Health

Nursing hacks: adapting to different patient characteristics for improved patient outcomes

Published

10 months ago

September 29, 2023

sylvia J

Through the ages, nurses have always been seen as caring, compassionate, knowledgeable, and efficient. It can be one of the most rewarding professions, depending on what the individual nurse puts into it in terms of effort, creativity, and passion. Healing, caring, and being a pillar of strength when patients and their families are going through tough times is not always easy, but receiving a big smile from a patient as they acknowledge the efficiency and compassion they have been treated with is reward enough for most nurses.

By making an effort to get to know their patients and learn about their small habits, their families, their life situations, and their likes and dislikes, nurses are more likely to deliver personalized treatment and build trusting relationships with their patients.

Nurses who work in a hospital environment gradually gain experience in the different clinical wards, learning about the various types of nursing such as surgery, maternity, and general medical experience, eventually graduating to the more specialized nursing areas such as neurology and oncology.

Not only are the different sections in hospitals quite diverse in terms of the nursing requirements, but the differences between ethnic groups, cultures, and languages spoken may present a few challenges when dealing with patients. In addition, people at different stages of life have different needs.

Nursing, therefore, is not as straightforward as it sounds. Besides theoretical knowledge and practical skills, nurses need to be adaptable and versatile to achieve the best possible outcomes for their patients. For a deeper understanding of the ethical and theoretical perspectives of nursing, Wilkes University offers online ABSN programs for aspiring nurses who show potential for critical thinking and leadership in diverse clinical environments, emphasizing comprehensive education in a condensed timeframe.

We discuss some of the soft skills nurses require when administering a more holistic level of care.

Communication

Good communication skills are key to an effective nurse-patient relationship. When treating patients, nurses need to have the ability to explain to their patients what treatment they are administering and how it is going to benefit them. Efficient communication with patients can instill a sense of hope and reduce feelings of anxiety, thus improving the success of their treatment. It is apparent from a study done by AM Legg et al. in 2014, where they examined the effects of patients’ emotional reactions on their health outcomes and the effectiveness of communication regarding their healthcare options.

In the case of language barriers, where the patient doesn’t fully understand the details of their illness and treatments, they are likely to panic or become anxious. It may be necessary to involve a colleague who can assist with interpretation when communication barriers get in the way of effective treatment. Many clinical institutions recognize that having a good mix of multilingual personnel in their employ is beneficial, particularly in this type of situation.

Where there are alternative methods of treatment, patients can be involved in the decision-making process, and ultimately, if the patient is of sound mind and decisions need to be made, they should be allowed the final say in their healthcare options.

Respect

In addition to good communication, nurses should show their patients that they respect them as individuals, their wishes, and their right to confidentiality and privacy. By effectively communicating the patient’s condition and the methods of intervention being used, the nurse demonstrates their respect for the patient’s ability to understand the situation and take part in the decisions around their healthcare.

Medical history

Relatively easy access to computerized medical records empowers today’s medical staff to make crucial and timely decisions based on the patient’s medical history as well as current information such as medication and chronic diseases. When equipped with sound information about the patient’s medical details, nurses can provide a more holistic treatment, and it may also open channels for more effective communication with the patient and give nurses some insight into how they should approach the patient. For example, patients with behavioral issues or underlying chronic illnesses may need special care.

Still on the subject of medical records, a personalized form of medical treatment known as precision medicine is making its debut in medical circles. This form of intervention takes body genetics, bodily substances, and lifestyle into account when formulating a specialized treatment plan for patients.

Personal circumstances

Personal circumstances play a role in a patient’s attitude towards their personal health and wellbeing. Unfortunately, not all patients have a caring support system provided by family or friends, and the loneliness of their situation can affect how well they respond to treatment. In these situations, a little extra compassion from a nurse can make all the difference.

Subtle observation or spending an extra five minutes chatting with a new patient helps the nurse establish whether their patient has some support or whether they come from a situation that is not ideal, perhaps even abusive. A little extra care, like helping them search for a TV channel or providing them with something interesting to read, will help to take the patient’s mind off their problems and leave them feeling a bit more cared for.

Patient diversity and adaptation of nursing interventions

We’re all different, thankfully. What works for one patient doesn’t necessarily work for the next, and this becomes evident when nurses interact with them and get different reactions. We examine some of the characteristics of the various groups of patients and how nurses use their skillsets to achieve optimum results.

