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Biomedical subjects

L S Kern

Publications and source records attributed to L S Kern.

7 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1999

The gender specificity of emotional, situational, and behavioral indicators of binge eating in a diet-seeking obese population.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the unique gender correlates of binge eating severity in a diet-seeking population. METHOD: This sample consisted of 288 self-admitted patients enrolled in a residential weight loss program between 1996 and 1997. Subjects were administered several questionnaires including (a) the Binge Eating Scale, (b) the Beck Depression Inventory, (c) the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, (d) 5-point scales of eating related foci, and (e) 7-point scales of subject confidence in controlling their eating under various circumstances. Data were analyzed in terms of stepwise regression analyses. RESULTS: Regression results revealed that while men and women share some common predictors of binge eating severity, there are also some gender-specific correlates. Men in our sample were prone to binge eat because of negative emotions (i.e., depression and anger), while binge eating severity for women in our sample was most strongly related to diet failure and tests of moderate eating. DISCUSSION: The strength of the distinctive gender-specific regressions for binge eating severity suggests that the problems of binging in obese males and females are derivatives of differential sex role expectations. This interpretation and clinical implications are the focus of the discussion.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Management of postoperative atrial fibrillation.

Atrial fibrillation is a common complication of heart surgery. Consequences for the patient who develops this dysrhythmia are many. It prolongs hospitalization, may induce hemodynamic compromise, and carries the risks of thromboembolism and stroke. Ongoing research for the past 30 years has identified several potential etiologies; therefore, management must be highly individualized. This article reviews current and past research on postoperative atrial fibrillation with a focus on individualized prevention and treatment of this problematic heart surgery complication.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗
PubMed1991

The elderly heart surgery patient.

As our elderly population increases, we will be seeing more elderly heart surgery patients. Because of aging's effects on the body, the elderly have different needs from and are more prone to complications of surgery than the younger patient. Drug toxicity, pulmonary complications, unstable hemodynamics, decreased infection defense, impaired swallowing reflexes, and altered skin function are some of the critical problems seen in this group after heart surgery. The aged patient poses some unique challenges for the critical care nurse that, if met, result in a great feeling of achievement when the patient is returned to a normal and prolonged life.

Aged↗
PubMed1990

Emergency exploratory sternotomy: the nurse's role.

Emergency exploratory sternotomy (EES) is a life-saving procedure performed in the recovery room or ICU within the first 24 hours following cardiac surgery. Complications that may necessitate this procedure include: tamponade, hemorrhage, acute profound hypotension, atypical tamponade, coronary artery spasm, clotted grafts, refractory dysrhythmias, and cardiac arrest. The nurse plays an important role in the early recognition of these life-threatening situations and therefore must be able to recognize clinical signs that may preclude the need for EES. This article details the four clinical scenarios the nurse will see, which are: (1) cardiac tamponade, (2) acute profound hypotension where the etiology is unclear, (3) cardiac arrest unresponsive to standard CPR and drug therapy, and (4) acute massive hemorrhage where tamponade is not the primary presenting condition. The procedure for EES is discussed, including preprocedure preparations, the nurse's role in EES, and the post-EES nursing assessment. Nursing diagnoses appropriate to this event are outlined. There is a discussion on how to educate staff on EES as well as a discussion of the research outcomes of EES. Nurses caring for adult and pediatric cardiac surgery patients will find this information useful in establishing protocols for EES as well as in educating staff on how to respond effectively during this life-threatening event.

Cardiac Surgical Procedures↗
PubMed1985

The Fontan procedure.

The Fontan procedure has afforded improved surgical repair for several complex congenital cardiac defects, including tricuspid atresia and single ventricle. Through surgical creation of a connection between the RA and the RV or PA, adequate pulmonary perfusion can be achieved without an RV. Although it is not an anatomic connection, the Fontan procedure is a more physiologic approach than the previously used shunt procedures. Systemic venous return and PVR are effectively separated within the heart, pulmonary blood flow is assured through an RA-to-PA connection, and ventricular volume overload is avoided. The procedure has been effective in relieving cyanosis and has resulted in improved levels of exercise tolerance after surgery.

Blood Vessel Prosthesis↗