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Nursing and Ethical Considerations, 2008. This paper discusses roles, ethical considerations and the effectiveness of the acute care nurse practitioner and clinical nurse specialist. 1,425 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 13 sources, MLA, $ 47.95 »
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Abstract In this article, the writer addresses three important themes for the acute care nurse practitioner (ACNP) and the clinical nurse specialist (CNS): ethical principles and ethical issues in patient care, professional resources available to help the ACNP, research highlighting the effectiveness of the ACNP and CNS in acute care. The writer also covers five ethical principles that guide the ACNP/CNS in their practice and notes that the move to procedure-based medicine requires the nurse to make more serious life-or-death decisions for the patient than in the past. The writer concludes that whereas the primary burden of patient care decision-making was placed on the physician in the past, the nurse must now weigh various ethical imperatives in order to make the right decision for the patient at the time.
Outline:
Introduction
Ethical Principles for the ACNP and CNS
Nonmaleficence
Utilitarianism
Justice
Fidelity
Veracity
Autonomy
Ethical Issues in Patient Care: Advance Directives
Ethical Issue in Patient Care: Clashing Ethical Requirements
Professional Resources
ACNP/CNS Effectiveness in Acute Care
Patients Spend Less Time in the Hospital
ACPN/CNS' Have Been Given Greater Responsibility
Increasing Cost Pressures Require Greater Nurse Participation
Conclusion
From the Paper "The legal aspects of patient treatment have come to the fore, but should not be regarded as equivalent to ethics issues. Much of what happens in the privacy of the intensive-care suite, the hospice or the general floors happens outside the purview of the medico-legal profession.
"Nurses make decisions today about patient care that they have not had to make in the past. Part of the reason for this is that hospitalized patients, on average, are sicker than they were in the past (mainly due to the shortened stay periods) and the need of physicians to leverage their care decisions with better-educated specialist nurses."
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Drug Addiction, 2008. Looks at theories of drug addiction, particularly crack cocaine addiction. 1,560 words (approx. 6.2 pages), 9 sources, APA, $ 51.95 »
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Abstract This paper explores biological and learning theories to gain an understanding of addiction especially crack cocaine addiction. The author investigates biological models, which refer to the genetics of behavior and neurons and hormones that make some people much more prone than others to crack cocaine addiction. The paper also discusses learning theories, which focus on how persons learn to think and behave in particular ways. The paper further relates that these learning theories consider environmental, ritualized conditioning that depends upon a group or social framework, which can make an individual more susceptible to addiction. The paper concludes that it is important to see a phenomenon from more than one theoretical position.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Biological Theories and Drug Addiction
Learning Perspectives
Discussion
Concluding Note
From the Paper "In some patients of the kind, where the brain's dopamine levels are lower than average, or dopamine is very sensitive to fluctuation, the person sometimes trying to raise his or her spirits by way of alcohol, most often, or marijuana or the cocaine that often proves very dangerous. Crack cocaine immediately affects the brain's dopamine processes so that the user soon feels extremely produced, longing for a new dose of the drug that is known to produce a feeling or normality and in some, euphoria."
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Trauma and Disasters, 2008. This paper discusses post traumatic stress disorder, focusing on children and disasters. 1,244 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 7 sources, APA, $ 42.95 »
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Abstract In this article, the writer notes that disasters in modern society have traumatized a great many people. The writer explains that one of the great difficulties of such disasters is the recurrence of the severe, debilitating, and sustained condition known as post-traumatic stress disorder. The writer also points out that however grim the scenario is of studying the lives of the people who have suffered through traumatic events, such studies are extremely important because they allow us to gauge the effects of disasters and the effects of efforts to assist the victims of those disasters. The writer concludes that although it is a tragedy that children have their lives destroyed in events such as hurricanes, floods and the like, out of these disasters have come studies on post-traumatic stress disorder in children. It is a small ray of light in an otherwise dark experience.
