Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to Ian Peate.
Constipation is thought to affect nearly one-fifth of the population, and can arise for a multitude of reasons, some physical, some psychological. Nurses must therefore approach constipation in the awareness of the range of contributory factors and consequently the range of treatment options available.
Finland had a relatively low rate of HIV infection during the first 17 years of the epidemic, which began in 1980. Similar to other developed countries around the world, information about the infection has been readily available, and this helped to reduce the occurrence of HIV contagion, particularly among adolescents, a group that is responsible for 50% of HIV infections worldwide. This small-scale study investigated HIV-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviour among a group of 171 youths ageed 13-16 years in suburban schools in southern Finland. Knowledge levels were relatively low and the disease was somewhat stigmatized, but homosexuality was less stigmatized than in other developed countries. The results suggest that Finnish adolescents need to be better informed about HIV and AIDS. Schools and school nurses could play a crucial role in providing information about this incurable disease.
This article describes components surrounding British nursing students' (n=138) knowledge base, attitudes towards HIV/AIDS, homophobia level, willingness to care for individuals with HIV/AIDS and attitudes to sexual risk behaviours. The data were collected by questionnaire and analysed by statistical methods. Out of the 33 knowledge questions, the mean value of correct answers was 22.2 (Min 13, Max 29, SD 3.27). Students who had taken care of people with AIDS and who were willing to take care of these people showed more positive attitudes to the disease and people with AIDS. Older age and reluctance to care for a person with AIDS were associated with a high level of homophobic attitudes. Students demonstrated a positive approach to carrying out general nursing tasks for a person with HIV/AIDS. Having been asked to care or having cared for a patient with HIV/AIDS, and being single were associated with a higher level of willingness to care for these patients. Female sex, older age and having children were associated with more cautious attitudes to sexual risk behaviours. The results underline the importance of providing education about HIV/AIDS and supporting student nurses who are afraid they might contract the disease in nursing tasks.
Constipation is extremely common and may affect a variety of patients from different age groups. This article outlines the causes of constipation and describes the nurse's role in the management of patients with constipation, from assessment to intervention. The skills required of the nurse, including taking a detailed history from the patient, the subsequent examination, and the administration of laxatives are discussed in detail. Nurses are best placed to assess, plan, implement and evaluate care for patients presenting with constipation. The article stresses the need for healthcare professionals to aim to prevent constipation and to identify early those patients at risk of developing constipation, to ensure that patients' needs are met fully. Recommendations for good practice are given.
This article discusses the controversial concept of the male menopause, by explaining what the literature reveals about this condition. It does not wish to put forward a case for treating men with the male menopause with hormone replacement therapy, merely to provide information to nurses who may nurse men with the symptoms associated with the disorder. Definitions of key terms, i.e. male menopause, are considered and the endocrinological changes that occur with ageing are outlined. Assessment of the extent of the problem is confounded by the concept of definition. Some middle-aged men often describe similar symptoms that women describe associated with the menopause; therefore it may be reasonable to suggest that an andropause with an endocrine basis does exist. The investigations undertaken to make a diagnosis are described and treatments available are discussed. A shared approach to the care for men with menopausal symptoms is advocated. The role the nurse plays is described and recommendations for practice suggested. Finally, a conclusion is offered and a call is made for further empirical investigations to be made available, to ensure that men are provided with safe effective care based on the best available evidence.
The UK has an ageing population--there are currently more people aged over 60 years than aged 16 years and under. The National Service Framework (NSF) for Older People provides standards for health and social services to ensure that older people receive high quality care (Department of Health (DoH), 2001a). An addendum to the NSF describes how the use of medicines for and by older people can be improved (DoH, 2001b). The aim of the document is to ensure that older people achieve the greatest benefit from their medications in order to sustain and increase their quality of life. The document also attempts to ensure that the older person does not suffer needlessly from illness that may be brought about by excessive, inappropriate or inadequate consumption of medicines. This article discusses how medications for older people can be taken in a safe and effective manner in relation to the addendum to the NSF (DoH, 2001b). Nurses must ensure that a multidisciplinary approach is adopted when setting standards and developing protocols for the safe and effective administration of medicines.
This article aims to raise awareness of meningitis and its symptoms. It describes some of the practical support that can be offered to sufferers, their families and friends. Meningitis can kill and immediate action can and does save lives. The practice nurse or the nurse working in the accident and emergency (A&E) department may be the first person to be sought for advice; therefore, it is vital that he/she gains an insight and understanding of this disease in order to offer effective advice and take prompt action. A definition of the disease is given, and viral and bacterial meningitis are discussed. Epidemiological data are presented concerning rates of infection and mortality. The signs and symptoms are outlined and the mode of transmission and the treatment needed are also considered. The prognosis and possible complications are described. These include potential problems such as sensorineural deafness, raised intracranial pressure, the need for skin grafting and the amputation of limbs and/or digits.
