April 2013 Vol. 8 No. 4 Archives

April 2013 Vol. 8 No. 4

A geriatric family-centered care model for hospitalized elders

April 11, 2013

This innovative model has helped reduce falls and pressure ulcers, and RN turnover rates have dropped as well.

Deep-brain stimulation: Hope for dystonia patients

April 11, 2013

Deep-brain stimulation can make a significant difference in the lives of patients with dystonia.

Ethics and the quality of care

April 11, 2013

Leah Curtin discusses the issue of quality care from an ethical perspective.

FDA announces recall of Stryker cutting guide for TKA

April 11, 2013

On April 19, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that Stryker Orthopaedics has recalled ShapeMatch Cutting Guides, used in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) instrumentation. Read more.

FDA approves Diclegis for pregnant women who have nausea and vomiting

April 11, 2013

On April 8, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Diclegis (doxylamine succinate and pyridoxine hydrochloride) to treat pregnant women experiencing nausea and vomiting. Diclegis is a…

FDA approves new diabetes drug

April 11, 2013

On March 29, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Invokana (canagliflozin) tablets to treat adults with type 2 diabetes. Invokana has been studied as a stand-alone…

FDA recommends manufacturers stop using ‘latex-free’ labeling

April 11, 2013

On March 29, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended that manufacturers stop using labels such as “latex-free” or “does not contain latex” because there is no…

From our readers: ABC’s of evidence-based practice

April 11, 2013

A simple mnemonic can serve as a guide for the process of evidence-based practice.

From our readers: How mentorship affects retention rates of new nurses

April 11, 2013

You likely vividly remember the day you learned you were officially a licensed professional registered nurse. You were excited to be able to apply all the knowledge and…

From our readers: Novice to expert—a nurse educator’s personal journey

April 11, 2013

Like new nurses, faculty move through various steps to become “experts.” Here is one teacher’s experience.

From our readers: On being an oncology nurse, or humble pie by the slice

April 11, 2013

I came to oncology nursing in 1984 through what I perceived as bad luck; my goal was to get out of the field ASAP. A new RN, I…

Higher percentage of BSN nurses associated with lower rates of postsurgery mortality

April 11, 2013

The March issue of Health Affairs includes “An increase in the number of nurses with baccalaureate degrees is linked to lower rates of postsurgery mortality.” Read more.

How to create “sticky” messages to influence others

April 11, 2013

Nursing has been ranked as the most trustworthy of all professions for the past decade, except for firefighters after 9/11. Being perceived as trustworthy may make us feel…

Interstitial cystitis – chronic, common, and sometimes complicated to treat

April 11, 2013

Although painful and disruptive, interstitial cystitis often can be managed with drugs, bladder instillation and other procedures, and dietary changes. Most patients also need psychosocial support or professional…

Last surviving nurse taken prisoner in WW II dies

April 11, 2013

Mildred Dalton Manning, the last survivor of a group of nurses taken prisoner in the Philippines in World War II died in March at the age of 98.…

Maximize your reprocessing program

April 11, 2013

Reprocessing can help an organization save money and protect the environment.

New film spotlights nurses

April 11, 2013

“NURSES: If Florence Could See Us Now” is a new documentary that showcases the challenging and diverse world of nursing. The film highlights the compassion of real nurses,…

Our Readers Respond

April 11, 2013

No drugs down the drain In approximately 2008 I wrote my final paper in BSN community health on this environmental issue. I am delighted to see that this…

Partner with interpreters to prepare patients for discharge

April 11, 2013

Interpreters are valuable partners when you need to teach a patient who speaks a language you don’t speak. Here’s how to achieve an effective collaboration.

Post-concussive syndrome: What patients and providers need to know

April 11, 2013

Patients with traumatic brain injuries can suffer from this syndrome for months or even years after injury.

Stay informed of recalls through MedWatch

April 11, 2013

To keep current on recalls announced by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, sign up for one of several options through the agency’s MedWatch program. You can join…

Study: Happy new marriage predicts weight gain

April 11, 2013

Newlyweds who are happy in their marriages tend to gain weight, which can affect their health, according to a study of 169 couples in Health Psychology. Although they…

Study: High patient satisfaction not linked to surgical quality processes

April 11, 2013

A study of 31 hospitals in JAMA Surgery found that patient satisfaction was not associated with performance of surgical process measures such as antibiotic prophylaxis, appropriate hair removal,…

Teaching patients about vitamin and mineral supplements

April 11, 2013

More than one-third of Americans take vitamin and mineral supplements daily. Do you know what you should be teaching patients?

The essential components of worksite wellness

April 11, 2013

ANA defines a healthy nurse as one who takes care of his or her personal health, safety, and wellness and lives life to its fullest capacity – physically,…