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Biomedical subjects

Tonks N Fawcett

Publications and source records attributed to Tonks N Fawcett.

11 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2007

Nitric oxide and nursing: a review.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This paper, therefore, aimed to review published literature in this area of pharmacological exploitation, to look at the therapeutic applications and clinical relevance and, by so doing, provide an accessible source for nurses to gain insight into the role of nitric oxide in the clinical setting. BACKGROUND: Nitric oxide is a chemical mediator fundamental in the maintenance of adequate tissue perfusion and effective cardiovascular function; a major endogenous regulator of vascular tone. The use of nitrates are well established as pharmacological agents but it is only recently that it has been recognized that they act as a source of nitric oxide. Although widely addressed within the medical literature, there appears to be a paucity of nursing literature that explores either its physiological action, or its relevance to nursing practice. CONCLUSIONS: This literature review provides an overview of the use of nitric oxide and its implications for nursing practice and patient outcomes. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Knowledge of nitric oxide and its action is pertinent to nurses across diverse specialities. It helps in understanding the principles of many nitrogen-derived medications which nurses administer to their patients on a daily basis. In terms of oral medication, this is demonstrated by greater insights into the action of nitrates, the appreciation of surprising developments in medications such as sildenafil and the development of new drug opportunities such as nitric oxide-non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Equally, the use of inhaled nitric oxide therapy in adult and neonatal critical care units appears to be an increasingly valuable source of treatment. A particular research challenge is found in the attempt at nitric oxide inhibition in the management of septic shock. The authors argue that understanding such esoteric areas of therapeutic developments is increasingly to be part of the repertoire of knowledge and skills for nurses in the 21st century.

Administration, Inhalation↗
PubMed2005

Parental responses to health care services for children with chronic conditions and their families: a comparison between Hong Kong and Scotland.

Families caring for a chronically-ill child are known to experience a significant degree of stress that often is not fully understood by health professionals. The purpose of this study was to examine, cross culturally, the experience of families caring for children with chronic conditions both in terms of the impact on their lives and the nature of the support received. The responsibility of caring for a child with a chronic condition had considerable impact on family life in both groups, with the disturbance to harmony possibly being felt more keenly in the Hong Kong group. Effective communication with parents was seen in both countries as key for effective practice. Expectations of health services differed between cultures. Implications can be drawn for the design of future health services addressing the specific health needs of families with children with chronic illness.

Child↗
PubMed2004

The challenge of spiritual care in a multi-faith society experienced as a Christian nurse.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the spiritual dimension of holistic nursing care is arguably regaining its centrality in the assessment of patient well being in whatever area of care. However it is argued that we are still far from having a universal agreement as to what is meant by the concept of spirituality. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This paper aims to explore some of the definitions and models of spirituality and determine what is meant by spiritual needs. Taking the perspective of a Christian nurse, the potential tension between the nature of spiritual care and evidence-based professionalism is explored. CONCLUSION: The exploration reveals the challenges faced by a nurse who wishes to administer this spiritual care and holds a personal commitment to the Christian faith. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Acknowledging and debating the challenge of spiritual care is arguably the first step towards meeting optimally this need in our patients. The dilemma that may need to be further explored within the context of nursing care is how a nurse, holding and operating within one particular belief (e.g. Christianity) can offer the ideal of spiritual care to patients who hold other, quite different beliefs.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed2004

The causes of cancer-related fatigue and approaches to its treatment.

Despite the evidence that patients with cancer experience fatigue as a symptom of their condition or as a consequence of treatment, there is no uniform definition of the term, making it difficult to identify the causes. Patients also lack professional support to help them cope. This paper describes the potential causes of fatigue and provides some management solutions.

Fatigue↗
PubMed2002

Responding to the information needs of patients with cancer.

Cancer care has progressed from the days when doctors alone chose treatments for cancer patients and decided what information to give them. Patients are now more involved in their own care and information-giving has become a priority for nurses. However, achieving the right balance in information provision for individual patients is a challenge.

Communication↗
PubMed2002

The classification, grading and staging of cancer development.

Many patients see cancer as one disease whereas it is a collection of diseases with several common features. This month's study paper looks at the biology of cancer and explores the classification and staging of its complex disease processes. Such information is useful for all nurses, who frequently care for patients undergoing tests for cancer or receiving treatment.

Humans↗
PubMed2002

Wound cleansing: the evidence for the techniques and solutions used.

Nurses are constantly urged to back up their practice with research-based evidence. In the field of tissue viability and wound cleansing, however, it can be difficult to evaluate the research and expert opinion published. In this paper, the authors summarise the evidence on wound cleansing techniques, choice of equipment and cleansing agents in the ward setting.

Debridement↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Multiple sclerosis: living the reality.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a highly variable and unpredictable disease and is considered one of the most life-altering diagnoses a person can receive (Holland and Madonna, 2005). The hallmark of this disorder is its unpredictability. This article explores the journey one individual (ML) takes from the time that seemingly trivial symptoms took on a new and disturbing meaning to the point where, as someone newly diagnosed with MS, the potential challenges of the journey ahead have to be viewed with realism, optimism, and meaning.

Anecdotes as Topic↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Chronic fatigue syndrome: the nurse's role.

BACKGROUND: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), a disorder of no proven cause, is characterised by extended periods of extreme, debilitating fatigue and related symptoms. This article discusses this distressing disorder and identifies the needs of those who have it. The authors suggest that the nurse could fulfil the role of key professional carer, interacting with the individual with CFS to co-ordinate care and form the pivotal therapeutic relationship. CONCLUSION: CFS remains a chronic illness of uncertain cause and prognosis. For those with CFS, care priorities involve validation, information and advocacy, a therapeutic relationship and co-ordinated care. The particular philosophy of care held by nurses makes them potentially ideal co-ordinators of care for those with CFS.

Continuity of Patient Care↗