Anne C. Russell

Animal-assisted therapy: evaluation and implementation of a complementary therapy to improve the psychological and physiological health of critically ill patients.

Animal-assisted therapy has gained widespread support in a variety of health care settings, including critical care units. This article seeks to review some of the current animal-assisted therapy, define a structured program, and evaluate the potential ability of the therapy to enhance the progress and health of our patients.

Massage Therapy for Stress Management: Implications for Nursing Practice

Unresolved stress has been shown to have numerous adverse effects on the body. A review of the literature has revealed 2 major themes: (1) research that argues that massage has a direct relationship with positive health outcomes and (2) research that stresses that although there are little or no measurable physiological changes that occur from massage, patients’ perceptions of stress and anxiety were significantly reduced. The simple act of touch-focused care, even a simple 5-min hand or foot massage, can be useful in lowering a patients perceived level of stress. Further research is necessary on the benefits and risks of implementing massage therapy in the hospital setting.

Prevention of sternal wound infections after coronary artery bypass graft surgery with use of insulin drug therapy: a review of the literature.

Diabetes is a disease that can increase the risks of developing cardiac problems, which can include coronary artery bypass graft surgery. These patients are at an increased risk of developing serious complications after this surgery, including deep sternal wound infections. In addition, nondiabetic patients may also develop this complication. Therefore, it is essential to monitor and maintain glucose levels after open heart surgery. This literature review discusses some of the studies in this area.

Prevention of sepsis after splenectomy.

Individuals who do not have a spleen are highly susceptible to severe infections. The purpose of this article was to present vaccination guidelines for prophylactic treatment of sepsis following splenectomy. Nursing considerations for the prevention of sepsis after splenectomy are discussed.

Aortic valvuloplasty: potential nursing diagnoses.

The use of transluminal balloon angioplasty has become widespread in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Since critical care nurses are responsible for the assessment and management after the procedure in the critical care unit, the authors provide information on the pathophysiology and potential nursing diagnoses for these patients. In this way, the critical care nurse can support the patient before, during, and after the procedure.

Location of myocardial infarction: assessing the patient's response.

The critical care nurse who cares for a patient with a myocardial infarction focuses skill and attention on the patients immediate needs. However, by combining assessment skills and knowledge of electrocardiography the nurse also searches for possible complications of myocardial infarctions.