Abstract
This case study describes and analyzes nursing case in an acute care setting. The case concentrates on the patient's demographic data relevant to the illness, medical diagnosis and contributory factors leading to admission, pathophysiology of the primary illness, hospital course summary and nursing issues significant to the patient's subsequent recovery.

From the Paper
"Mrs Tran (she prefers to be called "Grace") is a 47-year-old Vietnamese woman. She speaks little English and is traveling with her husband "John" from Vietnam. Although not mentioned, language barriers with the husband should be anticipated in order to ensure clear two-way understanding of the situation at hand. The couple were visiting their son, who is currently studying international business at La Trobe University. Medical diagnosis Mrs Tran presented 12 days ago with a sudden-onset headache and subsequent loss of consciousness. There were presumably no other extenuating factors surrounding her sudden illness. She has a significant past history of hypertension but was otherwise well. Compliance issues may have to be ruled and anticipated against when she recovers. A head CT scan revealed a 5cm x 4cm left frontal intracerebal hemorrhage."

Tags:acute, nursing, care

Abstract
This paper examines an article 'Assessment of the Patient with Acute Abdominal Pain', written by E. Cole, A. Lynch, and H. Cugnoni and published by the "Nursing Standard" journal in 2006, directed at nursing trainees but also of benefit to other medical professionals. The article presents a framework for assessing, diagnosing and caring for patients with acute abdominal pain. The author points out that acute abdominal pain is a frequent reason for people accessing health care services; therefore, nurses must understand factors, such as the location of pain and the grouping of symptoms, which are important for a correct diagnosis. The paper concludes that the article is clearly written and relates information in an interesting and yet professional manner.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Summary
Evaluation
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Pain position, radiation, and intensity is established by asking the patient to point to where the pain is, including whether the pain is localized or radiating over a larger area, and also by asking the patient to assess his or her pain on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest level of pain. Abdominal pain may be caused by a disorder of one or more organs within the abdominal cavum, which includes the kidneys, liver, spleen, gall bladder, small and large intestines, and pancreas, while abdominal organs such as the female reproductive organs, bladder, sigmoid colon, appendix, caecum, and rectum, are found within the pelvis."

Tags:complexities, professional, history, pelvis, informative

Abstract
This paper presents a colorful and detailed explanation of the function of the kidneys. The paper offers many diagrams to illustrate the material discussed. The paper also includes extensive research on acute and chronic renal failure. The paper examines acute renal failure by providing a case study on the subject.

Outline
Introduction
Mechanisms of Fluid Regulation
Acute Renal Failure Pathophysiology
Clinical Manifestations
Treatment
Diet
Drug Treatment
Case Study
References

From the Paper
"The adrenal medulla functions as part of the autonomic nervous system. Stimulation of preganglionic sympathetic nerve fibers causes release of epinephrine and noreepinephrine. These regulate metabolic pathways to promote catabolism of stored fuels to meet caloric needs from endogenous sources. Epinephrine is the key player in the 'fight or flight' response. The adrenal cortex produces three steroid hormones. Glucocorticoids affect blood glucose levels using the negative feedback system. Mineralcorticoids exert their major efforts on electrolyte balance. Androgens effects are similar to male sex hormones."

Tags:bladder, creatitne, dialysis, hypertension, nephron

Abstract
The paper describes the signs and symptoms of a 42-year-old man with acute pancreatitis. This paper explains the causes of acute pancreatitis and why it is an accurate diagnosis for this patient. The paper also provides a detailed review of the literature to identify and provide a rationale for this patient's immediate priorities of care.