Caring for people with mental health issues or dementia

Nurses working in mental health institutions require training on handling people with mental health or behavioral problems. However, when patients with current mental health issues are admitted into a general hospital environment, the nurses do not necessarily have the specialized training to handle these people. In cases like this, it is wise to involve a mental health practitioner to assist. Depending on their level of understanding, the patient should be informed as to why they are there and how their treatment will benefit them. They need to understand that the nurse is there to help them.

The various forms of dementia generally affect elderly patients as they gradually slip away into a world of their own. With the onset of Alzheimer’s or dementia, patients are usually aware that it is happening to them and what the long-term effects will be. They may need antidepressant medication to help them deal with this knowledge, as well as a great deal of compassion. Patients with dementia need to be bathed, dressed, fed, and exercised as their ability to do these things for themselves diminishes. They can sometimes be very difficult to handle, and nurses may need assistance when dealing with these patients.

When conversing with someone mentally confused, it is best to agree with what they say and encourage them to express their thoughts and feelings. Keep the conversation going, and don’t laugh at them; however, you may laugh with them. Dealing with these patients can be likened to interacting with very young children. They become innocent once more and are generally a pleasure to nurse.

Family nursing

Many nurses specialize as family nurse practitioners, as it offers a diverse scope of opportunity and is usually immensely rewarding. Family nurses deal with pregnant mothers and newborn babies, children of varying ages, young adolescents, adults, and the elderly. Each age group comes with its own distinct differences and many similarities.

Nursing newborn babies takes special skills and knowledge. Nurses need critical observation skills in order to pick up the slightest indication that there may be something amiss. They also have to be extremely careful when working with soft, delicate limbs and work gently with the mother as she adjusts to her newly born addition to the family while recovering from the birth experience.

Small children who are not feeling well and may be a little nervous or stressed also need special skills. The nurse who becomes a friend, entertains, and explains their illness and what they can expect is likely to have success with their young patient.

Teenagers are very different, and there is probably no hard and fast rule when dealing with the different personalities. It takes perception to know whether you’re getting through to them or just simply irritating them. A professional yet friendly manner is the best place to start.

Adults are capable of understanding their diagnosis and prognosis and are generally cooperative. Once again, a friendly, professional attitude is best. Establishing a rapport with the patient is ideal, and it takes practice and sometimes a good deal of patience to understand the different personality types and how to interact with them for the best results.

Caring for the elderly

When reaching their end-of-life stage, many people become depressed and tired of living and dealing with the aches and pains that come with aging. While caring for our aging population, nurses are careful and gentle, aware of the prevalence of arthritic joints, fragile bones, a tendency to bruise easily, and general frailty. People over the age of 75 suffer from a multitude of chronic ailments, so managing chronic medication, regular monitoring of vital signs, and pain management become priorities when treating elderly patients. Elderly people whose long-term health prospects start looking quite bleak will often become anxious or depressed, and if not treated promptly, other health issues will begin to manifest.

In spite of this, caring for the elderly can also be a rewarding experience for nurses. Seeing a wrinkled face light up with a smile when you do something for them or say some kind words makes the day worthwhile. Being there with them in their last moments is sad but often a relief, knowing they are no longer suffering. Nurses who care for the elderly have a special, compassionate side to them and reap many rewards.

Home nursing

Nurses who work with patients in their home environments may have flexibility in terms of hours worked and more autonomy as they will be working on their own. This type of nursing is conducive to forming mutually beneficial personal relationships between nurse and patient, and nurses who work in their patients’ homes tend to form closer bonds with their patients, reaping the rewards of seeing their patients thrive under their personal supervision. Home nurses are typically employed to care for elderly patients who need constant attention or for patients who are chronically or terminally ill. They may be called upon to assist in the short term when new mothers need help with their newborn babies.

Home nurses usually work through agencies, meaning there is a line of reporting, and the nurse is not working entirely on their own and doing as they please. Home nurses are required to conform to the standards set by the agency and have the agency’s support in the event of disagreements or complaints.

Ethnic, cultural, and religious diversity

This article would not be complete without discussing how nurses deal with people from other cultures and ethnic backgrounds. To begin with, there needs to be open and honest conversations about the differences. Striking up a conversation about the culture or language spoken by the patient, asking questions in a friendly manner, and sharing interesting information about each other’s cultures and ethnic differences helps the nurse establish open communication with the patient and enables them to show their respect for other cultures or religions.

