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Biomedical subjects

J Edwards-Beckett

Publications and source records attributed to J Edwards-Beckett.

14 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1994

Shunt dysfunction and constipation: could there be a link?

A ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt is the treatment of choice for hydrocephalus, functioning by means of a pressure differential between the ventricular system and peritoneal cavity. Constipation is frequently a concomitant problem in children with VP shunts. A case study is reported in which signs and symptoms of shunt dysfunction appear to have developed as a result of constipation. Nurses and physicians must address the need for preventing constipation much more aggressively in the population requiring shunts.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed1994

Ventriculoperitoneal shunt dysfunction and constipation: a chart review.

Children treated for hydrocephalus frequently experience chronic constipation. A retrospective chart review was conducted to determine if there is a population of children with ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt dysfunction in whom constipation might be a factor in the shunt dysfunction. Of 51 cases reviewed, 19 had documented constipation, such as no bowel movement for 2 or more days, small hard ball-like stools or fullness of the colon noted on physical examination or abdominal radiographs. In 6 cases, a bowel cleansing was performed and signs and symptoms of shunt dysfunction resolved without shunt revision. This review suggests that constipation may affect the fluid or pressure dynamics of the VP shunt and contribute to shunt dysfunction.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Caregivers' expectations of future learning of dependents with a developmental disability.

Attitudes and expectations of caregivers affect the development of children, including those with a developmental disability. The purpose of this study was to examine caregivers' expectations of their dependent with a developmental disability and caregiver attributions in relation to these expectations. Primary caregivers (N = 35) were interviewed about their expectations and attributions related to the dependents' achievements. Expectations were measured by the Predictive Adaptive Ability Questionnaire (PAAQ). Expectations were significantly predicted by the degree of developmental delay and number of handicaps. Caregivers expected less of dependents who had a lower developmental age/chronological age ratio than for dependents whose developmental level more closely approximated the chronological age. Results suggest that nurses should assess caregivers' expectations for the future development of their dependent with a developmental disability and the basis for those expectations.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Implementation of a quiet hour: effect on noise levels and infant sleep states.

It is necessary to decrease environmental stimuli in order to provide developmentally supportive care to the very low birthweight (VLBW) infant, thereby enhancing the sleep/wake cycle and possibly physiologic stability. The purpose of this study was to determine if it was possible to decrease the noise level in the Developmental Unit, and promote sleep states in infants on the unit. After determining control noise levels and infant state, the last hour of each shift was designated a Quiet Hour. During this time, noise levels were monitored in the room in five locations. Infant sleep states were also noted. The results indicate that noise levels decreased significantly on two of the three shifts. Fewer infants were crying during the Quiet Hour than the control period (2.4 vs 14.3 percent), and more were in deep or light sleep (84.5 vs 33.9 percent). This study demonstrates that noise levels in Developmental Units can be significantly decreased, and that the decreased noise levels positively impact infant state. By enhancing sleep states, nurses can enhance the long term developmental outcome of the VLBW infant. However, the reduction of noise is highly dependent on the collaborative efforts of all health care providers within the unit.

Clinical Nursing Research↗
PubMed1991

Caregiver attributions of success or failure of their mentally retarded dependent.

Attitudes and expectations may have an effect on the development and well-being of the mentally retarded. The purpose of this study was to examine caregiver attributions of their developmentally disabled dependent's successes or failures and the congruence of these beliefs with attributional theory. The results indicate that the majority of caregiver explanations adhere to the attributional framework and that the attributions appear related to the dependent's age.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

Nursing research utilization techniques.

The author reviews the literature to identify techniques for the facilitation of nursing research utilization. Nine general themes were employed to organize techniques. Techniques within each theme may be implemented by individual nurses, small groups, or organizations. The review supports the need for the concerted efforts of the entire profession to implement research findings into practice.

Education, Nursing↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The impact of spinal pathology on bowel control in children.

