Abstract In this article, the writer notes that asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood. The writer maintains that treatment is based on as many factors as possible and also is based on a holistic view of the child since asthma may be a possible risk factor and linked with psychosocial development. The writer points out that assessment must be focused on what triggered the asthma episode, and treatment is always aimed at control, but control denotes giving the child long-term control over his/her life. The writer concludes that treatment for asthma is on a continuum and is aimed at control or management.
Outline:
Introduction
Asthma as a Current Issue
Pathophysiology of Asthma Treatment Summary
From the Paper "Treatment of asthma is not directed at cure but at control. Control of asthma leads to reduced and infrequent symptoms and allows the child to have an active life as well as quality of life. The optimal management of asthma requires adequate evaluation of the child and his or her environment. Asthma control is achieved through assessment based on specific criteria. The nurse practitioner must be able to identify the symptoms of asthma accurately because symptoms often are mistakenly prioritized. Wheezing, for instance, is commonly regarded as the most common characteristic of asthma. However, coughing is present even in hidden asthma, and frequent coughing or respiratory infections indicate the likelihood of asthma. Coughing which follows running or crying may indicate asthma as well as a recurrent night cough. Recurrent night cough is common, as asthma is often worse at night. Chest tightness and shortness of breath are symptoms of asthma that may be observed alone or in combination with other symptoms. Other common symptoms are nasal flaring, fatigue or irritability."
Abstract This paper discusses the role of ketamine as a smooth muscle relaxant and antihistamine, which, along with its anesthetic effects proves useful in the treatment of asthma. The paper highlights case studies performed on effectivity along with commenting on the need to exercise caution with asthmatic patients who have co-morbid cardiac disorders.
From the Paper "Nosworthy (1999) states that Ketamine is the induction agent most likely to be chosen when an asthmatic patient requires endotrachial intubation, providing marked patient improvement, possibly due to Ketamine's smooth muscle relaxant and antihistamine effects. Long (2003) tells us that Ketamine is often used as a method of managing bronchial spasms associated with asthma. Galbis-Reig and Rasansky (2004) presented the case of a 47-year-old male asthmatic with co-morbid depression and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) with dyspnea and cough that was successfully treated with Ketamine. The patient had been using his albuterol inhaler without significant improvement prior to arriving at the ED, still smoked a pack of cigarettes a day and was taking azmacort, combivent, sertraline and methocarbamol as prescribed (Galbis-Reig & Rasansky, 2004)."
Abstract The paper explains what asthma is, how it affects the body, the factors that could cause or lead to asthma as well as the diagnostic testing that is usually performed to formally diagnose asthma. The paper also discusses the appropriate treatment including alternative treatments and relates the typical prognosis for a patient with asthma. Finally, the paper outlines the patient teaching which would benefit the patient in the case study.
Outline:
The Patient's Diagnosis of Asthma, What Asthma is and How it Affects the Body
The Factors that Could Cause or Lead to Asthma The Diagnostic Testing that is Usually Performed to Formally Diagnose Asthma The Appropriate Treatment Which the Patient may be Prescribed for Asthma Alternative Treatments Which May Also Benefit the Patient
The Typical Prognosis for a Patient With Asthma Patient Teaching Which Would Benefit the Patient in the Case Study
From the Paper "Asthma is a chronic syndrome that manifests with symptoms of airflow obstruction. It may begin in children, but it may recur as adults. The severity of symptoms of this disease depends on the degree or airflow obstruction, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and airway inflammation (Busse and Lemanske, 2001). It mimics body responses similar to that experienced by a person having an allergic reaction. It is known to affect approximately 300 million worldwide, with 10 to 12% are adults, and 15% of children. In childhood, males are more likely to have asthma than females by two-fold, but by adults, the sex ratio is the same. Many factors can provoke an asthma attack, such as allergens, airborne irritants, viral infections, or occupational exposure to items such as noxious smoke (Adkinson, Yunginger, Busse, Bochner, Holgate, and Simons, 2003)."
Abstract This paper provides a literature review on the subject of asthma in racial and ethnic minorities. The review focuses on the risk factors that contribute to greater asthma prevalence and poorer asthma control and treatment in racial and ethnic minorities.
