Gluten is a protein complex found in the endosperm portion of wheat, rye, and barley. "Gluten-related disorder" is a term used to describe conditions related to ingestion of gluten-containing foods. Gluten has been impli...Gluten is a protein complex found in the endosperm portion of wheat, rye, and barley. "Gluten-related disorder" is a term used to describe conditions related to ingestion of gluten-containing foods. Gluten has been implicated as the cause of a variety of gastrointestinal (GI) and extraintestinal symptoms. These symptoms are often non-specific and variable, making it difficult for the primary care provider to diagnose the cause and develop a management plan. Recently, gluten-related disorders have received much attention in the popular press, and the sale of gluten-free foods has become a multi-billion dollar business. It is important for pediatric primary care providers to understand the potential role of gluten in GI health and symptomatology so appropriate screening, diagnostic testing, and management can be provided.
Although diapers are essential for child health, nearly one in three American families cannot afford them (National Diaper Bank Network, 2013). A gap referred to as diaper need, the difference between the numbers of diap...Although diapers are essential for child health, nearly one in three American families cannot afford them (National Diaper Bank Network, 2013). A gap referred to as diaper need, the difference between the numbers of diapers infants require to stay clean and comfortable less the amount of diapers a family can afford without cutting back on other basic essentials, can have severe consequences for infants parents, and society. Within the context of the need for and economics of diapers, these severe consequences alert pediatric nurses to the impact they can have to bridge the diaper gap, thereby helping to alleviate diaper-related conditions and providing holistic, family-centered care.
Pullen L, Modrcin MA, McGuire SL
… +3 more, Lane K, Kearnely M, Engle S
Pediatr Nurs
· 2015 · PMID 26201172
Anger is a common factor in two causes of death in adolescence: homicide and suicide. This study looked at the level of anger in non-clinical convenience sample of adolescents (N = 139) between the ages of 12 and 19 year...Anger is a common factor in two causes of death in adolescence: homicide and suicide. This study looked at the level of anger in non-clinical convenience sample of adolescents (N = 139) between the ages of 12 and 19 years (early: 12 to 14 years, mid: 15 to 16 years, late: 17 to 19 years) from a large Southeastern Baptist church. Participants completed the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory, Beck and Children's Depression Inventories, and Children of Alcoholics Screening Test (CAST). The level of self-reported anger was low. The difference in anger between the three age groups was not statistically significant. Differences in gender were generally not significant statistically. A strong correlation exists between stress and anger. A minor relationship between parental drinking behaviors, as measured by the CAST, and anger was found. A significant relationship between anger and depression, and frequency of participation in religious activity and decreased anger was established. By increasing the current knowledge of anger in adolescents, it may be possible to gain insight into risk factors or triggers that cause anger. Interventions must be implemented early to prevent juvenile detention and to help adolescents remain in the community. Public policies addressing anger in adolescents are essential. Health care providers must work together to identify adolescents with disorders or feelings of isolation or disconnect and provide treatment based in communities so adolescents can still function and not be isolated. It is relevant that a mentor or someone that can be trusted is provided to build a safe and secure environment. This greater knowledge may aid in assessment and treatment of adolescents with dysfunctional anger.
Existing research shows that hospitalized patients, especially pediatric burn patients, are often sleep deprived. A pre-existing diagnosis of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) further compounds a burn patie...Existing research shows that hospitalized patients, especially pediatric burn patients, are often sleep deprived. A pre-existing diagnosis of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) further compounds a burn patient's inability to sleep. This retrospective study compared the effectiveness of zolpidem on patients with acute burns with ADHD (n = 23) and patients with acute burns without ADHD (n = 23). Effectiveness was defined based on the need for a change in the sleep medication or an increase in the zolpidem dose during the first 12 days of treatment. This study found that sleep dysfunction was similar in pediatric burn patients with and without a concurrent diagnosis of ADHD. Sixteen (69.6%) patients with and 13 (56.5%) patients without ADHD required a sleep medication change (p = 0.541). Further, while patients with ADHD required a sleep medication change (median = 5 days) sooner than those without ADHD (median = 9 days), it appears that zolpidem is not an effective drug for managing sleep in pediatric burn patients with or without ADHD.
In the last two decades, the number of new cases of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among U.S. adolescents has increased (Fagot-Campagna et al., 2000; SEARCH Study Group, 2006), which may be related to the lack of health...In the last two decades, the number of new cases of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among U.S. adolescents has increased (Fagot-Campagna et al., 2000; SEARCH Study Group, 2006), which may be related to the lack of health-promoting behaviors, such as a balanced diet and adequate physical exercise. This descriptive correlational study examined the relationship between perceived risk for T2DM, dietary intake, and physical activity in adolescents (N = 80) 13 to 18 years of age. The Children's Health Belief Model (Bush & lannotti, 1990) was the conceptual framework used for testing the theoretical relationships. Participants completed the following instruments: 1) Knowledge of Risk Factors for T2DM, 2) Health Beliefs for T2DM, 3) Godin-Shepard Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (Godin & Shepard, 1997), and 4) the Demographic/Medical Questionnaire. Significant relationships were found between perceived risk, a subset of the Health Beliefs for T2DM scale, and the health promoting behaviors of dietary intake and physical activity. Implications for health-promoting nursing practice related to adolescent perception of risk and health-promoting behaviors of dietary intake and physical activity are addressed.
