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Biomedical subjects

S L Sheahan

Publications and source records attributed to S L Sheahan.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Nurse practitioner peer review: process and evaluation.

PURPOSE: To describe the initiation and evaluation of a nurse practitioner (NP) peer review program for a group of 15 NPs practicing at a Veteran's Affairs Medical Center. DATA SOURCES: Using a standardized review form, 15 NPs performed a peer review on a total of 163 medical records; each review was re-reviewed by 2 researchers who were also NPs. To determine the congruency of the reviews among the 15 NPs, the data were analyzed with Intraclass correlations (ICC) and ANOVA. CONCLUSIONS: A relatively low ICC (r = 0.37) was found for the 15 NPs. The ANOVA indicated that there were significant differences among the NPs (F = 11.92, p < .0001). IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The outcome of a peer review process depends upon the motivation and values of the NPs, practice sites, and standardization of the format, as well as the degree of collective participation. Peer review can reveal charting deficiencies as well as identify topics for continuing education and risk management programs.

Adult↗

Clinical implications of respiratory system changes in aging.

Nurses must consider the many age-related respiratory system changes when assessing and managing respiratory-related symptoms of older individuals. This article reviews upper and lower respiratory tract changes and provides tips for clinical management of the older person. Pertinent respiratory symptom assessment scales are described. Smoking cessation and other health promotion counseling is discussed.

Aged↗

Documentation of health risks and health promotion counseling by emergency department nurse practitioners and physicians.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine medical record documentation of health risk factors and health promotion discharge counseling by nurse practitioners and physicians practicing in an emergency department in the U.S. midwest. METHODS: In this two-group comparative study researchers examined random-stratified medical records 305 nonacute ambulatory patients for selected health risk factors, including smoking, alcohol use, elevated blood pressure, obesity, and dental caries. RESULTS: Fifty-nine percent of this sample of relatively young adults (mean age = 33) had one or more health-risk factors. According to medical record documentation, only 22% of these adults, with nonacute problems, received health promotion counseling. Multivariate analyses indicated that nurse practitioners were slightly more likely to provide smoking cessation counseling than were physicians. CONCLUSIONS: Many opportunities for identification of health risks and follow-up counseling, as recommended in Healthy People 2000 and by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, were not documented. To meet the new goals of Healthy People 2010, health care providers in all settings should identify health risk factors and document health promotion counseling during every patient encounter.

Adult↗

Psychoactive medication, alcohol use, and falls among older adults.

The purposes of this study were to determine: (1) the prevalence of psychoactive medication and alcohol use and (2) the relationship among psychoactive medications, alcohol use, and falls in a sample of 1028 independently living women and men, aged 55 and older. Twenty-six percent of the sample reported falling, 28% were taking one or more psychoactive drugs, and 38% drank alcohol during the past year. Analyses with logistic regression indicate that predictors of falls were psychoactive drug use, age, and number of illnesses. Living alone, frequency of alcohol use, and gender were not significant predictors.

Accidental Falls↗

Demographic predictors of smoking at initiation of antenatal care.

The purpose of the retrospective epidemiologic study was to determine smoking prevalence and its correlates among pregnant women. Data for the study were collected from 477 randomly selected medical records of pregnant women attending a Kentucky obstetrical clinic. Logistic regression analysis, when controlling for age and education, showed that significant predictors of smoking prior to pregnancy were being married and being a woman of color. Significant demographic predictors of smoking at initiation of antenatal care were being married, being a woman of color, early age at onset of smoking, and number of cigarettes smoked per day.

Adolescent↗

Identifying female sexual dysfunctions.

Despite the presence of an ideology of sexual enlightenment in contemporary society, many females experience a sexual dysfunction. The media reinforce women's right to experience sexual fulfillment by creating ideal types that in many instances are unrealistic and promote additional sexual frustration. Unfortunately, myths about sexuality persist and clients are often not encouraged to discuss their sexual concerns during clinic encounters. This article presents an overview of female sexual dysfunctions, a format for eliciting information to reveal sexual problems, and some management techniques that can be implemented by clinicians.

Female↗

Management of common parasitic infections encountered in primary care.

Ascaris lumbricoides, Enterobius vermicularis, Strongyloides stercoralis and Giardia lamblia are among the most frequently diagnosed human pathogenic parasites in the United States. Primary care practitioners need to be aware of the overt and covert signs and symptoms of these parasitic infections. This article focuses on the diagnosis and management of these common parasites.

Adult↗

Elbow pain.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Aged↗

Management of breast lumps.

This article discusses the management of the client who presents with a breast lump or abnormality. Approximately 25 percent of women who seek advice in a primary care setting do so because of a breast-related complaint. The practitioner can be instrumental not only in discovering breast abnormalities, but also in facilitating referral for further diagnostic measures, teaching BSE and providing psychological support to the client who has a breast lesion.

Breast Diseases↗

Chlamydia trachomatis infections: a health problem of infants.

As a result of chlamydia epidemic in the adult population, the incidence of Chlamydia trachomatis in infants is increasing. Certain population groups are at risk for development of an infection. This article discusses the epidemiology, microbiology, symptomatology, and management of this problem.

Chlamydia Infections↗

Sexual behavior, communication, and chlamydial infections among college women.

The sexual practices, partner communication patterns, and prevalence of chlamydial infection were determined in a sample of college women. Specific inclusion criteria were used to screen 146 participants. The presence of a mucopurulent cervical discharge was the only criterion significantly associated with infection. Only 12% of the sample used condoms alone or in combination with another birth control method, and only 31% of the women discussed with their partner their own or their partner's sexual history. Thirty-eight percent of the sample reported a history of one to four episodes of a sexually transmitted disease, and 21% of the women stated they had had two or more sexual partners within the past 6 months. Health providers, counselors, and women themselves must address this health issue with more assertive behavior and communication skills.

Adolescent↗

Stress and tobacco addiction.

Primary care providers are confronted on a daily basis with persons who are addicted to tobacco. Research studies have demonstrated an association between substance use and stress and coping. This paper discusses macro- and micro-level perspectives of stress that need to be considered in the management of tobacco addition. Lazarus's stress and coping paradigm is emphasized as a useful framework for managing addicted clients.

Adaptation, Psychological↗