Urologic nursing
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Comparative Study
A pilot study comparing two methods of intermittent catheterization: limitations and challenges.
Given a complex research design, a pilot study was conducted to compare a closed catheter system for intermittent catheterization to the traditional open system. Based on 33 urine samples for 11 subjects, the closed system yielded fewer positive cultures. Efforts to obtain this preliminary data proved beneficial in identifying unanticipated design limitations that will guide modifications of the main study, which will include multiple centers.
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The use of ketorolac in managing postoperative pain after a variety of surgical procedures has potential advantages over the use of narcotic analgesics alone. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the addition of ketorolac influenced the time to resumption of a full diet, hospital discharge, and postoperative complication rates, compared to a group of patients receiving only narcotic analgesics whose postoperative management was otherwise similar. ⋯ Similarly, the median length of hospital stay was shorter in the ketorolac group then the group treated with narcotics alone. The inclusion of ketorolac in the postoperative pain management of patients after radical retropubic prostatectomy appears to be a safe and effective strategy.
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Only recently has there been some focus on female sexual function. Due to increasing knowledge regarding male sexual dysfunction and increasing focus on women's health care issues, female sexual dysfunction and its relationship to quality of life is slowly attracting the attention of health care professionals and women in general. ⋯ Sexual identity is shaped throughout our life. It depends on religious and cultural beliefs and is strongly related to early sexual experiences.
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Caring for the patient with end-stage renal disease poses many challenges for the bedside nurse. Yet, how do we care for patients who continue to seek hemodialysis with a guarded prognosis? A discussion about palliative care and specific interventions used to help improve quality of life for the end-stage renal patient is provided. A case example accompanies this article, and highlights the interventions used successfully for one such patient.