Often the provision of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is after exposure to persons with an undetermined human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status. Cases of occupationally acquired HIV infection have been documented. The risk of contracting HIV from percutaneous exposure is small and PEP can significantly reduce the rate of occupational transmission. The Department of Health recommends that PEP be considered whenever there is significant exposure to high-risk body fluids, e.g. blood or other high-risk body fluids such as synovial or cerebrospinal fluid. It is important that a risk assessment is conducted to ascertain if the exposure is deemed significant. If it is, in an ideal situation, PEP should be commenced immediately, preferably within 1 hour; however, starting PEP up to 2 weeks after exposure may still be beneficial. All NHS and other healthcare settings, including the independent/private sectors, should ensure that they have policies and procedures in place to ensure that their staff are aware of the actions to be taken if they are at risk of occupational exposure to HIV.
Being a sexual being and having sexual feelings is a part of what it is to be a human being--there are no age limits to enjoying a healthy sex life and having the ability to love and be loved. There are many misconceptions surrounding sexuality and in general these misconceptions become even more problematic as the older person and sexuality are discussed. This article aims to consider misconceptions that nurses may have about sex and sexuality concerning older people. The nurse is ideally placed to encourage the older person to discuss sexual worries and can easily correct any misconceptions. However, in order to do this effectively, he/she needs to have a good knowledge base about the topic. Nurses need to demonstrate empathy and understanding if the patient is to disclose intimate feelings concerning his/her sexual health. Information is offered that may help nurses to ensure that a truly holistic approach to care is provided to older patients. Finally, recommendations are suggested in order to act in the patient's best interests.
This article discusses the issue of osteoporosis from a male perspective. Osteoporosis is often seen as a woman's disease; however, there are a significant number of men who suffer from osteoporosis and the effects of the disease can have implications for the man's physical, social and psychological well-being. The reasons why osteoporosis may be increasing in the male population are discussed. The possible causes of osteoporosis as well as the risk factors that may put men at danger of contracting the illness are outlined. Bone density is an important factor related to the development of osteoporotic fractures - methods of measuring bone density using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry are provided, as are other important investigations that will be needed. The management and treatment of the male patient with osteoporosis and the role of the nurse are detailed.
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This article provides the nurse with an overview and guidance concerning examination of the adult male genitalia. Issues such as ensuring privacy, developing a relationship and explaining the procedure are discussed. Advice is provided that will allow the nurse to perform the examination using sight, palpation and transillumination, activities that are central to the examination. An overview of the structure and function of male genitalia is provided. Examination of the male genitalia is an intimate activity and in this article emphasis is placed on the issues of informed consent and the importance of ensuring that each patient has a chaperone present during the examination. Detailed discussion is provided to enable the nurse to use a step-by-step approach to ensure a thorough and detailed examination is performed. A checklist and review of the examination process is included.
This article outlines the experiences of nursing and therapy staff regarding the introduction of rehabilitation assistants. The authors discuss issues concerning a role (the rehabilitation assistant) that was created after staff identified that therapeutic input (nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapies), which was provided from Monday to Friday, was not continued over weekend periods. A small-scale audit was carried out to assess the role and the efficacy of the rehabilitation assistant. The results demonstrate specific areas of the rehabilitative process that patients and their carers considered important. These include activities of living, general wellbeing and the patient's view towards rehabilitation over the weekend. This article demonstrates the value of the role of the rehabilitation assistant and how, together with effective multidisciplinary team working, it provides the impetus for a consistent and goal-directed rehabilitative process.
While chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection that predominately affects females, this article concerns men and chlamydia. This article discusses the epidemiology, aetiology and signs and symptoms associated with a chlamydia infection. An outline of the consequences following infection will be presented along with the recommended treatment regimen. Chlamydia has the potential to become the interface between men's health and women's health. Most cases of chlamydia in women are a result of sexual contact with an infected man, and nearly all cases of chlamydia in the male, therefore, are the result of sexual contact with an infected woman. Addressing the sexual healthcare needs of men in relation to chlamydia has the potential to prevent the detrimental effects chlamydia may have on the female.
Android or male obesity is increasing. With greater understanding of the causes, development and outcomes of being obese and overweight, the nurse can begin to help men by using a gender-specific approach towards challenging this increasing global epidemic. This article provides a definition of overweight and obesity using the World Health Organization classification. The prevalence of obesity among men in the UK is outlined, and inequalities are highlighted and discussed. Some men from certain social, economic and ethnic groups are predisposed to developing obesity or becoming overweight. The human and financial implications of obesity and overweight are described and the healthy outcomes associated with the disease are discussed. Methods used to prevent obesity and overweight, such as information giving, pharmacological intervention and bariatric surgery, are outlined. Finally, a call is made for nurses to address male obesity from a gender perspective taking into account the attitudes, hopes and aspirations of men from various social, ethnic and economic backgrounds. Long-term local and national strategic policy is needed if this upward trend in obesity and overweight is to be addressed effectively. Joined-up intergovernmental policy-making approaches are advocated.
This article discusses the impact smoking can have on men's sexual and reproductive health. There is evidence to suggest that smoking can result in alterations of the male sex hormones and is a key cause of and contributor to erectile dysfunction. Smoking can therefore endanger the man's ability to have a family and enjoy sexual activity. A reduction in sperm quality and a reduced response to fertility treatments has also been linked with those men who smoke. The damaging effects of smoking are apparent throughout the lifespan of a smoker. The benefits associated with cessation of smoking are wide and varied with respect to the reproductive health of men; these benefits can include a reduction in the risk of male impotence and an improvement in sexual potency.
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Explore the source record for details and available documents.