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Biomedical subjects

V Keough

Publications and source records attributed to V Keough.

11 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Characteristics of the trauma recidivist: an exploratory descriptive study.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to identify characteristics and perceptions of trauma recidivists. Information obtained from this study will help health care professionals better understand trauma patients and design more effective trauma prevention programs. METHODS: An exploratory descriptive, correlational design was used. A convenience sample of 100 trauma patients entering a midwestern university medical center were studied. A demographic chart review and a personal interview consisting of 29 questions were conducted for each subject. The interview questions sought information regarding high-risk behavior, risk-taking personality traits, safety precautions used, and social, psychological, and environmental factors surrounding the patient's traumatic event. RESULTS: Thirty-six percent of trauma patients studied were recidivists. The recidivist was more likely to be male, younger than 45 years, a member of a racial minority, single, uninsured, and have less than 12 years of education. Behavioral characteristics common to most recidivists included a history of past arrests, illegal drug use, and having witnessed past violent injuries. DISCUSSION: Trauma remains one of the most devastating diseases facing americans. Characteristics of trauma recidivists have been identified, and further research is needed to test possible interventions to curb the unnecessary trauma injuries that occur every day.

Age Distribution↗
PubMed2001

Blunt chest trauma: review of selected pulmonary injuries focusing on pulmonary contusion.

Pulmonary injuries resulting from blunt chest trauma remain a common clinical entity for critical care and emergency nurses. In this article, the epidemiology and mechanism of injury most often observed in patients with blunt chest trauma are reviewed. Selected pulmonary injuries are discussed in terms of mechanism of injuries, assessment and diagnostic modalities, standard therapies, and cutting-edge therapies used today with a focus on pulmonary contusion. Many advances and experimental therapies currently used in the management of the patient with severe lung injuries are discussed. A case study is presented highlighting a complicated case of a blunt chest injury resulting in severe pulmonary contusion.

Contusions↗
PubMed1997

Patients' responses to the angioplasty experience: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: The number of coronary angioplasty procedures performed has increased more than tenfold in the past decade. Most research to date has focused on efficacy of the procedure, quality-of-life issues, and measures to promote comfort after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. Little or no research has examined the patient's experience during angioplasty. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe the angioplasty experience from the patient's unique perspective. METHOD: Focus-group interviews were used as the qualitative method for data collection. The sample consisted of 45 patients (26 male, 19 female) who had undergone percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty 3 to 18 months before the interviews. Seven focus groups (with four to nine subjects each) were conducted. Each 2-hour interview was tape recorded. Data were analyzed by using a constant comparative method. RESULTS: A wide range of themes emerged from the data. Positive themes included the following: contentment with comfort measures, satisfaction with supportive hospital care, and trust in medical competence. Negative themes included anger over unmet needs for comfort or support, feeling dehumanized, and frustration with lack of control in decision making. CONCLUSIONS: This study uncovered a broad range of experiences among patients undergoing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. Although most participants described very positive experiences, many patients expressed bitter dissatisfaction regarding several aspects of their care. Healthcare providers must be aware of these possible reactions so that they can anticipate, recognize, and intervene early and appropriately.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Focus groups: an exciting approach to clinical nursing research.

The focus group interview is an exciting qualitative research design that is gaining popularity among nurse clinicians and researchers. This article provides a practical approach to designing and implementing focus groups. The authors' own research experience with post-coronary angioplasty patients is used as a model.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Health practices of critical care nurses: are these nurses good role models for patients?