There are two basic mechanisms of bowel control: anatomic and neurologic. The structures involved in bowel control include the colon, rectum, internal and external anal sphincters, and pelvic musculature. Also involved is the process of neural innervation. A pediatric patient's bowel function and control are altered as a result of spinal pathology. Upper motor neuron lesions leave the reflex arc intact but with a lack of voluntary control. Stimulation and timing are important in the development of a successful bowel program for pediatric patients with these lesions. In contrast, lower motor neuron lesions impair the reflex arc and result in a flaccid bowel. The pediatric patient's rectum may be extremely compliant and store copious amounts of hard stool. In such cases, bowel control is much more difficult to attain. This article presents implications for rehabilitation nursing practice for each type of lesion in pediatric rehabilitation patients.

Child↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A national survey of endotracheal suctioning techniques in the pediatric population.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the current suctioning practices nationally of experienced pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) nurses. DESIGN: A written survey method was used for this descriptive study. POPULATION: All PICUs in the 92 hospitals listed in the 1991 National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions directory. PARTICIPANTS: Staff nurses with more than 3 years experience were requested to complete the questionnaire in relation to their endotracheal suctioning practices of PICU patients. RESULTS: The questionnaire was returned by 80 (90%) PICUs. A wide range of suctioning techniques were used. Most respondents reported hyperoxygenation, hyperventilation, and/or hyperinflation of the patient's respiratory system before suctioning. Nursing judgment and the patient's clinical condition were used to determine when a suctioning procedure was needed. Most respondents (71%) indicated inserting the suction catheter until resistance was met. Normal saline-solution irrigant was used by all but one respondent. A manual resuscitation bag was used routinely during suctioning. Eighty percent of respondents reported that few patients displayed an adverse response to the suctioning procedure. RECOMMENDATIONS: The study should be replicated with direct observations of actual PICU suctioning practices. Suctioning techniques should be examined in relation to specific groups of PICU patients. Further research is needed to determine the optimal practice for rates of hyperventilation, percentage of oxygen increase during hyperoxygenation, and pressure increase during hyperinflation.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Child development: what do parents expect?

Expectations of future development were assessed in parents of non-disabled children (n = 240) using the Predictive Adaptive Ability Questionnaire (PAAQ). The reliability estimate for the overall PAAQ was 0.90, with a test-retest reliability of 0.99 and an interrater reliability of 0.83. Parental expectations did not significantly differ from normal adaptive ability developmental standards. Longitudinal examination of parental expectations and their influence on child development and the impact of chronic illness on such expectations is recommended.

Achievement↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The sociocultural context of families with a child with myelomeningocele.

The purpose of this article is to describe in greater detail the sociocultural context of, and its level of supportiveness for, families with a child with myelomeningocele. Using the Family Management Style framework and a semistructured interview guide, the authors interviewed 30 mothers and fathers in this qualitative study. Families were stratified by age of the child with myelomeningocele. Fifteen categories reflecting components of the sociocultural context were identified. Across the fifteen categories, three major themes emerged: (a) Sharing Information, (b) Interpersonal Interactions, and (c) Supports/Hindrances. Levels of supportiveness across the three themes were described as supportive, moderately supportive, moderately nonsupportive, and nonsupportive. An exemplar case is presented for each. To assist families better, nurses need to assess each family's sociocultural context and its perceived level of supportiveness in the course of managing the child's chronic condition. Families require developmentally appropriate and current information specific to their situations. Interpersonal interactions should be individualized with a goal of empowering the family. Nurses should also determine supports or hindrances that may be modified through the plan of care.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Research-related learning needs of Ohio nurses.

Barriers to research utilization continue to obstruct nursing's goal of research-based practice. A survey was conducted to explore the diverse research-related learning needs of Ohio nurses. The survey results suggest at least two distinct nursing practice groups. One nursing group cited an educational need for basic, general research information that included how to utilize research in practice and teaching; the second group was most concerned with the actual performance of research. In order to maximize nursing research utilization in the 1990s, nurse educators must address the profession's diverse research-focused learning needs.

Clinical Nursing Research↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Perceptions of nursing staff development. A replication study.

The authors, in this study, replicate the research of Kirsch (1987, 1990) and contribute to the knowledge base of nursing staff development. This replication partially supports the original research findings related to work satisfaction, organizational commitment, hospital-sponsored education, and intent to remain in the institution. An extension of the replication study was the comparison of responses from full and part-time nursing staff members.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