Outline:
Introduction
Asthma Prevalence, Morbidity, and Mortality
Factors Contributing to a Higher Prevalence of Asthma in Minorities
Disparities in Asthma Control and Treatment Conclusions
From the Paper "Minorities, the poor, adult women, and children under the age of 18 are disproportionately affected by asthma (ALA, 2007a). According to the Kaiser Family Foundation (2007) African American children had a 17% prevalence of asthma, compared to 12% in Non-Hispanic Whites, 10% in Hispanics, 10% in Native Americans, and 6% in Asians. In adults however, Native Americans had the highest rates of asthma, with a 16% prevalence compared to 11% in African Americans, 10% in Whites, 8% in Asians, and 8% in Hispanics. Puerto Rican adults had a higher prevalence of asthma than most races, with an 11.6% prevalence (CDC, 2004). This fact is masked by the lower rates of asthma in other Hispanic subgroups.
Regardless of age, African Americans were more likely to be hospitalized and to die because of asthma complications compared to all other races, even when taking into account the higher prevalence rates of asthma in this group. Compared to Whites, African American children were 4-5 times more likely to be hospitalized due to asthma, while African American adults were 3-4 times more likely to be hospitalized, and they were also five times more likely to use the emergency department (ED) to seek asthma care (KFF, 2007). African Americans were disproportionately represented in deaths due to asthma even when socioeconomic status was accounted for --they represent only 12.1% of the population, but they account for 25% of all asthma deaths (ALA, 2007a)."
Abstract This paper examines how nitric oxide (NO), once generally viewed only as hazardous to humans, has now become a promising means of identifying and treating respiratory diseases such as asthma. It looks at how several studies have indicated the usefulness of nitric oxide in monitoring and managing asthmatic patients, particularly children.
Outline
Introduction
Nitric Oxide and the Human Body
Mechanism and Metabolism
Functions
Nitric Oxide and Asthma Mechanism of Nitric Oxide and Asthmatic Attacks
Nitric Oxide and Treatment of Asthma Conclusion
References
From the Paper "Nitric oxide is a highly reactive, prevalent gas in human chemical activity. It can be found in neurons as n NOS or NOS1, in macrophages as iNOS or NOS-2, and in endothelial cells as eNOS or NOS-3 (Bor-Kucukatay, 2005). Nitric oxide is cellularly synthesized by the enzyme nitric oxide sythases denoted by NOS from arginine, molecular oxygen and NADPH. Nitric oxide interacts rapidly molecularly and disperses through cell membranes acting in a paracinic or autocrinic behavior . "
Abstract This paper discusses the condition of asthma, examining its pathology, prevalence, etiology, signs and symptoms. The paper also discusses asthma attacks and what triggers them and then takes a look at both the conventional and complementary treatments available for asthma, with particular attention being paid to massage therapy.
From the Paper "Fanta Cristiano and Haver state that asthma is a chronic disease affecting the airways - the tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs. Specifically, asthma is said to be an inflammation or swelling of the inside walls of the airways, making them extraordinarily sensitive to irritations and allergens. Rosenwasser reports that asthma can develop at any age but is most common in childhood. In childhood the condition affects twice as many boys as girls..."
A completed study measuring doctors' compliance with stipulated asthmatreatment guidelines and the effectiveness of such compliance in treating patients.
3,825 words (approx. 15.3 pages), 15 sources, 2000, $ 135.95
Abstract Asthma is a seriously debilitating condition. Higgins (1997), in a report for the United States Department of Health and Human Services, stated that approximately four million children and eight million adults in the United States suffer from the effects of asthma.
From the Paper "Chapter I
The Problem
Introduction
Asthma is a seriously debilitating condition. Higgins (1997), in a report for the United States Department of Health and Human Services, stated that approximately four million children and eight million adults in the United States suffer from the effects of asthma; this figure translates to roughly 5 percent of the total population of America. Higgins (1997) also notes that this percentage is increasing.
In addition to the foregoing, asthma accounts for total annual care costs of more than $6 billion dollars per year in America as well as 15 million physician visits per year (one third of which are made by persons under age 20 years), and over..."
