Abstract This paper discusses the need for learning when dealing with a chronic illness, such as rheumatoid arthritis. The paper discusses the signs and symptoms of arthritis and then, more specifically, of rheumatoid arthritis. The paper discusses how a patient can better cope with a chronic illness if they are familiar with it.
From the Paper "Analysis of Storytelling Living with a chronic illness such as rheumatoid arthritis requires learning. Arthritis is a progressive disease; strategies for living with chronic disease must change as the disease progresses (Charmaz, 1991). Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition that "involves inflammation of the lining of the joints and tendon sheaths of the body and thickening of the synovium and joint swelling" (Ryan & Oliver, 2002, p. 45)."
Abstract This paper reviews a mid-range theory in a peer reviewed nursing article. The paper explores the mid-range theory of chronic sorrow as it is discussed in LaDonna Northington's article 'Chronic Sorrow in Caregivers of School Age Children with Sickle Cell Disease: A Grounded Theory Approach.' The paper then explains why this article was chosen, provide an overview of the theory, discuss some key points which cannot be passed over in silence, analyze how the theory is utilized by the academic in question, and consider the article's (and the theories) general strengths and weaknesses.
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses the aspect of loss and notes that different people react to loss in different ways. The writer explains that in some cases, people may experience chronic sorrow. The writer further points out that such sorrow known as midrange chronic sorrow can become a part of a person's life.
From the Paper "The concept of loss affects individuals in varying ways. For some individuals that experience what they believe to be catastrophic loss, chronic sorrow may occur. The chronic sorrow becomes part of the individual's life, and it has the ability to gain in intensity as factors associated with the loss are presented periodically. While there may be some within the social order that believe that individuals are entitled to a customary period of mourning when such loss occurs, midrange chronic sorrow demonstrates that grief has no time frame for recovery."
Abstract This paper examines chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) its diagnosis, and the ways in which healthcare providers are learning to better manage its symptoms. The paper gives a brief history of the disease, citing when it was first noted as a condition. Today's definition of CFS is also given. The author then suggests various causes of the condition, although there are no definitive answers. The various treatment options are presented, although this is also controversial. The paper includes a review of several recent studies on CFS. The author concludes that CFS will continue to present challenges to both healthcare providers and sufferers since the disease is one example of the large range of medically unexplained syndromes today.
From the Paper "Today, CDC defines the illness as: "a debilitating and complex disorder characterized by profound fatigue that is not improved by bed rest and that may be worsened by physical or mental activity." Individuals having CFS most often function at a substantially lower level of activity than capable of prior to the illness. In addition to these key defining characteristics, patients also report a number of nonspecific symptoms, such as weakness, muscle pain, impaired memory and/or mental concentration, insomnia, and post-exertional fatigue lasting more than 24 hours. Mental health professionals also recognize that CFS often relates to depression. In some cases, CFS can persist for years (CDC, 2006). "
Abstract This paper explains that end-stage kidney disease occurs immediately prior to chronic renal failure in which the kidney is no longer able to provide its necessary physiological functions. The author points out that patients in end-stage chronic renal failure typically are engaged to some degree in the dialysis process, but complete chronic renal failure will create a new series of lifestyle changes for the patient. The paper provides a comprehensive lesson plan for a patient who is undergoing end-stage chronic renal failure.
From the Paper "End-stage kidney disease occurs immediately prior to chronic renal failure, in which the kidney is no longer able to provide its necessary physiological functions. Patients in end-stage chronic renal failure typically are engaged in the dialysis process to some degree, but complete chronic renal failure will create a new series of lifestyle changes for the patient. This paper is designed to provide a brief yet comprehensive lesson plan for a patient who is undergoing end-stage chronic renal failure. Conditions of End-Stage Chronic Renal Failure The patient undergoing end-stage chronic renal failure has a new set of physiological burdens applied. The kidney is no longer able to effectively process the body's wastes or play its role as the foremost regulator of the body's blood supply."
Abstract This paper explains that, in the beginning of chronic renal failure, there are virtually no symptoms; however, the progression of the disease can cause an increase in blood pressure, an accumulation of potassium in the blood, an accumulation of urea, anemia, fatigue, an overload of fluid volume, cardiac arrhythmia and vascular calcification. The author points out that, at end-stage of renal disease, renal replacement therapy, such as kidney dialysis and even kidney transplant, is required to keep the patient alive. The paper relates that patients with chronic renal failure also have a high incidence of atherosclerosis, which usually accelerates at a faster rate, and of cardiovascular disease, which has a prognosis that is not as good as someone without chronic renal failure.
