Abstract
This case study discusses two possible nursing diagnoses in a comatose patient post-intracranial hemorrhage secondary to an AVM bleed. Tracheotomy care and providing comfort, particularly through touch, were discussed. Each diagnosis and intrevention is justified in the context of the patient's present state, followed by a detailed discussion of possible interventions and associated issues.

From the Paper
"The placement of an endotracheal tube and eventually a tracheotomy tube was necessary in Mrs. Trans's case because of her impaired consciousness (Durbin, 2005).On day one, her arterial blood gases results showed the following: Vent. Rate NA L/min FIO[2] NA % pH 7.42 (7.35-7.45) pCO[2] 39 mmHg (35-45) pO[2] 143 mmHg (80-110) HCO[3] 24 mmol/L (22-30) Std HCO[3] 25 mmol/L (22-30) Base Excess 0 mmol/L (-3/+3) O[2] Sat 99 % (>94) Note that the immediate concern at the time was the emergency neurosurgery that was undertaken, in which case, general anesthesia would have been the more immediate indication for an artificial airway and oxygen therapy (Baillie, Corben & Higham, 2005)."

Tags:nursing, tracheostomy, diagnosis

Abstract
This paper analyzes whether dissociative identity disorder (DID), also known by its older designation to lay people as multiple personality disorder (MPD) or split personality, really exists. It discusses the disease's diagnosis and pathogenesis and the problems with differential diagnoses. The paper suggests that the diagnosis of DID should be guarded, preferably made as a diagnosis of exclusion. The paper also contains an annotated bibliography.

From the Paper
"However, Merckelbach, Devilly and Rassin's review of the alters in DID effectively challenge the prevailing support for DID in calling into question the very nature of the claimed multiple personality. The authors sought a better definition of the multiple identities associated with DID. They assert that, as opposed to unconvincing evidence of the existence of alters ranging from acceptance due to their mutually exclusive memories to distinct documented physiological profiles (fMRI, EEG), these personalities can alternately be seen as emotional metaphors and escapist thought (Merckelbach, Devilly and Rassin 486-490). Needless to say, there is very little consensus among the psychiatric community on what the alters actually are, in large part due to the lack of a control group and a further lack of knowledge regarding memory function (Merckelbach, Devilly and Rassin 492). Furthermore, their research supports the claim in showing that there can be no absolutely reliable diagnosis of DID because the "personalities" themselves cannot be proven to be real alter-identities."

Tags:pathogenisis, differential, diagnosis, multiple, personality, disorder, split, mental

Abstract
Analysis of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) as it relates to women. Contends that certain personality traits of women (dependent persoanlity, emotionalism) are labled as psychiatric disorders by the white male mental health community. Cites several articles discussing the issue. Historical bias against women. Suggestion for a better diagnostic system.

From the Paper
"Introduction

Perceptions of gender and gender roles have been constantly readjusting over the last few decades, resulting in a plethora of written material about the societal disadvantages experienced by women, as well as their emotional costs (Halgin, 2001, p. 14). Although researchers and clinicians have attempted to keep the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) up to date, psychiatric diagnosis and help-seeking behavior are multifaceted, and sometimes they involve subtle bias (p. 14). Halgin presents Terry A. Kupers article, The Politics of Psychiatry: Gender and Sexual Preference in DSM-IV in contrast to Gender Issues in DSM-IV by Ruth Ross, Allen Frances, and Thomas A. Widiger, as examples of this ongoing discussion."

Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to discuss whether the childhood mental disorders of depression and bipolar disorder are under-or over-diagnosed in the population. It is argued here that both childhood depression and bipolar disorder with childhood onset are under-diagnosed. The paper discusses each disorder separately and makes the case for under-diagnosis. However, it should be noted that some of the arguments supporting under-diagnosis are the same for both conditions.

From the Paper
"The purpose of this paper is to discuss whether the childhood mental disorders of depression and bipolar disorder are under or over-diagnosed in the population. It is argued here that both childhood depression and bipolar disorder with childhood onset are under-diagnosed. The paper discusses each disorder separately and makes the case for under-diagnosis. However, it should be noted that some of the arguments that support under-diagnosis are the same for both conditions."

Tags:childhood depression, bipolar disorder with childhood onset

Abstract
The writer of this paper contends that a sure sign a child may have a learning disability is when his or her academic achievement is significantly lower than his or her overall cognitive ability would predict. This paper analyzes the growing evidence which states that genetics may play a role in assessing whether or not a child has a learning disability. This paper discusses the difficulty in correctly diagnosing learning disabilities while researchers and specialists claim that cerebral dysfunction may be a contributing factor, although this has yet to be confirmed. This paper examines the various forms of treatment which have proven successful yet must be tailored to meet the needs of each child. The writer stresses and explains that in order for treatment to be successful general education teachers and specialists must work together using a problem-solving approach.

Table of Contents:
Early Signs of Learning Disabilities
Causes
Assessment
Treatment
Learning Disabilities and Inclusion
Bibliography

From the Paper
"Because learning disabilities can take so many forms, determining the cause can be difficult. Researchers assume some form of cerebral dysfunction, but often the precise reason for this cannot be identified. Some things that my contribute include trauma during birth, low birth weight, smoking by the mother while pregnant or alcohol consumption by the expected mother. Lead exposure in early child can be a contributor as 50% of children with documented lead poisoning show reading problems. Other contributors include some illnesses, such as some forms of meningitis, and chronic ear infections have been tied to some learning and communication problems."

