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Biomedical subjects

M Letizia

Publications and source records attributed to M Letizia.

18 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2002

A multicenter evaluation of the CARLA system for the measurement of specific IgE antibodies vs. other different methods and skin prick tests.

The evaluation of specific IgE by using appropriate immunoassays represents a useful alternative diagnostic procedure where skin prick tests (SPTs) are not conclusive in clarifying the etiological role of suspected allergens. This study compares the results of the evaluation of specific IgE by using the CARLA system vs. other commercially available immunoassays (CAP system, Ala-STAT Medical system, ALLERgen IFCI Clone System) carried out on the same blood samples obtained from allergic/SPTs negative patients and vs. SPTs. We evaluated serum specific IgE produced against five selected allergens (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Olea europaea, Parietaria judaica, Lolium perenne and Phleum pratense) by using these immunoassays and the correlations between the results of SPTs and IgE evaluations. We demonstrated a good correlation between these last parameters including a high degree of sensitivity and specificity. The reproducibility of the CARLA system was very high by comparing the results obtained by two different laboratories. The results of the CARLA system were well correlated to those of other well-known immunoassays such as CAP system and Ala STAT system. In conclusion, the CARLA system represents an efficient and reliable immunoassay for the evaluation of serum specific IgE.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Intermittent subcutaneous injections for symptom control in hospice care: a retrospective investigation.

An alternative route to oral medications used by some hospice programs is intermittent injections of medications using an indwelling subcutaneous butterfly needle. The nurse places the infusion sets and instructs caregivers on medication administration. Although this method has become more common in hospice care, it has not received much attention in part because of a lack of data to support its efficacy. This study describes the use of intermittent subcutaneous medications for symptom relief in a home hospice program. A chart review was conducted of the 191 patients who received medications by this route during three calendar years; 77% had cancer. The average duration of hospice care was 25 days; on average, intermittent subcutaneous medications were instituted 4 days prior to the patient's death. The main indications for this route were inability to swallow/somnolence (65%), and pain unresponsive to oral medication (19%). Symptoms to be controlled by this method were pain (88%), anxiety (72%), and dyspnea (4%). Morphine was used most frequently for pain, and Ativan was used most frequently for anxiety. Side effects from the medications and problems with this route of administration were rarely reported, thereby supporting the practicality of this method in hospice care. These results form the foundation for a prospective study that is documenting staff, patient, and caregiver variables that impact on the effectiveness and manageability of this method of symptom management in hospice care.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT).

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a complication of heparin therapy that can cause arterial and venous thrombosis. Because heparin is widely used in the medical-surgical population, nurses must be aware of this clinically significant drug reaction. The pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of HIT are reviewed.

Anticoagulants↗
PubMed1997

Drug-induced hepatic injury.

Hepatic injury due to medications and other substances is a serious, life-threatening condition. Nurses must act to prevent this disorder and identify and treat patients who have been exposed to hepatotoxic agents.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Eat smart for your heart: an educational program.

"Eat Smart for Your Heart" is a school-based educational program which has been designed for parents of elementary school-aged children. The program offers nutritional information in an effort to promote cardiovascular health for families. This article describes the process involved in the design, implementation, and evaluation of the program.

Child↗
PubMed1994

Where are we headed? Facing the challenge of elderly trauma.

1. The elder population, in comparison with younger populations, not only suffers different types of trauma injury, but also responds differently to their injuries. 2. Nursing care in the resuscitation phase includes careful assessment to evaluate physiologic trends and patterns of response. Ideally, this is done, along with treatment of injuries, within the first hour following trauma. 3. During the first 24 hours post-trauma, a hypermetabolic state occurs approximating twice the normal state. Within 24 to 96 hours postinjury, the body remains acutely catabolic and stressed, but hemodynamic stability is achievable. 4. While strict attention is given to the prevention of infection throughout the resuscitation phase, sepsis remains one of the most serious complications facing the trauma patient. Pain also cannot be dissociated from the acute to the recovery phase of the illness.