From the Paper "Sometimes, the levels of serum creatinine have not been measured in the past, and therefore the patient is often first treated as having acute renal failure. Only when blood tests continue to show elevated serum creatinine levels and it is determined that the renal failure is irreversible will the diagnosis be made as chronic renal failure as opposed to the previously assumed acute renal failure. A numerous amount of uremic toxins also accumulate in individuals that have chronic renal failure and are involved in the treatment of standard dialysis."
Abstract This paper presents an interview and family assessment that was conducted with a family where one of the family members is suffering from a chronic illness, rheumatoid arthritis. The interview aimed to obtain and provide knowledge so that the patient and family could be empowered to make choices and to take control of their illness. The paper presents the interview and discusses how the perceptions and impact of the chronic illness affect the family as a whole. The paper provides the writer's commentary on the issues raised from the perspective of a nurse.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Interview with Mr. and Mrs. Anino
Analysis of Perceptions and Impact of Chronic Illness
Appendix
From the Paper "John and Maria used all the resources and supports they could. John helped when Maria was ill, and they received help and support from their relatives. Jacobi & van den Berg (2003) found that partners of patients with rheumatoid arthritis felt high self-esteem for care. A family will experience burdens because of a disrupted schedule and by a lack of family support. According to Bar-Tal (1994), social support can be a complex concept. Instead of assuming that social support can help to resolve uncertainty, the ability to deal with uncertainty may be caused by the perception that there is social support. Social support may help to resolve uncertainty but social support is more effective for families that can cope with uncertainty (Bar-Tal, 1994)."
Tags: rheumatoid, arthritis, support, social, support
Abstract The paper describes chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, including its diagnosis, current treatments and its interdisciplinary care. The paper examines the guidelines and implementation of the 2007 "Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for the Management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease", also known as the COPD-X Plan, and focuses on emergency nursing roles and practices. The paper limits itself to looking at aspects of diagnosis and treatments of acute exacerbation of COPD. The paper also compares the COPD-X Plan with the "Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease" guidelines. The paper concludes that while there is a need for more research to derive more empirically-established and consistent guidelines for interdisciplinary use, present guidelines in use must be adhered to as the next best measure for COPD treatment until such evidence is present.
Outline:
Introduction
Literature Review
Discussion/Critique
Conclusion
From the Paper "Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has remained one of the top ten diseases resulting in death worldwide. It is the third and second most prevalent and burdensome disease in Australia and New Zealand, respectively (McKenzie, Frith, Burdon & Town, 2007).It is also among the top ten causes of mortality in Australia and New Zealand, the fourth in the United States and been noted to be rising (McKenzie, Frith, Burdon & Town, 2007; Smithline, Rowe, Radeos, Cydulka & Camargo, 2005). In spite of these facts, there have been inconsistencies between the goal of reducing morbidities and mortalities associated with COPD and the means by which the different health policy societies have outlined. These inconsistencies are manifested in the construction of recommendations of different national and international societies such as the American Thoracic Society, European Respiratory Society and British Thoracic Society - recommendations which, for all intents and purposes, should be uniform and unambiguous (Ferguson, 2000). This especially pertains to aspects of diagnosis and treatment. While these discrepancies may seem trivial, their cumulative impact can be seen above."
Tags: guidelines, implementation, diagnosis, interdisciplinary, care, spirometry, therapy
Abstract This paper is a research proposal to assess the effects on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome patients of increases in the serum levels of C-1 esterace inhibitor within the context of the concept of complement dis-regulation. This paper states that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a clinically defined condition that is characterized by severe and disabling fatigue, but there is no validated diagnosis or treatment that will lead to a cure for CFS. The author will use Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) Kohlman Evaluation of Living Skills (KELS) and The Fatigue Inventory as the psychological measurements.
