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Biomedical subjects

D S Casperson

Publications and source records attributed to D S Casperson.

8 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1998

Paraneoplastic syndromes in metastatic disease.

OBJECTIVES: To provide an overview of selected paraneoplastic syndromes associated with metastatic disease with potential life-threatening implications, and the nursing implications of each. DATA SOURCES: Published articles and book chapters related to paraneoplastic syndromes in metastatic disease. CONCLUSIONS: Paraneoplastic syndromes in metastatic disease are associated with various primary tumors and can affect many organ systems. Early recognition and management can minimize the potential life-threatening effects of the syndromes. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Oncology nurses need to be aware of the potential for paraneoplastic syndromes that can compromise a patient's health status. Appropriate assessment and intervention of paraneoplastic syndromes can have a positive impact on patient outcomes and quality of life.

Humans↗
PubMed1995

Hereditary cancer syndrome: Part 1.--Clinical and educational issues.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To review current information on the biology and characteristics of hereditary cancer syndromes (HCS), and to identify families with HCS, various methods to communicate the diagnosis to families, and associated considerations for clinical practice and education. DATA SOURCES: Published articles and book chapters. DATA SYNTHESIS: HCS, which accounts for approximately 5%-10% of all malignancies, is characterized by diagnosis of the same malignancy in multiple family members, an earlier age of onset than expected, an increased frequency of bilateral cancers in paired organs, and the presence of premalignant syndromes. CONCLUSIONS: Identifying families with HCS and referring them to screening programs are necessary to reduce morbidity and mortality in these families. Many clinical, educational, and research issues are emerging. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Nurses need to be aware of HCS in order to identify families with HCS and refer them to screening programs. Information about HCS needs to be incorporated into basic, graduate, and continuing education nursing programs to increase awareness of HCS. Further nursing research is needed to better understand the best way to communicate the diagnosis to families, identify the psychosocial needs of individuals from these families, and facilitate cancer prevention and detection measures in these families.

Disease Susceptibility↗
PubMed1995

Hereditary cancer syndrome: Part 2.--Psychosocial issues, concerns, and screening--results of a qualitative study.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To describe the feelings and concerns of family members with hereditary cancer syndrome (HCS) and their level of participation in prevention and early detection activities. DESIGN: Qualitative methods; content analysis of interviews. SETTING: Community, hospital-based cancer screening center with a special program of supportive services for families with HCS. SAMPLE: Purposeful theoretical sampling produced a sample (n = 13) of people with HCS. Most were Caucasian women representing a variety of types of HCS. METHODS: In-depth, unstructured, audiotaped interviews that lasted about 60 minutes. FINDINGS: Five themes emerged: (a) issues regarding communication with health professionals, (b) relationships with family members, (c) financial concerns, (d) psychosocial concerns, and (e) participation in screening activities. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals from families with HCS live with the knowledge that they have a high risk of developing malignancy. A true understanding of this risk may take time to comprehend. Many members of families with HCS require more education and support regarding cancer screening and prevention activities. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Nursing roles include being an educator on risk and early detection measures, a patient advocate, and a resource to all members of the family with HCS. Future nursing research can help identify specific psychosocial needs among different family members and specific psychosocial needs associated with different types of HCS.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Safe handling practices of cytotoxic drugs: the results of a chapter survey.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To describe how nurses from a local Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) Chapter Implement Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines for handling cytotoxic drugs (CDs) in their individual practices and to identify barriers to implementing these guidelines. DESIGN: Mailed survey. SETTING: ONS chapter in a large midwestern city. SAMPLE: 103 nurses, 83 of whom handle CDs. Mean years in oncology nursing was 7.5. METHODS: Mailed survey consisting of 48 questions on seven topics, as well as demographic questions. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES: Roles in preparation and administration of CDs, management spills, patient care, and use of protective equipment in patient and family education practices; barriers to use of protective practices. FINDINGS: Subjects used some protective equipment when preparing and administering CDs, but the type of equipment and its frequency of use did not specifically meet OSHA Guidelines. Rates of compliance with guidelines were better for management of spills and disposal of equipment. Verbal instructions for patients and families were employed but very few provided written instructions or explanations. Barriers to using protective equipment included a lack of time, problems with availability, and concerns about patient reactions. CONCLUSIONS: Barriers must be overcome and better safe-handling practices incorporated into practice to ensure the safety of nurses. More education is needed for family members who come into contact with patients receiving CDs. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Future research to document the extent of the problem, including stratification of responses according to the quantity and frequency with which a nurse administers CDs. Better, and perhaps more frequent, staff and family education efforts are needed.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Pathophysiology of hypokalemia in patients with cancer: implications for nurses.

Hypokalemia is a potentially life-threatening complication that occurs in many patients with cancer. Nurses need to be aware of the many common causes of this electrolyte disorder as well as appropriate assessment strategies that will enable potential problems to be detected and treated early. This article begins with a review of normal potassium balance and physiology, followed by a discussion of potential causes of hypokalemia in patients with cancer. These causes are grouped into four categories: inadequate dietary intake, extrarenal losses, redistribution abnormalities, and renal losses. Common causes of hypokalemia in patients with cancer are illustrated with case examples. Signs and symptoms associated with hypokalemia are discussed. Finally, implications for nursing assessment and intervention related to the administration of potassium are reviewed.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Benefits of collaboration in continuing education: a partnership between a university provider and a nursing specialty organization.

During the past 2 years, a university provider of nursing continuing education and the local chapter of a specialty nursing organization have successfully collaborated in the delivery of continuing education. This collaborative approach has been effective for providing continuing education in oncology nursing that serves the needs of nurses in the geographic area and maximizes the effective use of the resources of both partners. This approach has also prevented overlaps in program planning dates and duplication of content within the geographical area. Additional benefits include a growth in membership for the specialty organization and a sustained level of interest and attendance in programs sponsored by the university provider.

Education, Nursing, Continuing↗