Nursing | Student Research Posters

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  How The Lockdown of Covid-19 Influenced The Neurocognitive and Psychosocial Development of Preschoolers

  Kay Picson

  The COVID-19 pandemic instilled a new normal across the world. Businesses turned to take out services and faced financial struggle. Hospitals enacted a visitor policy, limiting contact with patients, their families, and their friends. Schools closed their classrooms and moved to online learning from home, isolating children from their teachers, peers, and an optimal learning environment.

  The literature review consists of six articles pertaining to the influence of the COVID-19 lockdown on preschoolers neurocognitive and psychosocial development. Specifically, the influence of the lockdown on preschooler mental health, executive function, and social skills. According to the research, the results were differential, it was found that pandemic children demonstrated better problem solving and fine motor skills but lower social skills compared to pre-pandemic children. In a previous ASQ-3 study, it was concluded that positive/refer results were higher amongst pandemic children. However, in another study, there was no significant difference between pre and post pandemic scores. Children who transitioned to kindergarten resulted in the poorest EF skills. The COVID-19 lockdown also caused negative mental health issues.

  To help nurture social skills, play is an effective intervention. It is helpful to discuss emotion, practice language skills, and play games that invoke the skill of self-regulation such as freeze-tag or Simon Says.

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  How to Save a Life: the Impact of CPR and Bleeding Control Education on Adolescents

  Emily Charlton

  Background: Out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and uncontrolled traumatic bleeding are two of the leading causes of death globally. Death due to OHCA and bleeding is largely preventable. With appropriate bystander intervention, positive outcomes in cases of OHCA and traumatic bleeding would greatly increase. Purpose: Bystander ability and intent to provide emergency cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and bleeding control is dependent on educational programs including death prevention first aid. Upon review of research, a gap was identified in adolescent death prevention training. The purpose of this proposed prospective study is to determine the effect of a high school education curriculum on adolescent technical knowledge and intention to act in a situation involving cardiac arrest or uncontrolled bleeding. Design: This proposal outlines a longitudinal study with two phases conducted in a six month duration. Phase one and phase two will each be a quasi-experimental mixed methods study design. Sample: This study will include faculty and students at public high schools located in Marin County and San Francisco, California chosen by random selection. Methodology: Phase one will include a demographic data collection, pre test questionnaire with multiple choice knowledge content to assess technical knowledge and Likert scale statements to assess attitude, educational intervention, initial post test questionnaire, and initial focus groups. Phase two will include a post test questionnaire six months following the initial pre test and repetition of focus groups. Analysis: Quantitative data will be analyzed using a sequence of matched pair t-tests and a repeated measures ANOVA test to determine significant changes in attitude and knowledge before, immediately after, and six months after education.

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  ICU Nurse Mental Health: Telehealth vs In-Person Therapy

  Ariel Mach

  Background Nurses working within high-stress specialties, such as Intensive Care Units (ICUs), often face a lack of resources aimed at supporting their mental health. The expectation for the nurses is to independently manage their psychological well-being based on their knowledge and educational background. However, many times it is difficult to manage persistent stress, anxiety, or depression and this could adversely affect the quality of patient care and eventually lead to burnout. Telehealth therapy has become more readily available and used since the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to two forms of treatment delivery. Currently, there is limited research on the effectiveness of telehealth compared to the traditional form of in-person office visits. Objective The primary aim of this literature review and proposal is to improve the mental well-being of ICU nurses while assessing and comparing the effectiveness of telehealth versus in-person therapy in reducing anxiety. The literature review summarizes findings from six studies, categorizing them according to their effect on mental health and the benefits and barriers associated with in-person and telehealth therapy. Method This research proposal will encompass a mixed-methods study involving 25 participants for individual cognitive behavioral therapy, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Participants will be recruited from hospitals with ICU departments through emails/flyers. Data will be collected pre- and post-intervention through questionnaires and surveys along with two test tools called the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). It is hypothesized that telehealth therapy will be more effective in reducing anxiety compared to in-person therapy in ICU nurses.