From the Paper "Clinical anxiety is defined within the context of feelings experienced by a person. At one level, anxiety is defined as a feeling of mingled dread and apprehension about a person's future where no specific cause for such dread and apprehension is present. At another level, anxiety is defined as a chronic feeling of fear by a person. This feeling may be mild in intensity or the feeling fear may be overwhelming for the person so affected. Anxiety also may be a secondary drive involving an acquired avoidance response. In this latter context, when in the presence of the conditioning stimulus, a person will display behavior that may be interpreted as evidence of the presence of anxiety. "
Abstract This paper proposes a study to determine whether a mechanism exists that links C-1 esterase inhibitor deficiency with Chronic Fatigue syndrome (CFS). FS is a clinically defined condition which is characterized by severe and disabling fatigue. It examines the problems faced by health care professionals in treating CFS patients since the etiology of the illness is not known. It attempts to determine whether CFS patients are characterized by a C-1 esterase inhibitor deficiency and whether replacement therapy for C-1 esterase inhibitor deficiency leads to improvements in patients? CFS status. It also looks at the significance of the study to nursing since advanced practice nurses play an important role in the delivery of care to CFS patients.
Outline
Introductory Statement
Statement of the Problem
Research Questions
Significance of the Study to Nursing
Background Information
Review of Literature
C-1 Esterase Inhibitor Deficiency: Related Research
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
Conclusions Relevant to the Study Problem
From the Paper "The role of the advanced practice nurse practitioner continues to expand. In the contemporary period, some of the more prominent of the roles performed by the advanced practice nurse practitioner are as follows: the role of the nurse practitioner as a care provider; the role of the nurse practitioner as a manager; the role of the nurse practitioner as a patient health educator; the role of the nurse practitioner as a consultant; the role of the nurse practitioner as a researcher; and the role of the nurse practitioner in relation to psychiatric and metal health nursing."
Abstract This takes into account the definitions of health and chronic illness to illustrate that a person suffering from chronic illnesses can also be in a state of good health.
Abstract This paper explores the impact of a chronic illness sufferer on the family unit and members. The writer explains the impact of chronic illness on family dynamics from the viewpoint of both family and patient. The strategic role of the family's clinical physician assistant in problem resolution is also noted.
From the Paper "All types of families, and families in various stages, are affected by chronic illness. As a clinician, the Physician Assistant can play a strategic role in ameliorating and managing some of the stressors associated with chronic illness. The impact of chronic illness on family dynamics affects both patient and family members alike. For example, let's look into a hypothetical family where the husband is a morbidly obese diabetic with knee problems and obstructive sleep apnea. Attending work by use of an electric scooter and boot, the former high school athlete is known for his cheerful sense of humor and dedication at work."
Abstract This research paper attempts to evaluate whether patients suffering from chronic pain are more likely to be misdiagnosed as suffering from depression because their condition and disease is 'invisible' to physicians. More specifically the paper attempts to determine if there is a relationship between depression and chronic pain, and if so what the nature of that relationship is.
Introduction
Preliminary Literature Review
Conclusions
From the Paper "There is a large body of evidence that suggests that patients suffering from chronic pain also suffer from psychological illnesses such as anxiety or depression (Hendler, 2003; Nelson & Novy, 1997). The question to be explored is whether or not the pain experienced results from the psychological illness (depression) or the depression results from the chronic pain. Common practice in the medical community up until this point in time has been to assume that chronic pain or the perception of pain results more from psychological factors such as depression, rather than to view depression as resulting from the inadequate treatment of chronic pain symptoms."
Abstract This paper discusses chronic respiratory disorders. The paper examines issues concerning the management of these diseases. The economic benefits for corporations and managed health care are explored. The paper contends that studies have shown time and again that a healthier workforce is a more productive workforce and companies that invest in efficient healthcare plans for their employees generally receive a large return on their investment, notwithstanding the humanitarian implications involved.
Outline
Executive Summary
Background and Overview
Managed Health Care
Incidence of Chronic Respiratory Diseases in the United States
Discussion
Potential Cost Savings from Managed Care Approach
Constraints and Considerations
Conclusions and Recommendations
From the Paper "Gatekeeping strategies provided under managed care programs typically include requiring preapproval for services or screening by a primary care physician prior to referral for tests or a specialist visit. In addition, gatekeeping directs patients to certain providers, usually those who have contracted to follow the company's policies and have accepted discounted payments in return for a steady flow of referrals. As the term implies, the gatekeeping function introduces issues that those who need services may be denied them, for instance, based on a strict interpretation of the criteria of "medical necessity." Another constraint is that understaffing or a lack of appropriate credentials among gatekeepers will result in delays in the provision of healthcare assistance or even to adverse decisions about employee healthcare. "Finally, the question of providers' loyalty is raised by the contractual arrangement," Strom-Gottfried ask, "can they fulfill the fiduciary responsibility to their patients while under the management of the payor?" (297)."