Tags:special, education, testing, cerebral, dysfunction, therapy, treatment, teachers, specialists

Abstract
This paper is on diagnosing organizations. It is a critical synthesis paper explaining what the diagnosis is about and then it talks about what it is good for. It then describes a few methods of carrying out the diagnosis.

Abstract
This paper begins by describing sinusitis as the swelling of the paranasal tissues, which can be caused by either communicable or allergic symptoms. The purpose of this paper is to see if x-rays are necessary in diagnosing this condition. The paper explains how x-rays work and, therefore, why they can be useful in obtaining a correct diagnosis in the case of sinusitis.

From the Paper
"Sinusitis is basically classified into chronic and acute cases, in which the acute sinusitis involves abnormal secretion and production of mucous, which is a lot similar to cystic fibrosis. This is diagnosed after noticing the air fluid levels in the sinuses after an x-ray. It has been noticed that patients who are suffering from an immunodeficiency diseases like HIV or AIDS are more prone to this acute sinusitis. Chronic sinusitis on the other hand can be diagnosed if the patient has had a sinus infection for more than three weeks to three months. There are different causes for chronic sinusitis that could be allergies, asthma, nasal polyps, and damp weather. The nasal sinus wall thickening and the body sclerosis noticed while x-rays are its best symptoms. This disease can affect a lot of the general population."

Tags:nasal, acute, cough, cold, throat

Abstract
This paper examines a study By Ghandi et al., "Missed and Delayed Diagnoses In The Ambulatory Setting: A Study of Closed Malpractice Claims", as discussed in a newspaper article, entitled, "Study Links Doctor Errors, Bad Diagnoses", by Patrick Walters (2006), which examines the role of physician error in situations when patients were harmed through diagnosis issues. The paper posits that the results of this study are enlightening regarding the strategies that can be devised to prevent misdiagnoses and delayed diagnoses. The paper looks at how the study relied on a weak form of multivariate analysis to draw its conclusions and also examines the data which was all secondary in nature.

From the Paper
"This document examines a study By Ghandi, et al, "Missed and Delayed Diagnoses In The Ambulatory Setting: A Study of Closed Malpractice Claims", as discussed in a newspaper article, entitled, "Study Links Doctor Errors, Bad Diagnoses", by Patrick Walters (2006), which examines the role of physician error in situations when patients were harmed through diagnosis issues. While the conclusions from the study often seem not too far removed from the assumptions made before the study was undertaken, the results are enlightening regarding the strategies that can be devised to prevent misdiagnoses and delayed diagnoses. The study relied on a weak..."

Tags:analysis, research, report

Abstract
The paper examines the study, "Missed and Delayed Diagnoses In The Ambulatory Setting: A Study of Closed Malpractice Claims", which examines the role of physician error in situations when patients were harmed through diagnosis issues. The paper relates that the study relied on a weak form of multivariate analysis to draw its conclusions and examine the data which was all secondary in nature. The paper points out, however, that the results are enlightening regarding the strategies that can be devised to prevent misdiagnoses and delayed diagnoses.

Outline:
Abstract
Overview
Statistical Procedures
Findings & Conclusions

From the Paper
"This study did not use higher level statistical analysis since it was relying primarily on secondary data sources that had, for the most part, already been compiled. Yet, it did apply a weak form of multivariate statistics wherein different variables were attributed different values and measured against the whole (Ware & Brewer, 1998, p.14). Among some of the variables measured or assigned values were errors that resulted in actual harm to the patient, errors were linked to serious harm to the patient, and errors, of one type or another that actually resulted in patient death (Ghandi, 2006, p.2)."

Tags:doctor, errors, statistics, data, variables, conclusions

Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that diagnosis with ODD/CD must not be allowed to become a crutch or a free license to produce behaviors that can be altered through treatment and normal cognitive developmental growth. The writer also points out that on the other hand, lack of a diagnosis should not challenge a child (and his or her parents) from getting treatment and services they need. The writer discusses that very educated, experienced and highly skilled diagnosticians should always be employed to make diagnostic determinations with children. The writer concludes that real environmental factors such as major home changes, unresolved grief or limitations of parenting time need to be addressed and ruled out prior to an assessment for ODD/CD or at the least as an aspect of assessment.

From the Paper
"The difficulties of defining and diagnosing ODD as well as other Conduct Disorders in general are many and varied, not the least of which is the subjective nature of the behaviors themselves. While some parents, caretakers or educators could clearly evaluate ODD/CD symptoms in almost the entire population of a class many are reluctant to accept definitive diagnosis, as it tends to follow students and does not always take into consideration that ODD/CD symptoms may very well be associated with a real environmental challenge the child is facing. Some examples of such situations are profound grief, related to loss of friends, family members or even beloved pets or objects (depending on age). Additionally, children are highly sensitive to social conditions and if they change they may exhibit disruptive behavior as a way to seek attention. Some of these same people (parents, caregivers and educators) might also say that there is a clear difference between ODD/CD kids and normal children experiencing temporary or even persistent environmental reactions, as with ODD/CD kids they cannot isolate reason and none can be found."

Tags:symptoms, behavior, growth, treatment