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Biomedical subjects

K Penn

Publications and source records attributed to K Penn.

5 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1996

Acupuncture for the relief of cancer-related breathlessness.

The palliation of cancer-related breathlessness is challenging and complex. An open pilot study was conducted, exploring the safety and efficacy of acupuncture in 20 patients who were breathless at rest and whose breathlessness was directly related to primary or secondary malignancy. Sternal and LI4 acupuncture points were used. Outcome measures included pulse, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation and patient-rated visual analogue scales of breathlessness, pain, anxiety and relaxation. At each time point the mean values of the variables were calculated and compared to their pretreatment levels (Student's t-test). Seventy per cent (14/20) of patients reported marked symptomatic benefit from treatment; there were significant changes in VAS scores of breathlessness, relaxation and anxiety at least up to 6 hours post acupuncture which were measured to be maximal at 90 minutes (p < 0.005, p < 0.001, respectively). There was a significant reduction in respiratory rate, which was sustained for 90 minutes post acupuncture (p < 0.02). The therapeutic value of acupuncture in the management of breathlessness requires further evaluation.

Acupuncture Points↗
PubMed1995

Measles pneumonia in the critically ill child: application of alternative ventilation strategies.

Measles pneumonia is a life-threatening complication in children infected with the measles virus. The increased number of reported cases over the last several years suggests a need for heightened awareness of the complication among pediatric critical care nurses. Application of alternative ventilation strategies in the critical care setting continues to be explored in children with ARDS refractory to more conventional ventilation support, because the mortality and morbidity associated with ARDS in children remain high. Patients who present with diffuse, bilateral lung injury, such as in measles pneumonia, may be candidates for alternative ventilation strategies. Few investigators have studied alternative ventilation strategies in the pediatric ICU setting. Therefore, nursing research related to the impact of nursing interventions during alternative ventilation strategies is needed. Specifically, evaluation of ET suctioning practices and other interventions that influence oxygen delivery and consumption are necessary to plan effective care during alternative ventilation strategies and improve patient outcome. Prevention of measles pneumonia is clearly the preferred "treatment." Preventive healthcare is paramount in providing optimal care for children. However, until we can address the environmental factors that predispose children to communicable diseases such as measles, critical care nurses must be knowledgeable about the assessment and management of measles pneumonia.

Child↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Passive euthanasia in palliative care.

Passive euthanasia is invariably practised in palliative care. This article aims to address the legal, moral and ethical implications of not hydrating dying patients and presents the results of a questionnaire assessing doctors' attitudes.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Patient advocacy in palliative care.

Advocacy is a contentious and topical issue and there is continued debate as to whether a nurse can ever truly represent patients' views and interests. This article will address this argument with particular reference to palliative care.

Communication↗