Many religions have specific beliefs around some medical procedures, and nurses should avail themselves of this knowledge beforehand, particularly if they are working in an area that has a large diversity of religions and cultures. By making an effort to learn about the different practices and beliefs, particularly regarding the more dominant cultures in the area, nurses are empowered to show an interest and gain the respect of their patients.

Successful patient outcomes

From the above, it is evident that communication and respect are key factors in successful nurse-patient relationships. Knowledge of the patient’s personal circumstances, cultural or religious beliefs, and medical history is important when making decisions that affect their health care. Nurses have the power within them to affect their patients’ health and wellbeing positively.

Health

The Hidden Dangers of Dehydration: How It Affects Your Body

Published

9 hours ago

July 22, 2024

sylvia J

Dehydration is more than just feeling thirsty; it can significantly impact your body and its functions. Staying hydrated often takes a backseat with summer heat waves, strenuous activities, and busy schedules. Understanding how dehydration affects your body and discovering effective solutions, such as IV therapy, can make a world of difference in maintaining your health and well-being.

The Effects of Dehydration on the Body

Water is essential for nearly every function your body performs. When you don’t consume enough fluids, your body begins to experience a range of adverse effects. Here are some of the key ways dehydration impacts your body:

Reduced Cognitive Function: Dehydration can impair brain function, affecting concentration, memory, and mood. Even mild dehydration can cause headaches, dizziness, and fatigue, making it hard to focus on tasks.

Physical Performance: Dehydration can significantly hinder physical performance for athletes or those who engage in regular exercise. When the body lacks sufficient water, muscle cramps, decreased endurance, and a higher risk of heat-related illnesses are expected.

Digestive Issues: Water aids in digestion by helping break down food and absorb nutrients. Dehydration can cause constipation and other digestive discomforts, as your body struggles to process food without adequate hydration.

Kidney Function: Your kidneys rely on water to filter waste from the blood and produce urine. Chronic dehydration can lead to kidney stones and even kidney damage over time.

Skin Health: Your skin is the largest organ and needs water to maintain its elasticity and suppleness. Dehydrated skin can appear dry, flaky, and more prone to wrinkles.

Cardiovascular Health: Dehydration reduces blood volume, making it harder for your heart to pump blood efficiently. This can lead to increased heart rate and low blood pressure, potentially causing serious complications.

Combatting Dehydration with IV Therapy

While drinking water is the most straightforward way to stay hydrated, there are times when our bodies need a more immediate solution. IV therapy offers a fast and efficient method to rehydrate and replenish essential nutrients.

What is IV Therapy?

Intravenous (IV) therapy directly infuses fluids, vitamins, and minerals into the bloodstream. This method allows for 100% absorption of these vital substances, bypassing the digestive system and providing immediate hydration and relief.

Benefits of IV Therapy for Dehydration

Rapid Rehydration

IV therapy from IV Minnesota delivers fluids directly into the bloodstream, allowing for quick and efficient rehydration. This is especially beneficial for severely dehydrated individuals or those unable to consume enough fluids orally.

Electrolyte Balance

Dehydration often leads to an imbalance of electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium, which are crucial for various bodily functions. IV therapy can include these electrolytes, helping restore balance and prevent complications such as muscle cramps and irregular heartbeats.

Enhanced Nutrient Absorption

IV therapy can include vitamins and minerals that boost your immune system, improve energy levels, and support overall health. This is particularly useful for individuals with nutrient deficiencies or those recovering from illness.

Improved Recovery

Athletes and fitness enthusiasts often use IV therapy to speed up recovery after intense workouts. Combining fluids and nutrients helps reduce inflammation, muscle soreness, and fatigue, promoting quicker recovery times.

Convenience and Customization

IV therapy sessions are typically quick, lasting 30 to 60 minutes. Treatments can be customized to address specific needs, such as hydration, energy boost, or immune support.

Conclusion

Dehydration can profoundly impact your health, affecting everything from cognitive function to skin health. Recognizing dehydration’s signs and its effects is crucial for maintaining your well-being. While drinking water remains essential, IV therapy is a powerful tool for combating dehydration, providing rapid rehydration and other health benefits. Whether you’re recovering from a strenuous workout, an illness, or simply looking to boost your overall health, IV therapy can be an effective and convenient solution. Stay hydrated, stay healthy, and consider the benefits of IV therapy as part of your wellness routine.

