J Am Acad Nurse Prac
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J Am Acad Nurse Prac · Aug 2005
Comparative StudyComparing perceptions of cancer fatalism among African American patients and their providers.
To describe perceptions of cancer fatalism and identify demographic correlates; to explore whether providers believe their patients are fatalistic about cancer and compare these views to the patients' views. ⋯ The providers' belief that patients are fatalistic about cancer may influence patient-provider communication. They may be less likely to recommend screening, and patients may be less likely to initiate a discussion about cancer. Strategies are needed that target providers and their patients to address actual and/or perceived perceptions and their influence on cancer screening.
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J Am Acad Nurse Prac · Jul 2005
Review Case ReportsVertebroplasty and kyphoplasty for treatment of painful osteoporotic compression fractures.
To review the pathophysiology of osteoporosis and describe vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, which are minimally invasive procedures to treat the pain associated with vertebral compression fractures (VCFs). ⋯ Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are minimally invasive procedures aimed at pain control, stabilization of the vertebral body, and with kyphoplasty, the ability to provide some correction of deformity with partial restoration of vertebral body height. Providing pain control and stabilization of the vertebral column improves mobility, thus decreasing the potential risks associated with immobility.
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J Am Acad Nurse Prac · Jul 2005
Chronic blood transfusion therapy practices to treat strokes in children with sickle cell disease.
To identify variations in practices used by nurses for pediatric patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) receiving chronic blood transfusion therapy for strokes. ⋯ A wide range of local standard care guidelines for blood transfusion therapy exists. The results of this survey indicate that partial manual exchange transfusion is the most commonly used method of chronic blood transfusion therapy in children with SCD and stroke despite the fact that the magnitude of benefit in comparison with simple transfusion has not been established. Factors such as peripheral venous access, compliance with current chelation regimen, and the presence of antibodies are important considerations in the choice of method.
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J Am Acad Nurse Prac · Jun 2005
"It's about time": College women's perceptions of gynecologic health.
To examine college women's perceptions of gynecologic health, with a particular emphasis on healthcare decision making. Women's perceptions of health promotion efforts that would influence gynecologic health were also examined. ⋯ Three themes were identified: (dis)connecting with their changing bodies, experiencing the healthcare encounter, and making healthcare decisions. Results suggest that college can be "the time" when college women begin to think about and act on decisions about gynecologic health. Implications for practice By acknowledging college women's multidimensional definitions of health and knowledge of healthy behaviors, advanced practice nurses can assist women in developing strategies for enacting these definitions and integrating desired healthy behaviors into their busy college lives.
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J Am Acad Nurse Prac · Jun 2005
Review Case ReportsFrom mechanisms to management: translating the neuropathic pain consensus recommendations into clinical practice.
Chronic neuropathic pain poses a treatment challenge, and is associated with significant psychologic distress, physical disability, and impaired functioning, which impact the activities of daily living. Efforts to provide relief are often inadequate and/or require polypharmacy. This has spurred interest among researchers and clinicians alike to develop early, intensive treatments that target the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in pain transduction, transmission, and modulation, or ideally, that prevent neuropathic pain from occurring in the first place. ⋯ In this regard, several potential agents (eg, NMDA and AMPA/kainate antagonists) are in phase 2 and 3 clinical trials. In the interim, evolving data and evidence-based neuropathic treatment recommendations provide guidance for selecting first- and second-line medications that alone or in combination offer acceptable neuropathic pain control and allow clinicians to bridge the gap between current knowledge and its application in the clinical setting. Hopefully, as basic and clinical science progresses, further treatment advances and management tools will be found to improve the care of patients who live with neuropathic pain.