Elizabeth R. Van Horn

The effect of critical care hospitalization on family members: Stress and responses

&NA; Family members of intensive care patients may experience stressors that threaten both personal health and family integrity. This study found that family members endure multiple concurrent stressors and exhibit numerous behavioral responses, including changes in eating, sleeping, activity, and family roles and responsibilities. Nurses can promote family integrity with interventions that address these behavioral changes and promote normal behavior patterns. [Dimens Crit Care Nurs 2000:19(4):40‐9]

Promotion of Family Integrity in the Acute Care Setting: A Review of the Literature

The acute illness of 1 family member can then negatively affect all family members and lead to the disruption of family functioning and integrity. During the patients hospitalization, nurses are in a key position to support family members, maintain family integrity, and ready them for assuming the role of caretaker during the patients recovery and management of health at home. This article reviews current research findings that provide empirical support for activities that promote family integrity. Strategies for nurses to support family members during the hospitalization of an adult family member and suggestions for future research are provided.

Impact of Intravenous Insulin Protocols on Hypoglycemia, Patient Safety, and Nursing Workload

The practice of tight glycemic control using an intravenous insulin infusion has been adopted in many clinical settings, and although beneficial patient outcomes have been clearly documented, the therapy poses potential risks to patient safety related to hypoglycemia and increases nursing workload. This article examines these issues through a review of current research on tight glycemic protocols. Strategies for nurse leaders are provided to improve patient safety and support bedside nurses in the administration of insulin infusion protocols.

Teaching Pathophysiology: Strategies to Enliven the Traditional Lecture

The depth and breadth of pathophysiology content, foundational for nursing practice, is well suited for traditional lecture delivery. Use of creative strategies can deepen students’ understanding while respecting students’ diverse talents and ways of learning. The authors discuss strategies they used, including case studies, questions asked during lecture using immediate feedback technology, creative visual demonstrations, group pathophysiologic theory projects, short videos, and games, to enhance students’ understanding and retention of content.

NNN language and evidence-based practice guidelines for acute cardiac care: retaining the essence of nursing.

Multidisciplinary management of the acute cardiac patient, for decades, has been driven by best practices, treatment algorithms, and research-based protocols. As nurses continue to develop and implement evidence-based care, they must ensure that the essence of nursing is not lost in the process. In this article, strategies for the development of evidence-based practice guidelines for acute cardiac patients using standardized nursing language are provided.

Sex and Intimacy after Stroke: Recommendations from the 2013 AHA Consensus Document

This paper summarizes the key points of an AHA consensus document and other recent research for multidisciplinary members of stroke rehabilitation teams to use in alleviating concerns about sex and intimacy for stroke survivors and their partners. Evidence-based recommendations include asking about intimacy and sexual concerns, discussing the safety of resuming sexual activity, coping with the stroke sequelae of paraparesis, aphasia, concrete thinking, emotional liability, and loss of emotional awareness.

Sex and Intimacy after Stroke.

Problem: The sequelae of a stroke can negatively affect sex and intimacy for survivors and their partners. Purpose: This clinical article offers practical evidence-based recommendations for nurses to use in advising couples who may be experiencing sexual problems due to decreased desire, erectile dysfunction, vaginal dryness, paraparesis, pain, spasticity, fatigue, aphasia, concrete thinking, emotional lability, shame, embarrassment, fear, depression, or neurogenic bladder. Key Findings and Clinical Relevance: Recent research and clinical articles show that intimacy and sexual concerns are often ignored by the rehabilitation team, yet research shows that couples want information to assist them to maintain their sexual relationships. Using the PLISSIT model to address sexual concerns, nurses can facilitate discussions to aid couples toward improved sexual function and quality of life.