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Biomedical subjects

K McCauley

Publications and source records attributed to K McCauley.

13 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Vasospasm-induced heart block.

A syncopal episode in an elderly patient with a history of carotid disease, multiple cardiac risk factors, and new onset chest pain presents diagnostic challenges. This case study describes the experience of a woman with coronary vasospasm accompanied by conduction deficits. The patient's history, diagnostic work-up, and treatment program are presented. The relationship between the coronary artery anatomic defects and the conduction abnormalities are discussed.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

Learning retention in patients receiving midazolam during permanent pacemaker implantation.

This pilot study (N = 20) tested the effects of intravenous midazolam administration on learning retention after pacemaker implantation. Patients were randomized to receive teaching at 1 or 3 hours after the last dose of midazolam. Using a standardized teaching format, one of two study nurses performed the teaching that included incision care, activity restrictions, environmental factors potentially affecting pacemaker function, and follow-up requirements. Learning was evaluated by one of the investigators blinded to teaching time. Subjects in the 1-hour group retained significantly less information than those taught at 3 hours after drug administration. Patients taught later answered similar numbers of questions correctly, whereas there was much more variability in correct responses for the group taught earlier. This article reviews the effects of midazolam on memory and learning as well as provides suggestions for alterations in patient education protocols for patients receiving midazolam for pacemaker implantation. The effect of shortened length of stay on care practices is also discussed.

Anesthetics, Intravenous↗
PubMed1993

Thyrotoxic atrial fibrillation: pathophysiology, detection, and management.

Hyperthyroidism is a frequently misdiagnosed cause of atrial fibrillation. Difficulties associated with diagnosis are related to physiologic idiosyncrasies, concomitant illnesses, and medication regimens that may alter thyroid function and thyroid function tests. These factors are described. Nurses have a key role in assisting patients to manage hyperthyroidism and atrial fibrillation through case finding, assessment, education, and psychological support.

Atrial Fibrillation↗
PubMed1992

Why me? Causal thinking, affect, and expectations in myocardial infarction patients.

This study investigated whether patients who seek an explanation for their heart attack, as compared to those who do not, differ in their affect, in expectations about their future recovery, and in expectations about coping with their future. Forty-two myocardial infarction patients were interviewed, in both the acute and convalescent stages, as to whether they had thought about "Why me?" Approximately half of the patients at each stage reported searching for an answer to that question. The patients remained generally consistent in their self-reported anxiety, depression, and hostility over time; however, patients who had not thought about "Why me?" reported less anxiety than those who had. No significant differences were found in affect in patients who gave a specific cause for their heart attack and in those who could not. Patients were significantly less optimistic about their future recovery at follow-up than when they were in the hospital, but there were no differences in expectations for future recovery or for future coping of those who had and those who had not thought about "Why me?"

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1984

Learning to live with controlled ventricular tachycardia: utilizing the Johnson model.

In view of the multifaceted needs of both patients and families, the role of the nurse lies in assessing system instability and in prioritizing efforts for stabilization within the hospital. Since the problems are so complex, it may be impossible to resolve all of them before discharge. Therefore, follow-up referrals to counseling services and visiting nurse associations are helpful. Of added benefit is an ongoing, supportive relationship with a physician and/or a nurse specialist who is familiar with the needs of these special patients and their families. The use of a behavioral systems model such as Johnson's assists the nurse in organizing assessments of patient and family needs and in planning nursing strategies to meet those needs. The patient's very realistic fears of dying coupled with the frequently occurring loss of cardiac function present an enormous challenge to the nurses who work with them. The close professional relationships that result from this process are extremely rewarding.

Achievement↗
PubMedDate not supplied

On the prevalence of causal search in illness situations.

The prevalence of causal search was examined in two samples, one of chronically ill patients, the other of acutely ill patients. In contrast to the assumption that causal search occurs in important or unexpected life events, the results indicated that such a search was reported by only about half of 296 long-term diabetic, hypertensive, and arthritic patients and 83 newly diagnosed myocardial infarction patients. Moreover, in both samples, affect and expectancies for the future were better for those who had not engaged in causal search. Further research to examine the questions used to elicit causal responses and to test the assumption that causal thinking takes place is suggested.

Acute Disease↗