OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have reported poorer health behaviors in high vs. low hostile subjects. The role of stress in these observed differences has not been explored although interpersonal stress does increase cardiovascular response in high hostiles. Given evidence that stress may induce increased salt-intake, this study examined the role of hostility and interpersonal stress in increasing sodium consumption in addition to cardiovascular reactivity. METHOD: Sixty-nine male undergraduates were categorized into high (HiHo) and low hostile (LoHo) groups based on Buss-Durkee Hostility Inventory scores. Subjects engaged in either a math task with harassment, math task without harassment, or a control/rest condition. Sodium intake was assessed posttask by having subjects ingest a sodium-free soup that was presented with a saltshaker without any comments. Cardiovascular measures were also recorded. RESULTS: HiHo subjects consumed more salt than LoHo subjects irrespective of experimental condition. HiHo subjects who were harassed also exhibited greater cardiac output, systolic blood pressure, and forearm blood flow than did HiHo nonharassed, HiHo control, or LoHo subjects. CONCLUSION: HiHo subjects exhibited increased salt-intake, although evidence for stress-induced salt-intake was not obtained. Nonetheless, the combination of salt and stress may contribute to the cardiovascular hyperreactivity and risk for cardiovascular disease in hostile individuals.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Intravenous therapy: current practice and nursing concerns.

The field of intravenous (i.v.) therapy has been subject to major change, with increasing numbers of nurses taking on the high profile, technical aspects of care. The transfer of previously medicalized tasks such as cannulation has been welcomed by nurses who are keen to develop practical skills in order to embrace the concept of holistic patient care. This literature review aims to clarify the role of the nurse in i.v. therapy, exploring cannulation as a specific issue. Legal and professional aspects are discussed in terms of extended/expanded practice and practical aspects in terms of i.v. access and maintenance. Discussion focuses on a team approach to the management of i.v. therapy. Finally, the nursing process is applied to an i.v. therapy scenario. Exploration of the nursing issues enables practitioners to justify the expansion of individual practice in order to deliver holistic care and improve standards of service. The review concludes that nurses cannot afford to lose sight of the caring component of their role as a result of immersion in the culture of technical skill acquisition.

Clinical Competence↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Patient-focused care: primary responsibilities of research nurses.

This article provides a critical analysis of the concept of patient-focused care, and discusses its significance to the provision of nursing care in the UK today. Empowerment, as a component of patient-focused care, is addressed within the article in relation to government-led initiatives designed to afford certain rights to health consumers. It focuses specifically on the roles, responsibilities and concerns of the clinical research nurse in relation to patient-focused care and concludes that true patient-focused care will not happen until physicians, nurses and patients are educated and their attitudes changed.

Aged↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Central venous catheter management in patients with cancer.

This article provides a summary on the management of central venous catheters (CVCs) in the person with cancer. The use of CVCs is becoming more commonplace with the emphasis on home-based cancer therapies and the increasing use of high-dose chemotherapy regimens and stem cell rescue. The different types of CVC are examined and the potential complications and nursing management are discussed in this article. Nurses are leading practice in this area, undertaking a holistic assessment of the patient before inserting a CVC that meets their specific medical and personal requirements. A thorough understanding of the use of CVCs, potential complications and patient issues is crucial for sensitive assessment and treatment.

Catheterization, Central Venous↗