RESUMO
The primary purpose of this article is to outline the role, opportunities, and benefits of the certified foot and nail care nurse (CFCN). Current demographic trends toward an aging population and associated health issues such as diabetes mellitus, arthritis, peripheral arterial disease, dementia, and loss of visual acuity hinder self-care of the feet and nails. The resulting foot and nail care needs create opportunities for CFCN to promote health and prevent adverse outcomes such as infection and limb loss. Routine foot and nail assessment, clinically appropriate care, and individualized patient education are essential for achieving positive outcomes. Until recently, individuals had limited options for obtaining needed care and have relied on nonclinicians or podiatry appointments that may not be covered by insurance and, thus, may not be affordable. Through the CFCN certification process, nurses gain knowledge and skills to provide the care that can improve foot health for an aging population.
Assuntos
Doenças do Pé/prevenção & controle , Enfermagem Geriátrica/métodos , Doenças da Unha/prevenção & controle , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Enfermagem Geriátrica/normas , Humanos , Profissionais Controladores de Infecções/educação , Papel do Profissional de Enfermagem , Educação de Pacientes como Assunto , Padrões de Prática em Enfermagem , Autocuidado/normas , Estados UnidosRESUMO
Hypertension affects approximately 73 million Americans. Clients and providers working together to control the disease can help prevent life-threatening illnesses. Patient perceptions about their illness can influence health behaviors, but little is known about the perceptions of Mexican American adults in relation to hypertension. This descriptive study used semistructured interviews to elicit Patient Explanatory Models of hypertension among 15 hypertensive Mexican American adults. Findings revealed that personal models of cause, treatment, and outcomes were often vague. This information can be useful for planning individual education and treatment that provides meaningful care.
Assuntos
Atitude Frente a Saúde , Hipertensão/psicologia , Americanos Mexicanos/psicologia , Adulto , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Atitude Frente a Saúde/etnologia , Pressão Sanguínea/fisiologia , Exercício Físico/psicologia , Comportamento Alimentar/etnologia , Comportamento Alimentar/psicologia , Feminino , Comportamentos Relacionados com a Saúde/etnologia , Humanos , Hipertensão/etnologia , Hipertensão/fisiopatologia , Hipertensão/prevenção & controle , Masculino , Americanos Mexicanos/estatística & dados numéricos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Modelos Teóricos , Classe Social , Inquéritos e Questionários , Texas , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
Addressing health disparities for vulnerable populations in the United States is a national goal. Immigrant Hispanic women, at increased risk for heart disease, face obstacles in receiving adequate health care. Health promotion, especially for Hispanic women, is hindered by language, access to care, lack of insurance, and cultural factors. Innovative health education approaches are needed to reach this population. This article describes the development and evaluation of a culturally sensitive cardiac health education program based on findings from a study of 21 older immigrant Hispanic women employed as housekeepers at a small university in south Texas. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures had decreased 17 months after the intervention.