Abstract This paper looks a a case study article on asthma and its environmental triggers. The aspects of the article to be discussed are: a brief description, the community described within, the means (or lack thereof) to address the concern, ethical issues of not addressing the concern and how the concern relates to Dorothea Orem's nursing model.
From the Paper "As part of the Case Studies in Environmental Medicine series and as an answer for the problematic and growing asthma dilemma in the United States, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) put out an article on asthma in 2002. Entitled "Environmental triggers of asthma," this case study/article lists as its purpose to "discuss the role environmental factors play in the etiology, triggering, and exacerbation of asthma" (ATSDR, 2002, p.1). Lamenting the fact that "over the past decade, the prevalence of asthma in both children and adults has increased in the United States" (ATSDR, 2002, p.1), the study promises to discuss such environmental causes of asthma as allergens, pollutants, and workplace-related substance exposures, realizing that by controlling the environment, control over the impact and progress of asthma can also be had."
Abstract This paper answers questions on a case study presented of a child displaying delinquent behavior, who is possibly a victim of child abuse. The paper first addresses the issue of the legal obligations to report child abuse. The the paper explores initial treatment goals and treatment modalities. The paper also examines ways to engage the mother in the process.
Abstract This thesis focus looks at the correlation between child abuse and childhood depression among Latino children, in terms of whether child abuse contributes to childhood depression. The thesis focuses on the Latino community that resides in California. This community is made up of first-generation immigrants and their families, who have been born in the United States. The thesis explores what child abuse is, how it can be measured, and also what depression is, the most likely causes for depression, and how depression can be measured. The factors that contribute to all of these conditions within the Latino community are also discussed in terms of what cultural factors are important in determining the levels of these conditions within the community, both internally (i.e., culturally) and externally (i.e., socio-politically). The links between abuse (intrafamilial and inter-racial) and depression are then explored, and conclusions are drawn regarding the factors that contribute to childhood depression in this racial group within the United States.
Introduction
Problem Statement
Significance
Purpose
Latino's in the US: Characteristics and Diagnosed Mental Health Needs
Need for Mental Health Care
High-Need Populations
Availability of Mental Health Services
Access to Mental Health Services
Use of Mental Health Services
Appropriateness and Outcomes of Mental Health Services
Latino's in Society: Welfare and Minority Families
Legislative and Legal Advocacy of Latino Families
The Formalization of Informal Latino Family Supports
Child Abuse
What is Abuse?
Incidence of Child Abuse
Diagnosing Abuse
The Dimension of the Problem
Prevalence Studies
Rate of Child Abuse Increase
Potential Long-Term Effects of Abuse
Depression
Scope of the Problem
Clinical Characteristics
Risk Factors
What is Depression?
Depression in Children
Treatments for Childhood Depression
Latino's and Depression: How is Depression Expressed?
Levels of Depression in the Latino Community
Risk Factors that May Contribute to Clinical Depression
Implications in the Latino Community
Single Parents
Lack of Resources
Discussion
From the Paper "The Latino community has it's own deeply embedded cultural values and beliefs. Obedience is an important element for a family to be considered a good family (una buena familia). For the purpose of this study, the parents may be mother and father, or possible the grandparents, all of which will be addressed as the primary caregiver.
The Latino family defines discipline as a form of corporal punishment; the caretakers themselves may have been abused as children, and therefore consider corporal punishment an acceptable way to hand out discipline. Furthermore, it is difficult to get caretakers to see that when they discipline a child with corporal punishment, they are discharging their own anger on them, in many cases inflicting more pain and injury than was originally intended. The child then feels powerless and confused, and does not have labels for those feelings, and cannot verbalize what is happening to them, physically or emotionally."
Tags:treatment, risk, health, care, psychology, punishment, discipline
Abstract This paper studies the efficacy of family intervention for child abuse. The paper begins by discussing theories and research related to family intervention. Next the paper explores treatment issues, which include parent resistance in treatment of child abuse, therapist-client fit, and strategies. The paper, which cites many research studies, also addresses cultural factors and legal and ethical issues.
