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March 2011 Vol. 6 No. 3
Applying the Magnet™ model to improve medication safety
A Baltimore hospital used the five Magnet components as a framework for
transforming its bedside medication administration process. Involving directcare
nurses in decision making was a key aspect of the project.
Calculating and interpreting the odds ratio
Researchers use the odds ratio to analyze which of two groups of individuals
is more likely to have an adverse outcome. Find out how to calculate the
odds ratio and interpret its significance
Cervical spondylosis with myelopathy: Painful and sometimes paralyzing
This progressive degenerative spine condition is commonly mistaken for
arthritis. This article covers assessment and management, including preop and postop care.
Closing in on the cause of agitation
When an elderly patient becomes confused and agitated, a careful history of recent procedures and medications points clinicians in the right direction.
Crime doesn’t pay
Fraud and abuse account for up to 10% of U.S. healthcare expenditures.
What should you do if you suspect potential healthcare fraud or abuse?
Daily sedation breaks and breathing trials help wean patients from ventilators safely
For patients on mechanical ventilators, daily sedation cessation can decrease
ventilator, ICU, and hospital days. Careful use of safety screens is
crucial for patient safety and successful weaning.
Davol XenMatrix Surgical Graft recall
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration notified healthcare professionals that several lots of XenMatrix Surgical Graft have been recalled because…
Depression affects arthritic knee symptoms
Depression can exacerbate the symptoms of knee arthritis in patients who have minimal or moderate radiographic severity according to a…
Do you know the vaccination requirements for adolescents and adults?
This handout, part of ANA's Bringing Immunity to Every Community campaign,
provides the tools you need to ensure that adolescents and adults
get appropriate vaccinations.
Environment, health, & safety
Developed by ANA and several other national organizations, the Principles
of a Healthy, Sustainable Food System can help consumers make positive
food decisions.
FDA approves contrast agent for CNS MRI scans
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Gadavist (gadobutrol), a contrast agent for use in patients undergoing magnetic resonance…
FDA approves new daily treatment for RLS
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Horizant Extended Release Tablets (gabapentin enacarbil) as a daily treatment for moderate-to-severe…
FDA approves new device for non-open surgical treatment of brain aneurysms
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) for brain aneurysms. PED is a flexible…
FDA approves new treatment for metastatic melanoma
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Yervoy (ipilimumab) for the treatment of patients with metastatic melanoma. Read more…
From Your ANA President
A perspective on trauma When nurses think of trauma, what most often comes to mind are patients who enter the…
Headlines from the Hill
The 112th Congress faces critical decisions on issues affecting healthcare
providers and patients. With so much at stake, now is the time to touch base
with your congressional representatives and ask them to support key legislation.
Issues up close
ANA’s House of Delegates recently approved a resolution supporting health
care for all. The author examines the social, economic, and political ramifications of undocumented immigrants’ lack of access to health care.
Joint adventures: The path to total knee replacement
More Americans seem destined for total knee replacement. Learn about the different types of knee replacement surgery and how nurses can improve outcomes for patients who opt for “new” knees.
Lean tools and concepts reduce waste, improve efficiency
By putting lean principles in action, a health network has shortened stays,
improved patient satisfaction, and decreased ED-to-bed times.
Managing dysphagia in elderly patients
Multiple factors make the elderly susceptible to dysphagia. The author reviews
multidisciplinary management approaches and offers a checklist of simple nursing actions to promote assessment and management.
March 2011 Vol. 6 No. 3
Click here to access the digital edition
Memory training improves plasticity in patients with MCI
Patents with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and who completed memory training had neural changes measurable with brain imaging, indicating their…
Motivational interviewing: A collaborative path to change
Michael had diabetes and a history of elevated blood glucose levels. A long-time drinker, he seemed to have no interest…
Move up to the role of nurse manager
NURSE MANAGERS at all levels work together to address emerging trends, adopt innovative ideas, and work toward the shared goals…
Negative effects of ARDS linger
Five years after having acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), survivors still had not recovered to normal physical function, and many…
NEJM study finds low RN staffing increases mortality
According to a study in the New England Journal of Medicine, RN staffing that falls below targeted levels was associated…
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Persistent fatigue after breast cancer may speed aging
Researchers have found that persistent fatigue in breast cancer survivors may be caused by disruption in the autonomic system, and…
Preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia: A nursing-intervention bundle
The author’s study found that when implemented together as a bundle,
three autonomous nursing interventions can dramatically lower ventilatorassociated
pneumonia rates in mechanically ventilated patients.
Quantum nursing III: Connecting on the same wavelength
Dr. Curtin explains why nurses should consciously “connect” with patients
and describes the neural mechanisms that make this possible.
Special Supplement to American Nurse Today – Best Practices for Falls Reduction: A Practical Guide
Learn the facts about patient falls and find out how to overcome obstacles
to creating safer care environments.
Statins lower prostate cancer recurrence
Men with high-risk prostate cancer who take statin drugs while receiving radiation therapy are less likely to have their cancer…
Study suggests relationship between pediatric migraines and patent forman ovale
A study in The Journal of Pediatrics found that half of children (6 to 18 years old) who had migraines…
US troops in Iraq breathe polluted air
Research presented at the 241st National Meeting of the American Chemical Society found that US troops in Iraq breath air…