From the Paper "One of the prime problems with post-traumatic stress disorder is that it often manifests itself long after the actual event. While post-traumatic stress disorder is relatively common after major crises, it is hardly universal. Given the fact that resources for addressing severe cases of post-traumatic stress disorder are in short supply, particularly in the wake of a major disaster, it is critical to determine who has suffered major trauma and who has not. However, there have been remarkably few studies examining how to diagnose post-traumatic stress disorder among children. There are also several critical questions about post-traumatic stress disorder among children. Much is known about post-traumatic stress disorder in adults, but we do not know what factors carry over to children also."
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Nursing Decisions, 2008. An examination of nursing actions and the ethical principles and standards of practice that govern them. 1,770 words (approx. 7.1 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 57.95 »
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Abstract This paper presents an analysis of situations resulting from nurses' decisions. More specifically, the paper describes and analyzes a situation involving a nurse and a patient from the viewpoint of each of the relevant shareholders. Ethical principles and standards of practice are then discussed in relation to the situation described and it is argued that not only can the nurse's actions not be defended but they demonstrate her potential for harm to all patients.
Outline:
The Nurse's Actions
Jacob as Stakeholder and Informed Consent
Other Stakeholders
Accountability
Respect for the Client
Justice
Fidelity
Principle of Respect for Autonomy
Applicable Legislation
Theoretically Defensible Decision
The Situation as Challenge
From the Paper "The CNA (2002) maintains that autonomy or self-determination refers to an individual's right to make choices about her or his own course of action. Nurses respect and promote the autonomy of clients by respecting their choices and informed decisions. According to Beauchamp and Childress (2001), every person has personal autonomy or self-rule that is free from any controlling interference by other people as well as being free from limitations such as lack of understanding. In order to have autonomy, there must be freedom from any type of influences and agency which refers to the capacity for intentional action. A person such as Jacob has to be free to make choices and not have those choices negated by a nurse who imposes her own values and assumptions on the situation. "
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Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, 2008. An analysis of the significance of the lack of research into drug treatment for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). 2,210 words (approx. 8.8 pages), 22 sources, APA, $ 68.95 »
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Abstract This paper discusses the lack of research that exists with respect to attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and its treatment. It particularly discusses the research available with regard to drug treatment for the disorder. The paper discusses some of the issues related to ADHD, the research that is available and the areas that have not been clearly researched or are lacking definitive answers. The paper also discusses the significance of the lack of research and why more research needs to be done into this area.
From the Paper "In closing, the last several pages have clearly shown that ADHD is a problem for which there are, as of yet, few definitive answers. This is significant because we are, in effect, plying children with drugs even as we have yet to determine which ones are best for which elements of ADHD - or if any one of the drug products now on the market really work at all in overcoming all of the symptoms that make Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder such a complex and frustrating thing to treat. When time is taken to review the literature, it is fairly clear that we should be retreating from our heavy reliance upon drugs in this matter until we can develop products capable of addressing all of the facets of ADHD and not merely one item or the next. Further, it would also help if we could arrive at some consensus about which drugs really work for which symptoms. In the end, much more work remains to be done."
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Advanced Practice Nurses: Defending Their Role, 2008. This paper looks at collective action for advanced practice nurses (APN)today. 1,040 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 7 sources, APA, $ 36.95 »
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Abstract The paper explores the reasons for advanced practice nurses' (APN) increasing power in the workplace. The paper looks at their response to collective action and the outlook for collective action in the future within the universe of APN professions. The paper also discusses how at a time when the number of skilled nurses is not keeping pace with demand, it's a good time for nurses to bargain with increasingly powerful insurance, physicians and hospital institutions.