Health

Benefits of Maintaining Healthy Testosterone Levels

Published

7 months ago

December 22, 2023

sylvia J

Benefits of Maintaining Healthy Testosterone Levels

Testosterone is a hormone that is naturally produced by the body. It’s responsible for many important functions in both men and women, including sexual development, muscle mass, bone density, fertility, and much more.

But when testosterone levels drop below the recommended range for men—which can occur due to age or medical conditions—it can lead to some serious health issues.

Testosterone hormone is essential for the development of male reproductive tissues. It also plays an important role in regulating other functions of the body such as muscle mass, bone density, and sex drive.

If a man’s testosterone levels are too low, it can lead to various health issues. There are many effective testosterone supplements over the counter that help boost testosterone production in the body.

In this article, we will discuss how healthy testosterone levels can improve your life.

Read on to learn about the benefits of maintaining healthy testosterone levels.

Benefits of Healthy Testosterone Levels

Healthier testosterone levels provide numerous benefits for men including improved mood regulation, increased sex drive, and increased muscle mass.

However, it is important for men to consult with their doctors before taking any supplements or making drastic lifestyle changes related to increasing their testosterone levels as these measures could potentially result in adverse side effects if not undertaken correctly under proper medical supervision.

Additionally, healthy lifestyle choices such as regular exercise and eating well-balanced meals can help maintain optimal testosterone levels without any additional supplementation being required!

All these steps together should ensure that you reap all the benefits associated with having healthy testosterone levels!

Physical Benefits

One of the most well-known benefits to optimizing testosterone levels is increased physical performance. Studies have shown that boosting testosterone can increase muscle mass, lean body mass, strength, power, endurance and aerobic capacity. This makes it a great option for athletes who are looking to improve their performance in the gym or on the field. It can also be beneficial for those looking to reduce body fat percentage.

Testosterone hormone has impact on almost all body function including voice frequency and voice pitch. Studies report hat testosterone may also lower your voice.

Increased testosterone has also been linked to reductions in fatigue and an increase in energy levels.

Mental Benefits

In addition to physical performance gains, there are mental benefits associated with increasing your testosterone levels as well. Studies have suggested that higher testosterone levels correlate with improved cognitive function including better memory recall and improved learning abilities.

Additionally, higher testosterone can give you a greater sense of confidence which may result in improved social interactions as well as reduced stress level.

Muscle Mass and Bone Density

Testosterone helps build muscle mass and strength. When it drops below the normal range, it can lead to decreased muscle mass and even weakness in some cases. Low testosterone levels are also associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis or weakened bones due to decreased bone density.

Testosterone plays an important role in muscle growth as it helps build muscle mass by stimulating protein synthesis within the body’s cells. Men who have higher levels of testosterone tend to have greater muscle mass than those with lower levels of the hormone due to its effects on protein synthesis.

Not only does this help them look better but also improves their performance during physical activities like sports or workouts at the gym.

Mood Regulation

Low testosterone levels can cause depression, anxiety, and irritability in men. Studies have shown that men who have higher testosterone levels tend to be more relaxed and confident. This can lead to increased productivity at work and better relationships with family and friends.

Additionally, when men are more relaxed, they are able to focus on their tasks with greater clarity and be more productive throughout the day.

Low testosterone levels have been associated with depression, low libido, fatigue, and irritability in both men and women. Studies have shown that increasing testosterone levels can help improve mood and brain productivity significantly in those who experience these symptoms as a result of low testosterone levels.

Improved Sex Drive

A healthy level of testosterone helps improve a man’s libido or sex drive. When testosterone levels are low, men may experience a decrease in sexual desire or interest which can lead to issues in relationships with their partners or even depression if left untreated.

Studies have found that when men increase their testosterone levels through supplementation or lifestyle changes such as exercise and dieting, they often report an increase in libido which leads to improved sexual performance.

Healthy Weight Management

Finally, increasing testosterone can be beneficial for healthy weight management as well as sexual health concerns such as erectile dysfunction or low libido.

Higher estrogen is associated with increased fat storage around your waistline; so by optimizing your hormone balance (including estrogen) you may be able to reduce stubborn belly fat more easily than relying on diet and exercise alone.

Improved Libido and Fertility

In men, low testosterone levels can lead to infertility due to decreased sperm production. In women, it can cause irregular menstrual cycles or other hormonal imbalances that may interfere with conception or carry risks during pregnancy. Increasing testosterone levels has been shown to improve fertility rates in both sexes.

Low libido is one of the most common symptoms of low testosterone levels in both men and women. Increasing testosterone levels has been shown to increase libido significantly in those who are experiencing this symptom as a result of their low hormone levels.

