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Biomedical subjects

Anna Svendsen

Publications and source records attributed to Anna Svendsen.

5 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2004

The current status of cardiovascular disease in Canada--a call to action.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, in collaboration with the Centre for Chronic Disease Prevention and Control as well as the Canadian Cardiovascular Society, recently published a report on "The Growing Burden of Heart Disease and Stroke in Canada 2003". This article will review some of the information contained in this report, as well as the nursing implications. The burden associated with cardiovascular disease continues to increase for a number of different reasons. Risk-provoking behaviours are increasing, despite growing knowledge of the consequences associated with these actions. In fact, the health of our future generation is now being threatened with these uncontrolled risk behaviours. The cost of providing cardiovascular care remains high. Treating this disease entity requires a multifactorial approach. Nurses are in key positions to effect change in treating cardiovascular disease by addressing risk-provoking behaviours from multiple levels and, therefore, to make a significant change in these statistics for future reports.

Attitude to Health↗
PubMed2004

Hyponatremia and the nursing implications.

Serum sodium concentration plays a major role in the body's volume status. Low serum sodium levels can be dangerous and even fatal if hyponatremia is severe. The key to understanding hyponatremia is relating it to volume status. Hyponatremia is frequently associated with hypovolemia or fluid overload. Sharp assessment skills and client teaching can prove invaluable in the prevention and treatment of hyponatremia.

Aged↗
PubMed2003

Heart failure: an overview of consensus guidelines and nursing implications.

Heart failure affects more than 350,000 Canadians and costs over $1 billion annually for inpatient care alone. Consensus guidelines have been developed to guide care and improve quality of life based on current evidence or best practice. This article will provide a brief overview of medications and lifestyle modifications described in guidelines developed by the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association, the Canadian Cardiovascular Society, the Heart Failure Society of America, and the European Society of Cardiology. Medications for treating heart failure can be divided into two groups: those with a mortality benefit (angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, beta-blockers, and selective aldosterone receptor antagonists), and those that improve symptoms (diuretics and cardiac glycosides). Nursing implications include careful assessment of volume status, vital signs, monitoring electrolyte and renal function, as well as spacing of medications. Nurses play a key role in assisting patients to identify their lifestyle habits that require modifications, ultimately improving their quality of life and decreasing hospital readmissions. Education focusing on self-care activities, diet, rest, and exercise enables patients to retain a sense of control in their lives.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