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  Impact of Non-Pharmacological Interventions on Immunization-Related Anxiety Among Pediatric Patients

  Jessica Ho

  Needle phobia in pediatric patients can be caused by previous negative experiences involving needles, hypersensitivity to pain, merinthophobia (fear of being restrained), and vasovagal reactions such as syncope triggered by the touch or sight of a needle (Cleveland Clinic, 2022). Nurses encounter needle phobia across various patient care settings, from outpatient pediatric clinics to specialized children’s hospitals, affecting approximately two out of every three children (CDC, 2023). Needle phobia as a child can persist into adolescence, affecting approximately 20% of teenagers. This fear of needles often results in avoidance of vaccinations and other medical procedures involving needles. Vaccine hesitancy from immunization-related anxiety can be detrimental to public health by reducing herd immunity and increasing the spread of preventable diseases. Children’s Hospital of Orange County, 2021).

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  Impact of Nursing Education on Kangaroo Mother Care: Neurodevelopment Outcomes in Preterm Infants

  Giana Usac

  Preterm birth poses a significant risk to the normal trajectory of brain development, particularly in the cortex, which is responsible for higher cognitive functions, motor control, and socio-emotional processing. However, Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) has emerged as an important early intervention capable of improving neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm newborns. This quantitative research proposal aims to assess the influence of nurse education on KMC practices, identifying pivotal periods in infancy when KMC has the most significant impact on neurodevelopment outcomes in preterm infants. The literature critique focuses on the efficacy of nursing education, the optimization of KMC regarding duration and frequency, and its association with positive neurodevelopmental outcomes. This research proposal entails a true experimental study exploring the optimal frequency and duration of KMC sessions, intending to provide persuasive evidence of neurodevelopmental benefits for preterm infants. Fifty mother-preterm baby pairs will be randomly assigned to either a control group or an intervention group. Bayley Scales of Infant Development and the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales will be used to evaluate the outcomes of this study. Following the completion of the research proposal, it is anticipated that nursing professionals will gain valuable insights, enabling them to effectively educate parents on practices that enhance neurodevelopmental outcomes.

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  Incorporation of Nutrition Education with Medication Inject to sustain Weight Loss

  Julia Calvelo

  Nationwide prevalence of obesity is related to comorbidities including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke. The United States spends nearly $173 billion annually for the medical cost of obesity, and obese adults have a difference of $1,861 of medical costs than those with healthy weight (CDC, 2022). Overweight individuals experience chronic health issues, resuling in a significant financial burden due to increased costs associated with medical treatment. Ozempic is a newly approved drug accepted by the FDA in 2017 to treat diabetes but is now gradually being implemented as a weight loss medication. It is used in conjunction with exercise and diet in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus to improve glycemic control; however, continuous nutrition treatment is necessary in order to prevent rebound weight gain. Obesity is a significant public health challenge in the United States resulting from lack of access to education and networks to health and nutrition. Ethnicity and a community’s socio-economic factors play a role in proper access to education of healthy management of weight loss. Further problems arise when young adults discontinue weight loss medication without the proper support of nutrition education and an exercise regime. In order to sustain clinical weight loss and decrease the susceptibility of comorbid risks, lifestyle interventions are advised (Amaro, 2022). There is limited research on interventions to help with preventing weight gain after discontinuing medication.

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  IUD pain managment

  emily nguyen

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  Male Caregiver Strain: The Mental Effects of Being an Informal Caregiver for a Family Member with Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease

  Alessandra M. Barillas and Elijah Rammel B. Borja

  Background: Caregivers are vital in fulfilling patients' primary care needs, and families prefer them over sending their loved ones to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia are prevalent conditions necessitating continuous assistance due to memory and cognition impairments. As a result, support is essential for tasks like mobility, feeding, bathing, and perineal care, as well as emotional and physical challenges inherent in caregiving. Purpose: Upon diving into the mental health impacts of serving as an informal caregiver for individuals with Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia, a notable research gap becomes evident, especially concerning male caregivers. This lack of information may stem from a potential reluctance among male caregivers to openly share their experiences and emotions due to fears of societal judgment. Additionally, they might avoid seeking support, feeling obligated by a sense of duty and loyalty to care for their loved ones unconditionally. This thesis proposal intends to shed light on the physical and mental well-being of male caregivers in their roles as informal caregivers for individuals with Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease. The thesis will examine differences in caregiving responsibilities, the impact on health, experiences of burnout and strain, and the coping strategies used by male caregivers compared to their female counterparts. Method: The assessment will comprise 10 multiple-choice questions and three written response questions focusing on caregivers' responsibilities and the perceived impact of these duties on their lives. Results: Data collection for this qualitative study is pending; however, the survey anticipates illuminating the experiences of the male caregivers interviewed.

