Abstract
The paper relates that the functional changes of patients with dementia are significant to researchers and to clinical practitioners alike because age-associated dementia is chronic and progressive. The paper discusses how persons diagnosed with dementia will continue to suffer an ongoing decline in their cognitive functions throughout their natural lives, which has repercussions for the affected person, their personal and professional lives, and for those who seek to provide care. This paper explores the pathophysiology of age-associated dementia and clarifies the scope and impact of these functional changes on the affected patient. Then, the implications of dementia are discussed in respect to the clinical concepts associated with the disease.

From the Paper
"Dementia is a complex psychological disorder with physiological, emotional, and behavioral repercussions. Dementia can manifest in multiple forms, including disease-associated dementia and vascular dementia, but the most common type of dementia is age-associated dementia and occurs because of progressive deterioration of function in the cerebral cortex. "In order of prevalence, Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and Lewy-body disease are the most common causes of dementia in elderly...""

Tags:dementia, elder, care

Abstract
The paper explains the purpose of the article "Evidence-Based Practice: Use of the Ventilator Bundle to Prevent Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia," by Tolentino-DelosReyes, et, al., namely, the examination of the knowledge possessed by critical care nurses concerning the use of the ventilator bundle in the prevention of pneumonia associated with use of a ventilator. The paper outlines the thrust of this research and examines the soundness of the work, the studies included, the assessments and the authors' findings.

From the Paper
"Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is held by Tolentino-DelosReyes, et al to be a safety issue that is of vital importance in treating patients who are critically ill and who are also receiving mechanical ventilation as part of their treatment regimen. Specific recommended steps of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) for reduction of the incidence of ventilator associated pneumonia are those stated as follows: (1) elevation of patient's head at 30 to 45 degrees unless there is medical contradiction stating otherwise; (2) there should be ongoing removal of removal of subglottic secretions; (3) The ventilator circuit should be changed no more often than forty-eight hours; and (4) The nurse should make sure to wash their hands both before and following contact with each patient. (Tolentino-DelosReyes, et al, 2007) Stated as inclusive in the limitations in the study reported in this specific work on reduction of ventilator associated pneumonia is the fact that "...not all the nurses in the CCU and SICU were able to participate in the live education sessions; for those who could not attend, the information was provided through an educational poster that was posted in the unit. In some cases, nurses who attended the sessions shared the information with those who did not attend. Because of the nature of the project and the scheduling of staff, no comparisons were made between nurses who attended the sessions and those who did not." (Tolentino-DelosReyes, et al, 2007)"

Tags:hand-washing, elevation, beds, nursing

Abstract
This paper discusses the cognitive symptoms associated with alcohol abuse, as well as short-term memory and learning problems that have been shown to be affected in people who chronically abuse alcohol. The paper describes the Transtheoretical Stages of Change Model. It then goes on to describe behaviors associated with chronic alcohol abuse and the possibility of successful behavior change.

From the Paper
"Alcoholism, which is characterized by cravings or compulsions to drink, the inability to limit alcohol intake, physical dependence and tolerance, currently affects nearly 14 million Americans while an additional several million engage in problem drinking that could lead to alcohol abuse. Thus, one in 13 American adults is a diagnosed alcoholic, while 53% of men and women in the United States report that one or more of their relatives have a drinking problem (Blume et al. 2004). University populations however, have higher prevalence rates of alcoholism than the general public, with binge drinking identified as the number one substance abuse problem in university life; 44% of students were classified as binge drinkers in large-scale university studies (Weschler, Dowdall, Davenport, & Castillo 1995)."

Tags:addiction, cognitive, environmental, therapy, tolerance, triggers, withdrawal

Abstract
The paper reviews the literature to identify the best practices for critical care facilities to prevent patients from contracting ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP). The paper outlines the most effective method for prevention of VAP that consists of a combination of physical, positional and pharmacologic strategies. The paper then briefly discusses the implementation of these measures, their expected outcomes and the process for evaluating the expected change.

