Nurse

Randomized data provide equal support for pharmacological and electrical cardioversion of acute atrial fibrillation (AF), but also point to a potential advantage for the drug-first strategy in younger patients and those with first AF episodes. Conversion to sinus rhythm occurred in 96% of patients randomly assigned to intravenous procainamide and up to three shocks, if necessary, and 92% in patients assigned to electrical shock only (P = .07) in the Canadian RAFF2 trial. Almost all patients were discharged home…

If you are fascinated by the art and science of providing quality health care and feel compassion for individuals who suffer from health problems, a career as a nurse may be a great fit for you. There are multiple academic pathways into the nursing profession, "which is both a good thing and something that does cause lots of confusion," says Stephen Ferrara, associate dean of clinical affairs and an associate professor of nursing with the Columbia University School of Nursing. Kelly Jo Wilson, a transplant quality…

With their expertise in the safe and effective use of medications, pharmacists can help in the management of chronic diseases. A review and analysis published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology indicates that initiatives--such as patient education, medication review, and physical assessments--led by pharmacists can make important contributions to the prevention of cardiovascular disease. To assess the potential of pharmacists to help prevent cardiovascular diseases in general practice, Abdullah Alshehri, of…

They’re called sexual assault nurse examiners, trained to treat and comfort victims who are struggling through the most painful, traumatic time of their life. These specialized nurses see it all and hear it all. “Some things in our job we can’t un-hear, we can’t un-see,” said Michelle Resendez, a registered forensic nurse and coordinator for Franciscan Health in Crown Point. SANE nurses, as they’re called, also testify in court about their medical findings, if needed, either helping to prosecute or exonerate a suspect…

The new Post-Acute Care Heart Failure Certification offered from the American Heart Association, provides education and resources to skilled nursing facilities to reduce the hospital readmissions for heart failure patients. More than 6 million Americans are living with heart failure. The Post-Acute Care Heart Failure Certification is now available to all skilled nursing facilities in the United States. These skilled nursing facilities may now be recognized for providing access to quality care for treatment of heart…

Much is made about what health care might cost in retirement. Indeed, studies suggest that a 65-year-old couple retiring today would need on average anywhere from $220,000 to $360,000 of their nest egg earmarked just for health-care costs in retirement. But the truth of the matter, as Medicare’s annual enrollment period gets under way, is that those costs might be even higher given a number of factors that could come into play in your household. What are they and what might you do to either avoid or trim…

Essentially all patients living with type 1 diabetes experience "diabetes burnout" at some time or other. What is diabetes burnout, what factors contribute to the problem, and what can patients and nurses do about it? Those questions are addressed in a descriptive study in the December issue of the American Journal of Nursing. The journal is published in the Lippincott portfolio by Wolters Kluwer. Diabetes burnout occurs when patients experience exhaustion and detachment, leading to a sense of powerlessness and apathy…

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a tough treatment course to navigate. If anyone knows that, it is Anne S. Tsao, MD. of MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Tsao is no doubt one of the world's experts on MPM, having been "called" by the disease – one that is very rare and that generally occurs in older men (most often because of asbestos exposure) with comorbidities. Tsao told the West Wind Podcast that she was intrigued by MPM early in her career because "it was so different than . I just started doing some…

Effective COPD management plan includes four components: (1) assess and monitor disease; (2) reduce risk factors; (3) manage stable COPD; (4) manage exacerbations. The objectives of effective COPD management are to: Prevent disease progression Relieve symptoms Increase exercise tolerance Improving the health status Prevent and treat complications Preventing and treating exacerbations Reduce mortality These objectives should be achieved with minimal side effects from treatment, a…