BACKGROUND: Few studies have explored the health practices of critical care nurses. Critical care nurses routinely teach patients about using healthy practices such as low-fat diets, exercise, and routine screening examinations. However, it may be even more important that the nurses themselves have a healthy lifestyle, thus serving as role models for patients. Nurses are selling a product, and that product is health. The best salespersons are those who are genuinely committed to their product and model its benefits. Therefore, critical care nurses' healthful practices can have a profound effect on their patients. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this descriptive exploratory study was to examine critical care nurses' responses to three questions about health practices in their daily lives: (1) What are critical care nurses doing currently to stay healthy? (2) Do they anticipate making any changes in their lifestyle in the future? (3) Would they recommend their lifestyle to their patients? METHODS: One hundred twenty-seven critical care nurses attending a midwestern critical care conference completed a two-part questionnaire designed to produce a health profile. In a man-on-the-street approach, 23 nurses participated in an interview via video camera. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data retrieved from the questionnaires. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed for themes with a constant comparative method. RESULTS: More than 70% of the critical care nurses who responded engage in exercise and follow a healthy, low-fat diet. Seventy-one percent said that they anticipate making a change in their lifestyle in the future, and 70% said that they would recommend their lifestyle to their patients. Five themes emerged from the videotaped interviews: (1) Heart-healthy practices predominated the responses. (2) Incorporating a healthy lifestyle was easy for some and a struggle for others. (3) Critical care nurses readily listed barriers to healthy living. (4) The nurses had a positive attitude about their healthy lifestyles and felt optimistic about being role models for their patients. (5) Future plans were either singular in focus or limited to maintenance of current health habits. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of the nurses reported practicing a healthy lifestyle and thought that they were good role models for patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

A collaborative program for advanced practice in trauma/critical care nursing.

The students and faculty enrolled in the first TNP class have set a standard for future TNPs: a rigorous course of education with advanced practice and scholarship within an advanced practice collaborative model. Because of the increasingly number of trauma victims and the highly specialized care they require, nurses must come forward and provide quality care. The TNPs and their faculty must promote further recognition of the TNP role, become leaders in the field of acute care, and continue to develop and maintain collaborative relationship with physicians in support of advanced practice nursing in many areas of tertiary care. The first three graduates of the trauma/critical care practitioner class are now employed in advanced practice roles and are applying their education within trauma/critical care settings. Two of the students are trauma nurse practitioners in a community hospital, and one is a critical care nurse practitioner in a university hospital. Currently, there is an acute care nurse practitioner certification examination that is appropriate for nurses in the field of trauma/critical care. Co-sponsored by the AACN Certification Corporation and the American Nurses Credentialing Center, this examination is offered twice a year, in June and October. AACN is active in supporting and promoting the TNP role and, in conjunction with the American Nurses Association, has developed new standards of care and scope of practice to include this expanded role for the advanced practice nurse. The future for this exciting and demanding role looks bright for the advanced practice nurse interested in the care of the acutely ill patient. The time is right for this collaboration between nurses and physicians.

Critical Care↗
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↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Recovery patterns and lifestyle changes after coronary angioplasty: the patient's perspective.

BACKGROUND: Progression of coronary atherosclerosis remains a significant problem after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), requiring patients to make ongoing modifications in their coronary risk factors and lifestyle. OBJECTIVE: To examine patients' reactions to suggested lifestyle changes, to identify barriers and facilitators to risk reduction, to identify sources of health information, and to elicit suggestions for nursing interventions to aid in long-term recovery. DESIGN: Qualitative study using 2-hour, tape-recorded focus group sessions. Participants were enrolled in one of seven groups (4 to 9 members each). SAMPLE: Forty-five patients (26 men, 19 women) who had undergone PTCA 3 to 18 months earlier were recruited from a university-affiliated midwestern medical center. RESULTS: Using a constant-comparative method for data analysis, six major themes emerged. Positive themes included seeking control from successful changes made; compromise with medical recommendations to maintain quality of life; and acceptance of the uncertain nature of their disease. Negative themes included powerlessness to stop disease progression; frustration with enacting lifestyle changes; and concerns about the uncertainty of the future. Specific barriers and facilitators for risk reduction were readily identified. Though patients had few suggestions for nursing interventions, the most predominant requests were for newsletters, "hot lines," and a video library. CONCLUSION: These results provide insight into the experiences of the relatively understudied PTCA population. Patients were making at least some of their necessary lifestyle changes, though often with some difficulty. Nurses have an excellent opportunity to expand their focus and provide guidance and support to patients as they adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle.

Adult↗
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↗