Aged↗
PubMed1994

The self-defense mechanism of fever.

Body temperature is the result of a complex interaction of factors and serves as an important defense mechanism. A discussion of thermoregulation and fever development provides the basis for nursing actions with febrile patients.

Body Temperature↗
PubMed1993

Right ventricular infarction vs. left ventricular infarction: review of pathophysiology, medical treatment, and nursing care.

Myocardial infarction is a significant health problem causing tremendous morbidity and mortality in the United States. Differences exist between right and left ventricular wall myocardial infarction which influence the treatment and nursing care rendered. Knowledge of the pathophysiology and management of right versus left ventricular infarction is important in providing proper patient care.

Humans↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Blunt cardiac injury in the elderly trauma patient.

Elderly patients are at significant risk for development of complications after a traumatic event as a result of the aging process. This case discusses the diagnosis and sequelae of blunt cardiac injury, as well as the needs and approaches for an elderly patient. Nursing care interventions are provided.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Development and testing of the Clinical Post-Conference Learning Environment Survey.

Clinical postconference is an integral component of the required laboratory hours in undergraduate baccalaureate nursing education. Empirical evidence supporting the educational benefits of this activity are nearly nonexistent. This article describes the development and psychometric testing of a self-report instrument designed to measure clinical postconference learning environments as perceived by undergraduate nursing students and faculty. The Clinical Post-Conference Learning Environment Survey (CPCLES) consists of 54 items and has been tested with more than 500 participants in three schools of nursing in the Midwest. Based on theoretical support and comprehensive review of the literature, six components of the learning environment are measured in two forms of the instrument; an actual scale and an importance scale. Content validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability are discussed. Using the CPCLES, perceptions of undergraduate nursing students and faculty were measured. Significant differences between the actual components of the learning environment and the correlated ratings of the importance of these components were found. Faculty perceived a significantly greater amount of teacher support, task orientation, and innovation in the postconference learning environment than did undergraduate students. No differences were noted between faculty and students regarding the importance of the learning environment components. This study presents findings with the use of the first instrument developed to measure clinical postconference learning environments. The congruence and discrepancy among and between learning groups' perceptions carry implications for educational practices in this setting. Subseqent investigations using this tool may be able to link the perceived learning environment to valued cognitive, affective, and behavioral learning outcomes.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The development of a hospice junior volunteer program.

In the United States, volunteer services are mandated by hospice Medicare guidelines; volunteers provide a very valuable service to patients, families, and other members of the interdisciplinary team. A hospice junior volunteer program can engage teens in the care of the dying in our communities. This article describes the development and implementation of a junior volunteer program at St. Thomas Hospice in Hinsdale, Illinois.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Intermittent subcutaneous injections of pain medication: effectiveness, manageability, and satisfaction.

This study describes the use of intermittent subcutaneous injections of medications for pain control in a home hospice program. Six questionnaires were used to collect data over a one-year time period on the 52 patients who received medications by this route. Eighty-four percent of those patients had a diagnosis of cancer; patients received hospice care for a mean of 25 days. On average, intermittent subcutaneous medications were instituted three days prior to the patient's death. The main indication for this route was difficulty swallowing. Morphine was the most frequently used drug; side effects from the medication and problems with the route were rarely reported. Demographic information was collected on both the nursing staff and patients' caregivers; analysis indicated that caregivers were able to manage the injections and were satisfied with the method. Assessment of pain prior to and following the injections demonstrated the effectiveness of this method in controlling patients' pain.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A review of preceptorship in undergraduate nursing education: implications for staff development.

Nurse educators regularly develop clinical learning experiences for undergraduate students using the expertise of experienced RNs as preceptors. Preceptors help students develop a knowledge base and clinical skills. This article reports a literature review and summarizes the benefits of preceptorship, outlines preceptor responsibilities and qualities, and discusses the process of preceptor selection and role preparation. Suggestions for collaborative efforts regarding the preceptor experience among staff nurses, nurse educators, and staff development educators are highlighted.

Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate↗