From the Paper "The APN mirrors the physician population in its trends towards specialization, which accelerated in the 1990's years (as cited by Brown, 1996, p.1). As APN's took on increasing responsibility and health care systems pushed primary care responsibilities to nurses, the need for nurses has increased. At the same time, the low number of nursing graduates has crimped supply. The result is a high number of jobs available for qualified APN's (as cited by Nevidjon and Erickson, 2001, p.1)"
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The Drug Xanax, 2008. A look at the drugs Xanax and Xanax XR (extended release), brand names of a tranquilizer produced and marketed by Pharmacia & Upjohn, whose generic name is alprazolam. 1,075 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 7 sources, APA, $ 37.95 »
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Abstract This paper reviews the historical background of Xanax. The paper first describes Xanax's mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics and pharmacotherapy. The author then presents alternative forms of therapy, which can be used in conjunction with or instead of Xanax. The author concludes that, while newer generations of therapy and drugs have emerged to treat these problems, Xanax still plays an important role in longer-term reduction of anxiety.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Historical Background
Mechanisms of Action
Pharmacokinetics
Pharmacotherapy
Complimentary Therapies
Alternative Therapies
Conclusion
From the Paper "Xanax belongs to the family of benzodiazepines. These compounds increase the level of GABA (Gamma Amino Butyric Acid), which is a neuroinhibitor. The increased GABA production results in the inhibition of anxiety-producing substances.. GABA is secreted by neurons, and is present in many of the nerve endings of neurons in the brain. GABA inhibits presynaptic transmission in the central nervous system and the retina."
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Disorders of Sleep, 2008. This paper looks at sleep disorders discussing infant and adolescent polysomnography. 854 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 30.95 »
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Abstract The writer of this article notes that in order to understand the pathogenesis of sleep disorders, the normal sleep cycle must be understood in a neuro-physiologic context. The writer points out that sleep disorders such as insomnia can be especially distressful in children and adolescents. The writer discusses that aside from the normal developmental circadian adaptations and drift of the sleep-wake cycle in these individuals, secondary causes can inhibit initiation or maintenance of sleep, particularly chronic diseases and mental disorders. While most causes are self-limited and treatment conservative, more elaborate diagnostic and therapeutic interventions may be warranted. The writer concludes that the role of the polysomnography technician is to ascertain the cause of the disorder as well as justify the need for sleep studies while providing useful input for the health care team.
From the Paper "Sleep disorders can arise from several causes that disrupt the normal sleep cycle in spite of its seemingly grounded cyclic variation in physiology. It can be disrupted when the number of hours required for the individual were not met or were met but with frequent wakeful states in between (sleep fragmentation). The cause must be ascertained first by the technician through a perusal of the patient's history and physical examination with particular emphasis on past and present sleep patterns, aggravating or relieving factors, medications taken, co-morbid diseases, psychiatric co-morbidities such as depression, among others. A polysomnography may be warranted when sleep hygiene strategies fail or an apparent cause is not apparent."
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Leadership in Nursing, 2008. Explores the ethical obligation that nurses have to keep current about infectious diseases. 2,050 words (approx. 8.2 pages), 7 sources, APA, $ 64.95 »
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Abstract This paper discusses ways for nurses to meet the ethical obligation of keeping current in the cause, prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. The paper also emphasizes the important role that trust in the nursing profession plays in this process and concludes that the issue of infectious disease is just one scenario of a real situation that when submerged in the ethical obligation of nurses can increase the trust of the public in the field of medicine.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Situation
Development
Analysis
Leadership
Conclusion
From the Paper "The Canadian health reform agenda is two fold: it allows the government to deregulate while allowing the industry to partner itself with its members in assessing and evaluating nursing professionals. There is no greater leadership roll then as required by the Canadian health reform agenda. "
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Teaching Patients about a Low-Sodium Diet, 2008. A review of important information regarding sodium for patients who have high blood pressure. 739 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 26.95 »
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Abstract This paper presents information about how sodium in the diet can affect a person's blood pressure. The paper provides information that would be particularly useful to patients who suffer from high blood pressure and then discusses specific foods to be aware of and how to reduce sodium in a regular diet. It also looks briefly at the recommended daily allowance for sodium.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
What Is a Low-Sodium Diet?
