Abstract The paper relates that the use of patient simulation is one of the fastest growing technologies used in nursing education curriculum today, and confirms that patient simulation provides a standardized clinical circumstance in which a student can learn. The paper continues and comments that rupturing and dissecting abdominal aortic aneurysms are among the highest misdiagnosed areas of medicine today. Nursing student and novice nurses rarely get an opportunity to engage with this type of patient in a learning environment. The paper concludes that use of patient simulation may be a device educators can use to bridge the gap between aortic aneurysm and the novice nurse.
Outline:
Introduction
Advantages to Patient Simulation
Adult Learning Theory and Student Centered Learning
Theoretical Framework
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms: Where Simulation Can Help
Curriculum
Tenets for Teaching using Technology
Components for Implementing Simulation
Evaluation
From the Paper "Prior to the use of simulation, students learned through skills labs and practiced on fellow students. When students perform assessments on peers, they rarely find anything abnormal and usually find values in normal ranges (Medley & Horne, 2005, 33). Patient simulation lessens the difficulty nursing students experience when transitioning from clinical lab to actual patient situations (Medley & Horne, 2005, 31). This becomes particularly important in patients with difficult diagnoses. In addition, patient simulators can provide clinical situations that may not be fully developed in real life (Waldner & Olson, 2007, 1). Clinical situations can often be unpredictable or not meet the students' needs at that particular time. Patient simulation provides a standardized clinical circumstance in which a student can learn (Waldner & Olson, 2). Patient simulation offers opportunity to either interrupt simulation or wait until the end for discussion."
Abstract The paper shows how there is a common misconception in people that having an aneurysm means bleeding in the brain when in fact an aneurysm is a balloon-like swelling in a blood vessel that can affect any large vessel in your body; these larger vessels being arteries. The paper examines the risk for the patient, the difficulty in diagnosing them and the various treatments available.
From the Paper "It is extremely difficult to diagnose an aneurysm. Having a thin body and a moderately large sized aneurysm is the ideal conditions in which you or your doctor may be able to detect one. Most of the aneurysms are discovered as a result of medical imaging for other conditions, by ultrasound exams, CAT scans, MRI's, or even plain X-rays of the abdomen. Aneurysms are also detected by physical exam, on a basic chest or stomach X ray, or by using ultrasound. The size and location can be found through echocardiography or radiological imaging, such as arteriography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed topography (CT) scanning."
Abstract This article examines the technique of endovascular coiling. The writer explains that this technique is used to stop the bleeding in intracranial aneurysms. The writer compares this method to neurosurgical clipping of aneurysms. The writer then presents results of the International Subarachnoid Aneurysm Trial of endovascular coiling.
From the Paper "Endovascular therapy is a minimally invasive technique which accesses the area requiring treatment from within the blood vessel. Brain Rupture of intracranial aneurysms causes subarachnoid hemorrhage and occurs in roughly six to eight of every cases in the western population. International Surgical intervention to clip the ruptured aneurysm to prevent bleeding is risky, but in some cases the benefits outweigh the risks. Advances in the development of operating microscopes, better microsurgical techniques and instruments, better anesthetics and intensive care management, improved diagnostics and the adoption of vascular surgery as a ... "
Abstract The paper describes the composition of the circulatory system. The paper explores the common disorders associated with the circulatory system; arterial damage, inflammation and blood clots, hypertension and arterial aneurysms. The paper identifies common procedures and treatment for these disorders. The paper reveals that one of the most pervasive forms of preventative treatment for cardiovascular disease is lifestyle modification, especially a change in diet. The paper details angioplasty, coronary artery bypasses and anti-hypertensives.
Outline:
Make Up of the Circulatory System
Common Disorders Associated with the Circulatory System
Common Procedures and Treatment for the Disorders Identified
From the Paper "The circulatory system, also known as the cardiovascular system, has several functions. These functions include: the transport of substances to and from the cells, maintenance of body temperature, and maintenance of pH as part of homeostasis. The circulatory system of all vertebrates, including humans, is a closed system, meaning the blood is not meant to leave the system. The primary components of the system are the heart, blood and blood vessels ("Circulatory System")."
Abstract The paper explains that multislice CT angiography is a potentially useful and cost-effective, non-invasive diagnostic modality. The paper discusses multislice angiography's diagnostic accuracy in different diseases, including cerebral vascular disease, aneurysms, pulmonary embolism, coronary artery disease and peripheral vascular disease. The paper also points out that multislice CT angiography's technology is quickly outpacing the conventional angiography. The paper notes, however, that some surgeons still prefer the time-tested angiography in spite of its invasive nature, discomfort to the patient and potential risk for hemorrhage.
Outline:
Introduction
Diagnostic Accuracy in Different Diseases
Future Developments of Multislice CT Angiography
From the Paper "Conventional angiography is considered as the golden standard technique in vascular imaging. Its main attributes include real-time visualization of target vessels, which makes it ideal not only for direct visualization of the vasculature of any accessible organ, but also for conducting therapeutic procedures. This provides angiography procedures with the distinct advantage of being able to diagnose and treat vascular diseases with one procedure. This comes at a cost. Another main attribute of angiography is its invasive nature. Most procedures involve gaining vascular access through the femoral artery, which presents as a potential problem post-procedure. While local pressure and close post-procedure monitoring can prevent life-threatening hemorrhaging, subjecting patients to seemingly unnecessary invasive procedures has prompted the development of other imaging modalities to match the real-time precision of angiographic imaging as well as remain non-invasive."