This study examined bullying and cyberbullying prevalence among 367 adolescents 10 to 18 years of age who were attending schools and community organizations in suburban and urban neighborhoods in the Midwest United State...This study examined bullying and cyberbullying prevalence among 367 adolescents 10 to 18 years of age who were attending schools and community organizations in suburban and urban neighborhoods in the Midwest United States. The correlational design investigated adolescents' daily use of technology that could be used to cyberbully peers, such as cell phones, computers, email, and the Internet. Results showed that 30% of participants had been bullied during school, and 17% had been cyberbullied, with online social networking sites the most common media employed (68%). The majority of participants owned or had access to computers (92%), email accounts (88%), social networking accounts (e.g., Facebook or MySpace) (82%), and cell phones (79%). Daily technology use included an average of two hours on a computer and a median of 71 text messages per day. Logistic regression analysis revealed no significant differences in bullying or cyberbullying prevalence based on location (urban or suburban) or demographic characteristics. Given the substantial presence of cyberbullying and the increase in technology use among adolescents in the 21st century, nurses need knowledge of the phenomenon to plan assessments in clinical practice. Early identification and assessment of cyberbullying victims and perpetrators, and development and implementation of effective interventions are needed to reduce this form of bullying among adolescents.
This article is the second in a series addressing the critical issue of the transition from pediatric to adult care for young adults with complex chronic conditions. Using the analogy of her daughter's recent transition...This article is the second in a series addressing the critical issue of the transition from pediatric to adult care for young adults with complex chronic conditions. Using the analogy of her daughter's recent transition from high school to college, the author highlights some of the needs of young adults and their families in a transition process. Then, drawing upon her years of experience in the field, she explains why the core principles of patient- and family-centered care are foundational to successful transitioning from pediatric to adult health care.
PROBLEM: Pediatric nurses often use an inappropriate tool to assess pain in children younger than 36 months of age. OBJECTIVE: This intervention intended to improve the nursing practice of assessing pain in preverbal (le...PROBLEM: Pediatric nurses often use an inappropriate tool to assess pain in children younger than 36 months of age. OBJECTIVE: This intervention intended to improve the nursing practice of assessing pain in preverbal (less than 36 months of age) children. METHODS: Pain assessment frequency and use of a pain assessment pediatric tool use was evaluated pre- and post-intervention via a retrospective chart review and a survey of pediatric nurses. Parametric and non-parametric statistical tests were used to determine significant differences between pre- and post-intervention data for both approaches. RESULTS: The chart review data showed a significant increase in the number of times pain was assessed and documented post-educational intervention. Similarly, the survey data analysis showed a significant post-intervention increase in the use of a pain assessment tool and that most nurses used the FLACC pain assessment tool when assessing pain in preverbal children. CONCLUSION: Educating staff nurses about the use of an appropriate pain assessment scale altered practice and improved the frequency of pain assessment of preverbal children.
The purpose of this study is to describe the lived experience of pediatric burn unit nurses who have experienced the death of a patient. A qualitative phenomenological design was used for the interview and analysis. Meth...The purpose of this study is to describe the lived experience of pediatric burn unit nurses who have experienced the death of a patient. A qualitative phenomenological design was used for the interview and analysis. Methods were incorporated into the design to ensure reliability, consistency, and rigor. Using a semi-structured interview guide and phenomenological concepts, the investigators interviewed seven registered nurses who were employed in a pediatric burn unit. Data obtained were analyzed for common themes that emerged during examination of transcribed interviews. Four common themes of feelings were identified: 1) grief and sadness, 2) helplessness, 2) compartmentalization of feelings, and 4) lack of preparedness for dealing with situations involving the death of a pediatric patient. While nurses are emotionally supportive to patients and families, the emotional support available to nurses who are dealing with these situations is lacking. By developing individual coping strategies and seeking peer support, nurses attempt to deal with emotional situations faced in the workplace. Nurses, nurse educators, and administrators must understand the impact of nurses' grief following patient death. By understanding and validating their emotions, it is hoped that nurses will be supported in a way that will enhance a healthy professional environment and personal well-being.
Rich C, Goncalves A, Guardiani M
… +2 more, O'Donnell E, Strzelecki J
Pediatr Nurs
· 2014 · PMID 25929124
The Teen Advisory Committee (TAC), Boston Children's Hospital (BCH), began in 2002 and has been meeting monthly since that time. The top lessons learned by adolescents, committee facilitators, and hospital staff incorpor...The Teen Advisory Committee (TAC), Boston Children's Hospital (BCH), began in 2002 and has been meeting monthly since that time. The top lessons learned by adolescents, committee facilitators, and hospital staff incorporate principles of adolescent development, joint decision-making, and a respect and commitment to patient and family-centered care. The program addresses the unique needs of teens with chronic illness from their perspective through special projects that have led to the development of hospital policies, procedures, and quality improvement initiatives. The discussion of the framework of the TAC and lessons learned are intended to support youth-driven initiatives and models for improvement at children's hospitals nationally.