Steps to Reduce Sodium in the Diet
Recommended Daily Allowance for Low-Sodium Diet
Foods Low in Sodium
Potassium: A Good Salt Substitute
Conclusion
From the Paper "As a comparison, using fresh rather than canned food can have a dramatic effect on sodium intake. Fresh tomatoes have only about 10mg of sodium apiece, whereas one half cup of canned tomatoes can have as much as 370 mg.
"It is also helpful to go through the sodium content of fast foods with the patient, in order to educate them on the high amount of salt that these restaurants put in their dishes. Anne Collins estimates that a chicken filet sandwich has nearly 1,000 mg. of sodium. Those on a low-salt diet would therefore use up their entire salt 'budget' on one item of food!"
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Medication, Errors and Technology, 2008. This paper looks at the electronic medication administration record (E-MAR) system of medication administration. 1,322 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 44.95 »
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Abstract In this article, the writer discusses the E-MAR that consists of a combination bedside medication administration tool and electronic medication administration record (E-MAR) which is designed to provide safety and flexibility in medication administration. The writer explains that the primary function of bar-coded medication administration is to reduce medication errors at the point of care. The E-MAR makes use of bar-code scanning technology which scans the patient's ID, identifies the caregiver and the medication. The writer then discusses advantages and disadvantages to the use of the E-MAR. The writer notes that the most significant benefit of the E-MAR is that it greatly reduces the potential for drug errors. The writer concludes that bar-coded medication administration should be adopted because of its contribution to optimal patient safety.
Outline:
Benefits of the E-MAR
Disadvantages
Recommendations
From the Paper "The system contains its own built-in decision making tools related to certain medications. It is also designed to conform to regulatory compliance. Use of the E-MAR assists in preventing drug interactions as well as missed doses. These tasks are achieved through reminders received at the nurses' station that display a window of opportunity for effective dose administration along with identifying critical drugs that require priority administration. The system is designed to capture pre- and post-dosage clinical charting. The E-MAR identifies the patient to the system, and determines the medications that have been ordered. The system then checks for allergies and drug interactions, and reviews the dosing schedule. The E-MAR also can manage its own inventories for medication supplies on the floor.
"The E-MAR system assists in documentation since it provides reminders related to charting, assessment, or documentation of an outcome. In addition, the E-MAR allows for complete point of care documentation, automated ordering of medications, along with critical pre- and post-dosing clinical charting support."
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Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Infection (MRSA), 2008. Discusses methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)infection
from an epidemiological perspective. 1,980 words (approx. 7.9 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 62.95 »
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Abstract This paper explains that the methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a nosocomial pathogen, is an epidemiological problem, which can have its source in the community and health care settings. The author relates the epidemiology of MRSA in relation to agent, host, environment, web of causation and its natural history. The paper underscores that MRSA infection presents a serious epidemiological problem because not only are new strains appearing but also a number of nosocomial MRSA infections are known to have their source in the community setting, which causes the route of transmission to remain a mystery. The author stresses that improved strategies to control and manage MRSA infection continue to be sought.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Agent
Host
Environment
Web of Causation
Natural History
Conclusion
From the Paper "Environmental factors play a very significant role in the transmission of MRSA. For example, when health care providers acquire an MRSA infection, family members of these workers and other staff members can then become infected not only from direct contact but also from environmental sites such as chairs, phones, or computer keyboards. Transmission of MRSA is also facilitated when the environment has been contaminated with toxin-producing strains. As a consequence, it is essential that prevention and control measures include cleaning of the hospital environment."
