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Volume 28, Issue 3, 2007

PDF cover and abstracts

Ongoing transitions: The impact of a malignant brain tumour on patient and family

Yasmin Khalili, BSc, MSc, CNN(c)

Abstract

Although primary malignant brain tumours represent only 1.4% of all cancers, it is considered one of the most devastating types of cancers in adults. From the time of diagnosis, the patient and family embark on a “roller coaster” ride of uncertainty, fear and hope. Despite improved medical outcomes, patients often experience severe functional impairment, as well as behavioural and cognitive dysfunction. Subsequently, they suffer from greater dependency and hopelessness than other cancer patients. The family caregivers are faced with multiple demands such as taking on new roles within the family and caring for their loved one while grieving the loss of the person they knew. The role of the nurse is to support the patient and the family throughout the illness trajectory, identify and promote their strengths and mobilize the necessary resources to facilitate patient and family coping. The purpose of this paper is to present, via a detailed case study, the impact of a malignant brain tumour on the patient and the family. The nursing strategies used to help them make the necessary transitions throughout the illness trajectory are discussed.

AXON, 28(3), 5–13.

Stroke prevention in southeastern Ontario: The nursing role and implementation of evidence-based practice

Susan Kotel, RN, BScN, MN, Sandy Acheson, RN, and Sandra Melchiorre, BSc, RN, MN, ACMP, CNN(C)

Reprinted from The Nursing Journal (2006, Dec.), with permission from the Nursing Research Council of the Southeastern Ontario Health Sciences Centre, Journal Subcommittee.

Abstract

Stroke has a significant impact on personal, social and financial factors for individuals, families and the health care system. Stroke prevention clinics (SPCs) were developed in order to address the needs, identified through research, for improved recognition and reaction to TIA/stroke symptoms, as well as for expediting investigations and implementing early stroke prevention interventions. Along with the advent of SPCs came a new role for nurses. As part of an interdisciplinary team, the nursing role continues to evolve in the southeastern region of Ontario. SPC nurses play an important role in assisting to coordinate activities in and outside the clinic setting, and are instrumental in raising public and health care provider awareness of TIA, stroke, stroke prevention and risk factor management. In this article, the evolution of SPCs in Ontario is discussed. A case study is used to illustrate both the role of SPCs in expediting diagnosis and treatment for patients experiencing TIA or stroke symptoms, as well as the nursing role and how evidence is incorporated into practice. Results of some preliminary research and the issues involved in establishing an appropriate outcome evaluation process are explored. As well, the potential for nursing research within SPCs and future directions for the nursing role are appraised.

AXON, 28(3), 14–19.

Central auditory processing disorders: Review and case study

Tatra Dobrzanski Palfery, MSEd(cand.) and Diane Duff, RN, PhD, CNN(C)

Abstract

In this review paper, the prevalence and characteristics of central auditory processing disorder (CAPD) are reviewed. The causes, pathology and diagnosis of CAPD are also discussed. Recommendations are made for classroom interventions and a case study is presented. CAPDs are complex, heterogeneous disorders involving the process of auditory stimuli within the mechanisms of the central nervous system that can result in profound personal, social and academic consequences. Specificity in diagnosis, support by family members, neuroscience and allied health professionals and educators, and self-management and advocacy are required for children, adolescents and adults to have successful academic and work outcomes.

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