Outline:
Introduction
Problem
Literature Review
Solution
Implementation
Expected Outcomes
Process for Evaluating the Change

From the Paper
"Dodek et al (2004) conducted a systematic review of the evidence related to VAP prevention from the literature published prior to 2003. As a result they established a number of practices which were recommended based on the evidence of effectiveness which was available. The strategies which they identified included physical strategies, positional strategies and pharmacologic strategies. In terms of physical strategies, the team found that orotracheal intubation appeared to be associated with a lower risk of VAP than nasopharangeal intubation. The researchers also found evidence to suggest that airway humidification was associated with decreased risk of VAP. In addition, they found that lower frequency of changing the heat and moisture exchangers was also associated with decreased risk. Subglottic secretion drainage and chest physiotherapy were both additional physical strategies which were found to decrease risk. A meta-analysis of evidence related to subglottic secretion indicates that it may however only produce benefit in those expected to be ventilated for more than 72 hours (Dezfulian et al., 2005)."

Tags:orotracheal, intubation, airway, humidification, prophylaxis, chlorhexidine

Abstract
This paper discusses the diseases associated with the bacterium called Proteus vulgaris. The paper outlines its history, explains how the bacterium is transmitted, and its diagnosis. The paper also discusses prevention of the diseases that Proteus vulgaris causes, and their treatment.

Outline:
Proteus Vulgaris
What is Proteus Vulgaris?
History
How is the Bacterium Spread?
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention
Outline
References

From the Paper
"As noted earlier, Proteus vulgaris is present in the gastro-intestinal tracts of animals, including humans as part of normal human intestinal flora but is also sometimes found in the soil, stagnant water, fecal matter, putrified meat and dust. Other habitats of the bacteria include long-term care facilities and hospitals, where this gram-negative bacilli is known to colonize both the skin and oral mucosa of patients and hospital personnel. Infection is primarily spread from these reservoirs. However, Proteus species are not the most common cause of infections and even among the infections caused by the Proteus species of the bacilli, Proteus vulgaris is the cause of a still smaller percentage of infections. For example, the Proteus group of bacteria is the cause of a small percentage of all urinary tract infections (UTI) ; out of these, Proteus mirabilis causes 90% of all Proteus infections and Proteus vulgaris is the cause of even smaller cases of UTI."

Tags:infections stagnant water gastro-intestinal microbe bacteria, intestinal tracts, prevention hygiene antibiotics diagnosis

Abstract
This paper discusses the problems associated with teenage pregnancy. It describes the issues in terms of the damage to teenage girls who lose part of their childhood and may have their education interrupted and in terms of an increasing number of single-parent households. It also looks at the damage done to the children of teenage mothers because of neglect and poverty and at the problems society faces because of increased welfare costs and other social issues.

From the Paper
"Single women have long had fewer opportunities in society, and single mothers face even more difficulties not only because of fewer opportunities but because of the exigencies of child-raising while working full time. They also face difficulties with tolerance from others, with curtailed freedom because of the needs of the family, and may face religious censure in some communities. To a degree, they may be challenging the normal social roles. Single-parent families resulting form death and divorce constitute one largely unavoidable population, while single-parenting by choice is a different matter. Society can absorb a certain number of single-parent families by necessity, but an increasing number come about through the exercise of personal choice, from pregnancy resulting from unprotected sex to artificial insemination and other ways of deliberately starting a single-parent family. Women exercising free will is a good thing, as is the demand for tolerance for those making different choices. However, it is even more important to assure that children have the solid foundation in life conferred by the traditional family."

Tags:welfare, single parent, poverty

Abstract
This paper examines the difficulties of converting solar energy to useful energy that people can use. The paper begins by discussing the costliness of the process of converting solar energy and then discusses how vast amounts of space are necessary to collect sunlight. The paper also examines the different materials and technology necessary to make the conversion, which are also costly. Lastly the paper addresses the issue of getting people to adjust their lifestyles to accommodate the more energy efficient, solar powered appliances.