Abstract The paper discusses the aorta as the main trunk of the systemic arterial circulation and describes its position, function in the body and the manner in which it manifests disease.
From the Paper "Clinically, an aneurysm is an abnormal bulging or swelling of a section of a blood vessel and since the aorta carries oxygen-rich blood to every part of the human body, it is technically called an artery. As Glanze points out, an aortic aneurysm is "a localized dilation of the wall of the aorta caused by atherosclerosis," a common arterial disorder characterized by yellowish plaques of cholesterol, lipids and cellular debris in the inner layers of the walls of large and medium-sized arteries (1990, 106). There are three basic types of aortic aneurysms. First, a fusiform aneurysm occurs when all three layers of the vessel are affected, causing weakness along the extended area of the vessel in the form of large, bulging region; second, a dissecting aneurysm in which the weakness develops between the inner and outer layers of the aortic wall, resulting in a bulge as blood from the interior of the vessel is "pushed around the damaged section in the wall and collects between these layers," and third, a saccular aneurysm which occurs only when the middle muscular layer of the vessel exhibits a sack-like bulge."
Abstract This paper explains the development, signs, symptoms and treatment of retinitis pigmentosa, agnosia and cerebral aneurysms. The author points out how these neurological disorders adversely affect the ability of the patient to handle everyday life situations. The paper concludes that having to endure any neurological disease adversely affects the patient's mental, emotional and social status as adults.
From the Paper "Many cerebral aneurysms can be caused by a type of trauma to the brain such a blunt impact from an automobile accident or a fall, an infection somewhere in the body or high cholesterol (atherosclerosis) which causes the arterial walls to harden. This disease can also occur due to any developmental disorder or birth defects, which occur more often in women than men. However, there are symptoms to look for when suspecting a cerebral aneurysm is present which include, seeing spots, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, black-outs, neck pain and headache."
Abstract This paper examines the connection between an aortic graft to a duodenum fistula as a cause for upper GI bleeding. Generally, aortic grafts are used to treat abdominal aortic aneurysms. The paper defines aortic aneurysms as a weak area in the wall of the abdominal aorta, the artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. The paper concludes that aortic grafting can be a major cause of GI bleeding as an after effect of treating an abdominal aortic aneurysm and a method of treatment requires replacement of the stent-graft.
From the Paper "Treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms may require surgery but for some patients, a new non-surgical treatment called stent-graft repair can be performed. The following is the results of a prospective, nonrandomized, multicenter clinical trial that compared endovascular stent graft exclusion of abdominal aortic aneurysms with open surgical repair. During an 18-month period, 250 patients with infrarenal aneurysms underwent treatment at 12 study sites. 190 patients underwent endovascular repair using the Medtronic AneuRx stent graft (Sunnyvale, California), and 60 underwent open surgical repair. There was no significant difference in operative mortality rates between the groups. The patients who underwent stent grafting had significant reductions in blood loss and days in the intensive care unit and in the hospital, with an earlier return to function. Primary technical success at the time of discharge for the patients with stent grafts was 77%, largely as a result of a 21% endoleak rate. At one month, the endoleak rate had decreased to 9%."
Abstract This paper is a scholarly analysis of Broca's aphasia, a condition that is characterized by the loss of the ability to comprehend language, coupled with production of inappropriate language. The disorder is named for Dr. Paul Broca of France. While there are speech therapy treatments available for the condition, complete recovery is not usual. This paper provides a review of the relevant scholarly literature concerning Broca's aphasia, includes a discussion of its discoverer, and an overview of the condition, as well as its causes and treatments. A summary of the research is provided in the conclusion.
From the Paper "When he was only 17 years old, Dr. Paul Broca started his career as a prosector and he eventually became Secretary of the Societ?-Anatomique in his native country of France. In his capacity as a neurological clinician and researcher, he was a prolific writer and was responsible for well over 500 presentations. According to one biographer, Broca wrote a classic 900-page monograph on aneurysms. Despite considerable opposition, Broca helped introduce the microscope in the diagnosis of cancer. However, today he is best known amongst so many other accomplishments for his contribution to neurology the concept of functional localization by cerebral convolution. With his elderly father watching in silent admiration in a memorable meeting in 1862, Broca demonstrated the brain lesion of his first patient who had suffered from aph"mie (to be renamed aphasia later by Armand Trousseau, 1801-1867). Based on this presentation and other ongoing observations, Broca concluded that the integrity of the left frontal convolution was responsible and necessary for articular speech (David Ferrier 1843-1928) is responsible for naming this region "Broca's convolution -- the motor speech area" (Dr. Paul Broca, 2000, p. 2)."
Abstract This paper discusses the pathophysiology, definitions, causes and complications of a number of pathological conditions of the circulatory and other systems. The paper covers: heart disease (MI, heart failure, valve disorders), vascular diseases (CAD, aneurysms), blood diseases (sickle cell, anemias, myelomas), infectious diseases (mononucleosis), heart attacks, shock, childhood heart defects.
From the Paper "Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells in which a clone of abnormal plasma cells forms tumors in the bone marrow. They also produce an abnormal amount of antibodies, which are found in..."
