SourcesA chart audit form was developed by the authors that merged Health Plan Employer Data and Information Set (HEDIS) criteria with the Joint National Committee on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC VI) criteria.ConclusionsThere was near comparable hypertension control among the two groups. No difference was found in systolic blood pressure (BP) control; however, the uninsured group had a slightly greater average diastolic BP compared with the insured group. There was no significant difference in the number of HTN medications or the number of risk factors. A significant difference was found in the number of NP visits per year between the two groups; the uninsured group averaged 3.2 more visits per year.
The Role of Computer‐Assisted Simulation in Nurse Practitioner Education
Authors: Goolsby Mary Jo 
Published: May 2005

PurposeTo develop a better understanding of the role of computer‐assisted simulations (CAS) in nurse practitioner (NP) education by observing 4 pairs of students complete a CAS case.Data SourcesQualitative observational study of 8 students performing in a computer laboratory and a series of post‐observation interviews. Observations were recorded, refined, coded, and quantified based on the theoretical frame‐work of ecological psychology.ConclusionsEach pair of students established their own “per‐sonalities” for the completion of the task. Misinterpretation of information was common and the absence of a live patient interaction affected the reasoning process of the students. The students demonstrated the ability to develop a perspective on the case based on previous nursing experience. Students generally obtained adequate data on which to base differential/final diagnoses. Observations provided information regarding strengths and weaknesses of students and methods used to solve scenarios.Implications for PracticeAll students agreed that the CAS scenarios were realistic, useful learning experiences, and that the knowledge gained would be transferable to real clinical situations. Such experiences provide useful experience with terminology, sequencing of the examination, and decision‐making.
Prescribing for Seniors: It's a Balancing Act
Authors: Schafer Sandra L. 
Published: May 2005

PURPOSETo present a rational approach to prescribing for seniors, balancing the need for and number of medications.DATA SOURCESSelected evidence‐based reviews and research articles and the author's own experience.CONCLUSIONSWhenever possible, alternatives to medication therapy should be considered as the initial treatment of choice; however, medications should be prescribed when indicated and not withheld due to a patient's age. Reducing the number of medications reduces the risk for adverse drug reactions and drug‐to‐drug inter‐actions. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Careful review of an older patient's medication list prior to initiating new therapy is necessary. Follow‐up care to review the efficacy and monitor any potential side effects is crucial. Timely discontinuation of a drug when therapeutic usefulness is surpassed is equally important.
Postmenopausal Bleeding: A Practical Approach
Authors: McGregor Helen F. 
Published: May 2005

PURPOSETo provide nurse practitioners (NPs) with a practical approach for the management of postmenopausal bleeding in office settings.DATA SOURCESSelected scientific literature and the author's own experience.CONCLUSIONSPostmenopausal bleeding should be considered cancer until proven otherwise, despite the fact that abnormal pathology is found in only 15% of endometrial biopsies.IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICEPost menopausal bleeding can be safely evaluated and managed by NPs using aspiration endometrial biopsies and/or transvaginal ultrasound. Hospitalization for dilation and curettage under anaesthesia can often be avoided.
The Role of Human Papillomavirus in Screening for Cervical Cancer
Authors: Schumann Lorna , McFadden Susan E. , Schumann Lorna 
Published: May 2005

PURPOSETo review the options for effectively screening for cervical cancer, including human papilloma virus (HPV) identification, cytologic screening, colposcopy, or a combination approach. Current pathophysiology, diagnostic criteria, treatment approaches, and patient preparation and education related to cervical cancer screening and prevention are also included.DATA SOURCESComprehensive review of current literature, including research and review articles.CONCLUSIONBecause the Papanicolau (Pap) smear is a screening tool, not a diagnostic tool, further studies must be done to identify the actual nature of discovered abnormalities. Of particular concern is the classification of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS), which may simply indicate inflammation, or may be the first indicator of serious pathology. Following ASCUS Pap smears with HPV screening will allow for a clarification of the best approach to treatment. A screening algorithm supported by a review of the literature is proposed.IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICECervical cancer is a preventable disease caused by certain forms of HPV. Current screening protocols are based on the use of the Pap smear; and in areas where this test is routine and available, morbidity and mortality rates have dropped dramatically. Many women throughout the world and in underserved regions of the U. S. do not have adequate access to routine screening with Pap smear technology. As long as women continue to die needlessly of cervical cancer, more comprehensive and accessible screening methods must be explored. (Cutting the unnecessary worldwide and in the U. S.)
The Invisibility of Advanced Practice Nurses in Popular Magazines
Authors: Norwood Susan L. 
Published: May 2005

PURPOSETo determine the image portrayed in the media of nurses and particularly nurse practitioners (NPs) compared with other health care providers.DATA SOURCESAn analysis of advertisements and articles in popular magazines aimed at female, male, and gender‐neutral audiences was conducted between 12/99 and 06/00. Relationships between target audience and content of advertisements and articles, as well as portrayal of health care providers were also explored.CONCLUSIONSA review of 100 consecutive advertisements for health‐related products and 96 consecutive health‐related articles in popular magazines revealed that the media continues to overwhelmingly depict and promote physicians as the source of health care and health‐related advice.IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICEBecause when there are few references to a group, such as NPs, it is reasonable to assume group members have little influence, standing, and authority, NPs should be concerned about the implications of these findings. Strategies for increasing the visibility of NPs as credible and valuable members of the health care team are shared.
Teaching Spirituality to Nurse Practitioner Students: The Importance of the Interconnection of Mind, Body, and Spirit
Authors: Maddox Margie 
Published: May 2005

SpirituaLism is dormant, not dead, Let us hope. How to revive it, to rekindle it into life, is the great question – Florence Nightingale
PURPOSETo describe the author's experience in locating and implementing a spiritual assessment tool in teaching a first semester clinical nurse prac‐titioner (NP) course.DATA SOURCESSelected articles and responses of NP students to the use of the tool.CONCLUSIONSA spiritual assessment is an important component of a comprehensive health assessment. The use of a formal structured protocol provides a framework for beginning students to become comfortable with sprirituality and spiritual assessments and to begin to recognize spiritual distress in clients.IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICEThe protocol used in the course is very extensive and might not be practical in a busy practice setting. An alternative, 4‐point assessment is provided.
Nurse Practitioner Peer Review: Process and Evaluation
Authors: Sheahan Sharon L. , Simpson Cinda , Rayens Mary K. 
Published: May 2005

PURPOSETo describe the initiation and evaluation of a nurse practitioner (NP) peer review program for a group of 15 NPs practicing at a Veteran's Affairs Medical Center.DATA SOURCESUsing a standardized review form, 15 NPs performed a peer review on a total of 163 medical records; each review was re‐reviewed by 2 researchers who were also NPs. To determine the congruency of the reviews among the 15 NPs, the data were analyzed with Intraclass correlations (ICC) and ANOVA.CONCLUSIONSA relatively low ICC (r= 0.37) was found for the 15 NPs. The ANOVA indicated that there were significant differences among the NPs (F= 11.92, p < .0001).IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICEThe outcome of a peer review process depends upon the motivation and values of the NPs, practice sites, and standardization of the format, as well as the degree of collective participation. Peer review can reveal charting deficiencies as well as identify topics for continuing education and risk management programs.