Outline:
Background and Overview
Review and Discussion
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Assuming that the primary cause of Mr. Jones' episode of acute pancreatitis is determined to be excessive alcohol consumption, the good news is that appropriately treated, the adverse effects of acute pancreatitis are typically resolved within five to seven days. Generally, treatment for acute pancreatitis includes restricting oral consumption entirely and providing nourishment with intravenous fluids only (Reid 1996, 28). In addition, Ammerman and his associates recommend bed rest, intravenous fluids, and narcotic analgesia as essential elements in the management of acute episodes of pancreatitis for alcoholic patients. According to these authorities, "The patient is kept fasting to avoid stimulation of pancreatic secretion. Although resting the pancreas is conceptually attractive, the pancreas probably secretes very little when it is acutely inflamed" (Ammerman et al. 1999, 74). The studies to date involving randomized prospective clinical trials of nasogastric suction, atropine, glucagon, calcitonin, cimetidine, and somatostatin (all of which may reduce pancreatic secretion) have consistently failed to demonstrate any benefit in the treatment of acute pancreatitis (Leach, Gorelick, & Modlin 1992). In addition, recommencing oral feeding of convalescing patients prematurely may also result in relapse of the condition (Ammerman et al. 1999).
"Moreover, and in spite of the growing body of research that indicates acute pancreatitis is an autodigestive disease, the clinical trials using enzyme inhibitors (especially anti-proteases) have likewise been ineffective (Leach et al. 1992). According to Schwenter, Buhler, Berney and Morel (2009), clinical interventions for acute pancreatitis should also include the elimination of the cause, the hemodynamic and respiratory supports and the treatment of the complications. In addition, severe cases of acute pancreatitis require a team-based approach between surgeons, radiologists, gastroenterologists as well.as intensive care physicians "

Tags:alcohol, inflammation, enzymes, necrosis, hemorrhaging

Abstract
This paper discusses how telemedicine may offer a partial solution to the problems of the acute healthcare and the nursing industry by arming healthcare providers, businesses and individual laborers with the opportunity to access medical information at a mere fraction of its traditional costs. The paper contends that telemedicine approaches suggest that treatment and consultation can actually be provided through the medium of the internet, arming acute professional settings with the relatively affordable few tools needed to add a new channel for healthcare access.

From the Paper
"As a result of the relative cheapness of the basic required equipment for access to online healthcare, this has been widely touted as a sensible avenue for exploration as a means to advancing opportunities for healthcare to many venues and geographic locations where such had previously been unavailable. The abilities which it gives patients and doctors to connect from remote locations by way of any modestly equipped PC terminal makes telemedicine a route to the expansion or supplement of our abilities to contend with radiological, pathological and even cardiological challenges. Namely, regular physicians can consult with specialists and radiological readers on patients contained in the acute care setting, putting nurse practitioners at arms length from information and insight crucial to a patient's condition."

Tags:internet, healthcare, telehealth

Abstract
"This paper addresses three important themes for the Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) and the Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS): - Ethical principles, and ethical issues in patient care - Professional resources available to help the ACNP, and - Research highlighting the effectiveness of the ACNP and CNS in acute care.

From the Paper
"This paper addresses three important themes for the Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) and the Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS): * Ethical principles, and ethical issues in patient care * Professional resources available to help the ACNP, and * Research highlighting the effectiveness of the ACNP and CNS in acute..."

Tags:nurse, ethics, decision, making

Abstract
The paper relates that Acute Care Nurse Practitioners have a growing value within society because of the increasing retirement of the baby boomer population, the advances in disease research that have occurred over the past decade and the decline in the physician population in the United States. The paper discusses how the role and scope of practice for Acute Care Nurse Practitioners has become broader, but then looks at the challenges facing nurse practitioners. However, the paper asserts that as nurse practitioners continue to expand their knowledge and prove their value to society, they will inevitably be capable of overcoming these barriers successfully.

From the Paper
"Acute Care Nurse Practitioners have a growing value within society because of the increasing retirement of the baby boomer population, the advances in disease research that have occurred over the past decade and the decline in the physician population in the United States. Initially the nurse practitioner had a limited role in the medical community; yet, as time has progressed that role has expanded. The scope of practice for Acute Care Nurse Practitioners has become broader, therefore, as states..."

Tags:nursing, nurse, practitioners

Abstract
The paper explains that the SARS crisis was successfully managed through an international cooperative effort, and the genetic sequence of the Coronavirus was finally mapped out, paving way for creating more specific assays for detection and for developing effective counter drugs. The author points out that the typical symptoms for the SARS disease include a rise in temperature (above 38 degrees); sore throat; breathing difficulty, which becomes progressively acute; myalgia or muscle pain; sputum formation; a considerable drop in blood platelets; and lymphopenia; all are symptoms that manifest within the first two weeks of the onset of the infection. The paper relates that treatment methods continue to be refined, specific pharmacological agents are being developed, and a quest for a SARS vaccine continues.