From the Paper
"Scientists at General Motors in 1949 were working on ways to turn plant energy into force that could run cars. They wanted to turn solar power into horsepower. The bomb at Hiroshima had been dropped and compared to the research on atomic powered cars, solar energy was much safer and did not require shielding car passengers from the same types of radiation. The scientists estimated that a radiation shield would weigh twenty-five tons, so energy from plants seemed a worthwhile area to investigate. John Campbell, chief of the organic chemistry department at General Motors explained, 'In a single day the average amount of solar energy falling on one acre of ground in the temperate zone is equivalent to 700 gallons of gasoline, or enough to operate the average automobile for a year.' Plants do not absorb much of the solar energy that reaches the earth. Campbell mentions, 'in performing the miracle of photosynthesis, green plants generally absorb less than 1 per cent of the solar energy which strikes their leaves.' C.F. Kettering, also a scientist at General Motors, was working on ways to harness solar energy. Kettering concern was that 'in order to produce significant mechanical power from solar energy, we are going to have to devise greatly improved means of converting solar energy into useful power.'"

Tags:science disadvantages, plant energy, photovoltaic cells, sun, solar power

Abstract
This paper discusses the idea that what we once considered critical is eventually replaced by the constant realization of what is truly important. The paper specifically discusses the writer's personal beliefs, or perceptions, that fall into this category. The paper then discusses the language that placates this type of thinking, along with the connection between the thinking and the language.

From the Paper
"As part of creating false beliefs, the language associated should be considered. Until now, however, I have not considered this to be part of the issue at hand. However, when closely analyzing the language in each of these situations, there has been light shed on how individuals create irrational beliefs--including myself. In regards to capturing the approval of others, I constantly find myself asking how a certain act would make someone else feel. For instance, on many occasions I have told my significant other I am happy to make people such as my grandmother, my mother, and my siblings proud. The language factor that is important to note, however, is that I usually say (or think) this before I think of approving myself. In this specific situation, this creates a mandate for me to always look to please others first."

Tags:thinking, experience, perception

Abstract
This paper explains that increased rates of VAP in the author?s hospital, which were above the national average, triggered the experimentation of new techniques to reduce the incidence of VAP. The author describes the experimental method, with pre and post tests using four randomly selected groups: Group 1 was treated with a new oral care procedure, including an oral rinse with chlorhexidine; Group 2 was treated by being placed into a semi-recumbent position, which reduces gastroesophageal reflux and subsequent aspiration; Group 3 was treated with a combination of both treatments; and Group 4, the control, was treated by the current method. The paper relates that the best results were obtained for Group 3, where both variables were tested simultaneously and which yielded considerably lower rates than each of the measures when tested individually, resulting in a new treatment program that has proven to be successful. Chart.

Table of Contents
Introduction and Background Information
Process of Care
Assessment of the Patient
Helping the Patient Cope
Doctor Assessment
Analysis of Process of Care
Identification of All Primary Causative Factors
Experimental Method: Multiple Group Pretest-Posttest with Control Group
Results
Implementation of Program
Conclusion

From the Paper
"In SunHealth Hospital we have an ICU equipped with 12-bed surgical and an 8-bed medical intensive care unit. We understand that we must implement a program to reduce the risk of this type of nosocomial infection. We have looked at the strategies used by other hospitals including Owensboro Medical Health System Care Intensive Unit, which is a hospital of similar size and patient mix in terms of age distribution and community background. We decided to implement a program that resembles some of the preventive measures used by them in order to assess whether the incidence of VAP can also be reduced at our hospital."

Tags:experiment, oral, position, nosocomial, implementation

From the Paper
"Following the end of Second World War, the industrialized countries of the world began to loosen their political control over those countries that were formerly their colonies. Most capitalist and anti-imperialist economists had postulated that once free of the colonial yoke underdeveloped countries would move rapidly toward industrialization and higher standards of living. Marxist economists did not share this opinion, contending instead that the proletariat in these countries would need to wrest control of the state from the oligarchy before an improvement in the economic well being of the masses could occur.

As it happened, political freedom did not translate into the economic transformation that had been predicted for the former colonies. "