From the Paper "This research paper presents the topic of family intervention for child abuse. Theories regarding child abuse are presented and followed by a discussion of theories related to family intervention research..."
Abstract A six part paper on the issue of child abuse. The paper defines and offers a history of child abuse. It then evaluates why child abuse exists according to control theory and anomy theory and how socialization agents such as educational/school systems, family, mass media, and peer groups may intervene to eliminate or reduce the occurrence of child abuse is outlined. Finally it reviews the consequences for society/social institutions and future generations if child abuse is not eliminated or reduced.
From the Paper "Utilizing the principles of anomie theory in relation to child abuse, it could be argued that individuals who have become alienated, apathetic, and personal distress as a result of experiencing an emotional and/or financial loss due to the loss of a family member, job, or lover may be more likely to abuse their child. For example, an individual may be laid off from his or her job, become depressed and/or extremely alienated or apathetic, and then turn to alcohol and/or drugs for comfort. Given the alcohol and/or drugs tend to be a depressant, an individual may become overly sensitive and unable to control his or her emotions, which may lead that individual to abuse his or her child as a result of losing his or her perceived function, goals, position, purpose, or status in life."
This paper is a case presentation of a physical assessment of a 4-day-old child, eventually diagnosed to be vomiting because of a partial small bowel obstruction, secondary to Midgut Volvulus.
Abstract This paper discusses that the differential diagnosis for a vomiting four-day-old child is extensive, including intestinal obstructions, inborn errors of metabolism, sepsis, intracranial bleeding, gastroenteritis, and overfeeding. The author concludes that imaging diagnosis suggests malrotation of the small intestine, resulting in partial obstruction of the small bowel. The paper relates that the prognosis for children who undergo surgery before development of any degree of bowel infarction usually can return to normal function within three days.
Table of Contents
General Information
Chief Complaint
History of the Present Illness
Family History
Review of Systems
Social History
Physical Examination
Clinical Laboratory
Differential Diagnosis
Assessment
Treatment plan
Discussion
From the Paper "Imaging studies were obtained. Abdominal radiographs were essentially unremarkable. An upper GI series was obtained and showed that the duodenal-jejunal junction was abnormally located to the right of the patient's spine. After this point there was a narrowing of the duodenum with a fine thread of contrast extending inferiorly in a "corkscrew" like appearance. Abdominal ultrasound with color Doppler was also obtained and shows the superior mesenteric vein coursing around the superior mesenteric artery in a swirl-like appearance."
Abstract This paper discusses the clinical issue of depression found in childhood domestic violence victims. The paper presents a case history of a twelve year-old victimized female child, offers the DSMIV diagnosis, and suggests a treatment plan.
Abstract The paper explores the role of the child protection agencies in protecting our children and questions whether state laws are helping or hindering the process. The paper explains the types of abuse and presents research data that demonstrates the increase in child abuse every year. The paper also reviews the history of child abuse and discusses the challenges that are faced today by the child protection system and what can be done to improve the child protective services (CPS).
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
What is Child Abuse and Neglect?
History of Child Abuse
Types of Abuse
What Factors Contribute to Child Abuse?
Understanding the Impact of Historic Policies on Child Maltreatment
Child Abuse and Neglect Laws and State Statutes
The Role of Child Protective Services
The Consequences of Child Abuse
Social Intervention Strategies
Conclusion
Recommendations for Policy Changes
From the Paper "According to Tzeng et al (1991) children throughout history have been the victims of child abuse. There have even been some archeological findings that have suggested that child abuse existed as far back as prehistoric times. In many societies corporal punishment was seen as the norm and was used to discipline children. Child abuse has also been used to educate children as it pertains to cultural and religious ideas and morals. The corporal punishment or abuse of children was also utilized to please gods or expel unwanted spirits.
"The author points out that in the rituals of ancient Greeks and Romans children were sacrificially killed. In addition in some civilizations fathers, in accordance with the Patria Protestas of 700 B.C., could legally trade, maim, or kill their children if the so desired. Children were also killed in Ancient Greek Societies when they were found to be deformed or retarded because it was believed that such children would weaken the society. This was allowed because children were believed to be property."