Conclusion

Healthy testosterone levels are important for maintaining good overall health for both males and females alike. It plays an important role in sexual development, muscle mass, bone density, fertility rates, libido, and even moods!

If you think your hormone level might be lower than normal for your age or gender group, speak with your doctor about potential treatments that could help restore them back into the normal range! Maintaining healthy testosterone levels is just one step towards achieving better overall health!

Improving your hormone balance can lead to a host of positive effects—both physical and mental—and optimizing your testosterone is no exception!

From physical performance improvements like more strength and less fatigue to mental clarity gains like improved cognition and increased confidence—healthy levels of testosterone have something for everyone!

For those looking for weight loss assistance or sexual health improvements you’ll likely find some relief through proper hormone balancing as well!

The best way to know if boosting your testosterone will provide any benefit is by talking with a medical professional about having your hormone levels checked today!

Health

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy aids in natural healing

Published

7 months ago

December 21, 2023

sylvia J

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy aids in natural healing

Natural healing is the process of the body through which it resists any external factor to change its internal environment. This resistance to the external factors is done by the system called the immune system. Healing requires the growth and production of new cells and removal of old worn out cells. This is done by the body itself but requires proper fuel for this and the fuel is no doubt, OXYGEN!

How does hyperbaric oxygen therapy boost the immune system?

For proper natural healing, the white blood cells require a generous amount of oxygen rich blood to knock out the bacteria. This oxygen level is not met in a normal environment. Because under normal conditions very little oxygen is carried out by the red blood cells.

This will lead to slow or sometimes no natural healing. In such circumstances, bacteria overcome the body and lead to infection. Such infections are really common especially in wounds. Then, high doses of antibiotics are indicated.

To prevent such circumstances, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a good option. As we all know, oxygen is supplied under high atmospheric pressure. This will cause a tenfold increase in oxygen concentration of blood plasma, leading to the rush of oxygen rich blood to the affected site and thus strengthening the immune system.

HBOT provides adequate oxygen to the white blood cells and also flushes out the toxins out of the body, which leads to the strengthening of the immune system thus accelerating natural healing.

How does it supports in healing of the body:

Immune system only stops and kills bacteria but the damaged cells also need to be repaired. Our bodys have a natural tendency to repair itself. This is done through cell division and apoptosis (programmed death of worn out cells). All this process needs a proper supply of oxygen rich blood to the targeted site.

The damage of the cells is always followed by the inflammation of surrounding blood vessels which comprise the blood supply and cause delayed healing. The high oxygen saturation from HBOT enhances the ability of red blood cells to change their shapes. This allows them to pass through the inflamed vessels thus accelerating the healing process.

The research evidence is still not very strong but most of it supports this. The oxygen fluctuation due to HBOT therapy causes the release of growth factors in the body. These growth factors help to grow the new cells which replace the older worn out cells. Thus helps in growth and healing.

A study published in 2008 showed that hyperbaric oxygen therapy is helpful in the healing of diabetic foot ulcers. The mechanism behind it is similar to natural healing.

Is it safe?

HBOT is preventive and supportive therapy. It is non-invasive and painless and brings comfort to the user, so it is safe to use. The use of HBOT for rejuvenation, healing and preventive purposes is usually harmless. However, the timing of the sessions should be within normal limits because “excess of everything is bad.” You can have your own HBOT chamber in your house and can have your session anytime. They are user friendly so you can use them easily.

What are the protocols ?

HBOT is a simple therapy which is most commonly used for the preventive and rejuvenating purposes. The protocols of HBOT are following:

The duration of each session ranges from 30 minutes to 120 minutes. It totally depends upon the goal.
In general, for health optimization the duration should be 60 minutes.
The pressure ranges are 1.5 to 3 atm
For central nervous system benefits, the pressure should be from 1.5 to 2 atm
For other health benefits higher pressures can be used.

Which is the best HBOT chamber in the market?

This might be the next question popping in your mind. The answer to this question is Oxyhelp Hyperbaric Chambers. They produce the most luxurious and reliable oxygen chambers that money can buy today.

They are user friendly and pocket friendly. The internal environment is designed according to the comfort of the user and is completely antiseptic. The sealed doors and internal controller are also marking features.The size of the chamber is also accommodating so you don’t need to worry about the space. In a nutshell, Oxyhelp chambers are all in one deal so grab yours ASAP!