The effects of socioeconomic status and increased body mass index on cardiovascular disease in African-American women.

Today within the United States, CVD is the leading cause of death in women with the highest mortality being seen in African-American women. A review of literature revealed that over the last decade, within the United States, there has been an overall reduction in the death rate due to CVD. However, the rate of decline has been less for women than for men and less for African-American women than for White women. Findings from some studies indicate that African-American women have increased risk factors as compared to other ethnic groups for CVD based upon conditions and behaviors affecting lifestyle. Fortunately, most of the CVD risk factors are modifiable and their occurrence can be widely prevented. Therefore, it is imperative that health care providers approach the issue of risk factors for CVD in African-American women as a heart disease epidemic. This approach is necessary if the United States is going to improve the health of all Americans, eliminate disparities, and improve the quality of life.

Perioperative uncertainty and state anxiety of orthopaedic surgical patients.

PURPOSES: The purposes of this study were to determine (a) the relationship between preoperative uncertainty and anxiety of orthopaedic surgical patients in three adult developmental stages (young, middle, older) and (b) the differences in uncertainty and anxiety among the adult developmental stages, gender, and acuity levels of the disorder. DESIGN: Correlational and comparative with descriptive survey. SAMPLE: 106 adult orthopaedic surgical patients. METHODS: Subjects were contacted 1 to 2 weeks preoperatively during their preadmission visit or upon early admission the day of surgery. FINDINGS: All patients responded similarly in terms of having moderate levels of preoperative uncertainty and anxiety. There were no statistically significant differences among developmental stages, gender, or acuity levels for these orthopaedic patients. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Nurses need to be aware that adult orthopaedic patients such as these subjects may have moderate levels of uncertainty and anxiety prior to surgery. In addition to physical preparation for surgery, nurses need to help patients with their emotional concerns. The incorporation of preoperative psychoeducational interventions and improved communication into plans of care for all orthopaedic surgical patients is recommended.

First impressions! The power of language in the health care setting.

The nurse who wants to be recognized as an expert clinician and a respected colleague will find that linguistic competence, combined with nursing knowledge, facilitates entrance into the professional mainstream. This study examines the role of the nurse educator in identifying the use of nonstandard English in the health care setting. The purpose of the following discussion is to increase awareness of nonstandard English usage by students and to show its negative impact on professional growth. Assessment and referral approaches are also identified.