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Malaria, 2008. Discusses malaria from a complex epidemiological perspective. 1,975 words (approx. 7.9 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 62.95 »
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Abstract This paper explains that epidemiology refers to the study of the distribution and determinants of health-related events in specified populations and the application of this study to control of health problems. The author then describes the agent, hosts and environment surrounding malaria. The paper stresses that the most important point about transmission is that researchers have discovered that the incidence of malaria cannot be explained by changes in immigration trends; therefore, epidemiologists must look for simultaneous transmission. The author points out that, although malaria is associated with tropical areas, its occurrence and even epidemics of the disease are not uncommon in Canada.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Agent
Host
Environment
Web of Causation
Natural History and Control and Prevention
Conclusion
From the Paper "The primary hosts of Plasmodium falciparum are female mosquitoes of the Anopheles which also are the transmission vectors. Plasmodium falciparum is responsible for a high number of malarial infections and deaths in humans; however, other hosts include birds, reptiles, chimpanzees, and rodents. Of all the cases of malaria since 1990 in Canada, 90 percent have been found in British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec. Two epidemics have occurred in Canada, the first being from 1986 to 1990. The second epidemic occurred from 1999 to 2000."
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The Human Genome Project, 2008. A discussion on the issue of human genome project. 1,031 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 36.95 »
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Abstract This paper outlines why the human genome project will reduce the cost of treatment for at least some types of illnesses and diseases - most notably colorectal cancer and breast cancer. The paper details some of the objections historically raised against the project and then delves into the conclusions of others who staunchly insist that it is a worthwhile expenditure of time and money. After reviewing the evidence, the paper concludes that, while the project may not be without its flaws, it is still adding to our basic knowledge about genetic diseases and ie still going to save us lives and save patients and their families money - and that makes it important.
From the Paper "One of the chief concerns that opponents of the Human Genome Project have is that medical research will be adversely affected by the Project because of the massive diversion of time and funds towards something that, in their view, is utterly superfluous. In an April, 1990, correspondence to colleagues, Michael Syvanen of the University of California at Davis (the email was actually posted online by a close associate, Paul R. Chernoff of Berkeley, though it appears to be essentially Syvanen's words and thoughts) outlines this position. Specifically, Syvanen (the letter is co-signed by several colleagues but the top of the letter suggests that Syvanen was the chief writer of the correspondence) insists that most genes involved in disease can be located and accurately sequenced without resorting to the drastic step of sequencing the entire genome; in fact, as early as 1990, promising steps were being undertaken in the battle against disease through genetic research that did not entail the expensive sequencing of the human genome in its entirety. Proceeding onward, Syvanen notes that the rush to sequence the human genome has sparked a scientific environment wherein peer review boards that balk at uncertain and even downright questionable human genome proposals are being muscled aside in favor of appointed administrative bodies seduced by the notoriety of possibly sequencing the human genome - and not by the actual validity of the science appearing before them (Syvanen et al, 1990). For Syvanen and others like him, both in 1990 and surely today, the Human Genome Project is nothing more than a costly "play thing" of scientists who conveniently forget that 95 to 98 percent of the human genome consists of useless, "junk" DNA that simply serves no function at all and has no bearing on whether someone acquires a disease or not (Syvanen et al, 1990)."
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Nursing Education, 2008. Examines issues of regulation and accreditation pertaining to nursing education. 1,165 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 40.95 »
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Abstract This paper explains that nursing programs are only available through accredited colleges because it is in the public's best interest to have measured standards providing guidelines for the nursing profession. The author points out that the regulatory requirements of higher education form a foundation for accreditation. The paper outlines the five areas required for institutional accreditation. The author also presents several regulations of nursing education institutions.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Regulatory Purpose
Purpose of Accreditation
Similarities and Differences between Regulation and Accreditation
Conclusion
From the Paper "The 12-Hour Rule was originally drafted to prevent fraud by what is now as "diploma mills". Diploma mills are found mostly in correspondence programs and they usually do not operate on an academic year. An academic calendar maintains a mandatory 12 hour regularly scheduled classroom session each week allowing students to become eligible for federal financial aid. The 12-hour rule was created by the Education Department."
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