Table of Contents
Thesis
Introduction
The SARS Virus
Clinical Course of SARS
Symptoms and Diagnostics
Transmission of SARS
Epidemiology of SARS
China and Hong Kong
Toronto, Vietnam and Singapore
Treatment For SARS
Ribavirin
Lopinavir-ritonavir
Immunomodulatory Treatment
Interferons
Critical Care
SARS Vaccine [Latest Researches]
Conclusion

From the Paper
"SARS is an acute infectious respiratory disease with all the symptoms of atypical pneumonia like fever, breathlessness that caused severe casualties in a short period of time. The first instance of SARS infection was reported in November 2002 in the Guangdong province of china. The SARS epidemic created a panic worldover and the World Health Organization issued a global alert on March 12th 2003 about the rapid spread of symptoms of atypical pneumonia. Symptoms of atypical pneumonia were reported in China and Hong Kong in February and March of 2003 and SARS created panic at the global level with 774 deaths and more than 8000 infected people. China, Taipei, Canada and Hong Kong suffered the most from the epidemic while sporadic SARS infections were found in many European nations and North America. Hundreds of people exhibiting symptoms were quarantined and treated for the complications until the SARS outbreak was fully contained. In July 2003 China officially announced the successful treatment of the last 12 cases of SARS."

Tags:immunofluorescence, quarantine, ribavirin, china, cooperation

Abstract
This paper explains that acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a leukemia in which the lymphoblast cells proliferate abnormally, resulting in the rapid progression of the disease with the abnormal cells easily infiltrating any organ in the body. The author points out that Jimmy has a favorable prognosis because his WBC count of 3,600/uL is within the range that suggests a favorable prognosis. The paper relates that two chronic complications of ALL are infection and bleeding.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Discussion of Jimmy?s Case
Risk Factors for Cancer and Characteristics for a Favorable Prognosis
Pathophysiology ( White Blood Cell Lymphoblast)
Clinical Manifestations and Pathology
Chronic Complications and Pathophysiology
Laboratory Tests: CBC and Uric Acid
Bone Marrow Aspiration Test
Intravenous Fluids and Allopurinol to Prevent Renal Failure
Medications: Allopurinol, Vincristine, Dexamethasone and Asparaginase
Conclusion

From the Paper
"In ALL, a white blood cell lymphoblast becomes genetically altered and begins to clone itself and proliferate. This cloning begins in the bone marrow, where white blood cell production occurs. In healthy individuals, white blood cells are produced in the bone marrow and transferred to the blood on a continuous basis. In individuals with ALL, the same process occurs, except that white blood cell production proceeds at an excessive and uncontrollable rate. The normal blood cell production in the bone marrow provides the blood with the white blood cells. This means that when proliferation occurs, the cells produced naturally are transferred to the blood. These cells are then transported throughout the body. The proliferating cells can also be transported to the thymus, liver, lymph nodes, testes, and the CNS, and can continue to proliferate from those locations. ALL also results in reduced levels of the other components of blood including platelets and red blood cells because the proliferating white blood cells crowd them out."

Tags:aspiration, cbc, infection, marrow, cloning

Abstract
This paper explains that, in the U.K., private health care providers are consistently seeking to expand their business and influence in the face of a declining National Healthcare System; and thus, in order for private health care providers to successfully market their services to the public, they must first prove that what they have to offer is worthwhile and ethical. The author states that the primary goal of this dissertation is to develop a theory-building process that will result in a strategic marketing plan for acute health care in the UK that will (1) build on best practices based on current medical ethics standards, (2) support the private health care industry's goals, and (3) provide guidance for private healthcare industry participants in the strategic marketing development process. The paper relates that the data will be collected via questionnaire utilizing Likert-type scales distributed to health care providers, marketing agents, and consumers.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Research Rational
Goals/Objectives of Study
Literature Review
Methodology
Approach/Research Design
Methods for Data Collection
Methods for Data Analysis
Discussion
Purpose/Relevance of Study

From the Paper
"The private healthcare sector within the UK accounts for 25.3% of the UK healthcare market as of 2000. The private industry is divided among the following sectors: primary care services, acute care, psychiatric care, long term care and private medical insurance. Within the private healthcare sector, acute care accounts for a very small portion of services offered, and therefore will likely require the most aggressive marketing stratagems. Long term care accounts for the largest sector. The National Health Care Service in the UK has been suffering from a variety of problems affecting the infrastructure, including staff shortages. This leaves opportunity for growth in the private industry. This paper will focus on the acute care sector, which is currently expanding gradually in part as a result of the development of specialist facilities."

Tags:theory-building, questionnaire, likert, aggressive, planning