Linda Pearson

Protocols: how to develop and implement within the nurse practitioners' setting.

Among nurse practitioners and other primary health care providers there exist a growing need, interest and confusion about protocols. This article will perhaps help the nurse practitioner to understand the usefulness of protocols and provide a stimulus to begin development and utilization.There are many definitions of the word protocol. A working definition follows: protocol refers to an instrument which explicitly directs the step by step collection of subjective and objective data from the patient. After directing data collection the protocol directs data analysis with the rationale for decision making and recommends the appropriate explicit nursing and medical action.

Intestinal parasites: diagnostic and treatment guidelines.

The incidence of intestinal parasite infection is on the increase in the United States due, in part, to the recent entry into this country of more than 500,000 Southeast Asian refugees. Most symptoms of parasitic infections are nonspecific and many infected individuals are asymptomatic. Stool specimens are used to identify the specific organism. Treatment, which varies depending on the infecting organism, is presented. Patient education especially in the area of hygiene is important to prevent reinfection.