The effect of caffeine on heart rate, blood pressure, and cardiac rhythm has long been a controversial issue. A review of the literature reveals numerous articles evaluating the effects of caffeine on normal subjects, fewer evaluating the effects of caffeine on patients with cardiac disease and patients after myocardial infarction. Although the findings for the various populations have been inconsistent, recent studies with large cohorts have clarified the issue. Moderate consumption of caffeine does not significantly increase the risk of a coronary event nor increase the frequency of cardiac arrhythmias. This conclusion applies to healthy persons, patients with ischemic heart disease, and those with serious ventricular ectopy. Patients with cardiac disease should be allowed to consume four to five cups of caffeinated beverages per day while in the coronary care unit or progressive care unit under the surveillance of nursing staff.

Arrhythmias, Cardiac↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Nursing process, student attributes, and teaching methodologies.

This study investigated the relationship among methodologies used in teaching the nursing process, nursing students' ability to use nursing process, and the following student attributes of: field-related perceptual functioning, impulsiveness, locus of control, convergent-divergent thinking ability, and scholastic aptitude. Data were collected from 201 students at the beginning and at the end of their first clinical nursing course in six institutions. Mean scores on the Group Embedded Figures Test, Different Uses Test, and Inference Test increased significantly. The most-used teaching methodology was teacher-dominated presentation; the least-used, individual conference. Findings regarding methods were based on replies from 77 faculty teaching the clinical course. A significant predictive relationship was found between the ability to use nursing process and inference ability, locus of control, and minimal time spent in small group discussion.

Adult↗