Pediatric nurses provide holistic family-centered care for children with life-limiting illnesses while being sensitive to children's growth and developmental needs. To learn how pediatric palliative care programs benefit...Pediatric nurses provide holistic family-centered care for children with life-limiting illnesses while being sensitive to children's growth and developmental needs. To learn how pediatric palliative care programs benefit children and their families, the following clinical question was asked: Among children with a life-limiting illness, does the use of a palliative care program compared with not using a palliative care program improve quality of life for patients and their families? Evidence from two studies found that palliative care services improve quality of life for children with life-limiting illness and their families in the areas of the child's emotional well-being and parental perception of preparation for the child's end of life, resulting in a low grade for the body of evidence. Future research should include high quality studies with larger sample sizes and control groups, and include children's perspectives--from both patients and siblings--to give a more complete picture of how best to improve their quality of life. A reliable tool is needed that includes a spiritual component and sensitive indicators specific to children with a life-limiting illness. Future research using this tool will more fully answer how palliative care services improve children's quality of life.
Cory A, Boyle K, McClain N
… +1 more, Sutherland MA
Pediatr Nurs
· 2014 · PMID 25929122
BACKGROUND: The period of early childhood, defined as three to five years of age, is an important and distinct stage in childhood development. Changes in dietary patterns and composition of diets are exposing children in...BACKGROUND: The period of early childhood, defined as three to five years of age, is an important and distinct stage in childhood development. Changes in dietary patterns and composition of diets are exposing children in developing countries to over-nutrition as well as under-nutrition. OBJECTIVE: To describe the nutritional status, dietary patterns, and socio-economic conditions of three to five-year-old children living in rural Jamaica. SAMPLE: A convenience sample of 142 children was recruited over a three-year period. MEASUREMENTS: Height and weight measurements were collected. Household dietary patterns and socio-economic indicators were available from a small group (n = 6) of parents. RESULTS: Children experiencing both under-nutrition and over-nutrition were identified. Nine percent (n = 13) could be classified as moderately to severely under-nourished, and 6.9% (n = 10) classified as overweight. Frying was a common cooking method, and fruits and vegetables were eaten often. CONCLUSIONS: Economic and political changes may place children in developing countries at risk for over-nutrition as well as under-nutrition. The school setting may be an important place to address nutritional issues. This analysis describes the nutritional status of a sample of three to five-year-old children living in rural Jamaica and provides suggestions for future research.
BACKGROUND: A large amount of research demonstrates the importance of key interventions in reducing mortality rates of pediatric patients with sepsis (Dellinger et al., 2008). Assessment and recognition of declining stat...BACKGROUND: A large amount of research demonstrates the importance of key interventions in reducing mortality rates of pediatric patients with sepsis (Dellinger et al., 2008). Assessment and recognition of declining status must occur for interventions to be initiated. Of health care practitioners, nurses typically spend the most time with patients, and they must be knowledgeable in recognizing the systemic inflammatory response syndrome and sepsis while also being aware of the importance of prompt intervention. The literature does not discuss pediatric nurses' knowledge of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS)/sepsis recognition. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge of acute and critical care pediatric nurses of SIRS diagnostic criteria, sepsis guidelines, and the importance of SIRS recognition. METHODS: This cross-sectional, quantitative, correlational descriptive study included 242 acute and critical care pediatric nurses at a 490-bed urban pediatric hospital. Participants completed an original questionnaire with face and content validity regarding SIRS criteria, sepsis guidelines, priority interventions, and attitude toward the importance of SIRS recognition. RESULTS: Findings demonstrated a significant knowledge deficit among participants in several key areas of SIRS/sepsis recognition. The mean score was 60.8% ± 7.4%. Item analyses demonstrated nurses easily recognize septic shock but have difficulty recognizing patients in earlier stages of the sepsis continuum. Significant confusion was evident regarding the role of blood pressure and serum lactic acid levels in diagnosing sepsis. CONCLUSION: It is recommended that an educational intervention be created for acute and critical care pediatric nurses to aid them in recognizing sepsis in its earlier stages.
Due to advances in medicine, many young adults with complex chronic conditions are now able.to reach the age when they must transition from pediatric to adult care. But preparation for these transitions is often inadequa...Due to advances in medicine, many young adults with complex chronic conditions are now able.to reach the age when they must transition from pediatric to adult care. But preparation for these transitions is often inadequate--for patients and their families, as well as for adult providers. As a result, many needs (clinical, psychosocial, and educational) may not be met, and patients and their families may feel uncertain about the quality of care. This article is the first in a series addressing this critical issue by providing insights from patients and families who have experienced transitions, as well as information about programs and available resources. In this article two parents and one young adult patient share their stories of transitioning, identify the numerous challenges they faced, and suggest strategies to improve the health care system for other patients and families.