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  Maternal Stress on Preterm Birth in Asian American Women

  Dana Ma

  Background: Pregnancy represents a crucial life event marked by numerous physical and emotional transformations. The presence of anxiety during pregnancy can negatively impact the health of both the mother and the developing fetus. Objective: This study aims to assess the impact of educational interventions such as meditation, relaxation techniques, and cognitive-behavioral therapy on reducing anxiety levels among pregnant Asian American women. Method: The quantitative true experiment will consist of 100 pregnant Asian American women meeting the inclusion criteria of singleton pregnancy, between ages 25 to 45, and absence of pregnancy complications. Participants will be conveniently sampled from OBGYN clinics in the local area and randomly assigned to either the control or intervention group. The control group will be those receiving standard prenatal care which includes routine check-ups and measurements of anxiety levels. The intervention group will be those attending 1 hour weekly educational sessions including meditation relaxation techniques, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. To assess the efficiency of the study, participants' anxiety levels will be assessed using standardized scales such as the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7), Likert scales, and social support scales. Descriptive statistics will be used to compare means between the control and intervention groups. Inferential statistics, such as ht-tests, will be conducted to determine the significance of any observed differences in anxiety levels.

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  Medical Aid in Dying Education for Hospice Nurses

  Ian K. Woo

  Background: Medical aid in dying (MAID) is an option surrounding end-of-life care for hospice patients. This process gives patients the autonomy to end their life during the time and location of their choosing. MAID is growing in legalization and practice across the US. However, many nurses feel uncomfortable or unprepared when providing care for patients contemplating it. Hospice nurses should have confidence in their ability to care for patients through the process of MAID. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of education in strengthening new hospice nurses’ ability to care for patients through the process of MAID. Method: The research will utilize a quantitative quasi-experimental design with pre-test and post-test measurements. Hospice nurses with less than one year of experience in California will be given an online educational course and will be surveyed before and after completion. Results: The data collection will include a summary of the demographic data and the four-question survey given before and after the education. Descriptive statistics and a paired sample t-test will be used to identify a correlation between education and hospice nurse preparedness. A p-value will be used to determine if the results are statistically significant. Conclusion: Many hospice nurses feel uncomfortable or unprepared when caring for patients thinking about MAID. This study will help determine how effective education is in preparing new hospice nurses to care for patients through the process of MAID.

  Keywords: medical aid in dying, nurse perspective, nurse support, and nursing education

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  Nurses Current State of Knowledge on Prion Disease

  Chelsy Grande

  Human prion disease is a rare and fatal neurodegenerative disorder. Creutzfeldt- Jakob prion disease rapidly progresses, and is caused by prion, an infectious protein that damages the central nervous system (Bailey et al., 2000). The infectious pathogen is different from other infectious diseases as the normal prion protein misfolds, changing the structures and results in an accumulation of cellular prion proteins (Rentz, 2003). There is no cure for Creutzfeldt- Jakob disease, only palliative care to improve their symptoms and provide support as the disease progresses. How much do nurses know and understand about prion disease, and how can this influence their ability to provide patient care?

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  Nurse's Knowledge on MIND Diet for Early-Onset Alzheimer's Disease

  Audrey Marie Rafols

  Adults with Early Onset Alzheimer's Disease (EOAD), is the less common form of the neurodegenerative disease of Alzheimer's Disease (AD), where EOAD is found in adults younger than 65 years old (Alzheimer's Association, 2024). Characterized by a decline of memory, cognitive decline, loss of ability to perform daily tasks involving mobility and communication, EOAD does not have one significant cause. A combination of risk factors are genetics and lifestyle factors such as heart disease, history of stroke, and high blood pressure are associated with increasing the risk of EOAD (National Institute of Aging, 2024).

  Since there is no cure for EOAD, the most effective approach is treatment is symptom management. Dietary management is an aspect of care for EOAD that can aid with cognitive function. The MIND diet, a hybrid diet of Mediterranean and the DASH (Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension) diet, can slow cognitive decline due to its nature of emphazing foods with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties (Liu et al., 2021). This diet focuses on food that is healthy for the brain, such as leafy greens, nuts, fish, berries, and whole grains while avoiding foods like red meat and processed food. While there is evidence that supports the effectiveness of slowing down Alzheimer's Disease with this diet, there is limited research on nurses' knowledge of the MIND diet when caring for patients with EOAD.

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  Nurses’ Perception on the Gut-Brain Axis and its implications on Mental Health

  Geethika Manoj and Celine Bautista

  Background: Most medical interventions recommended for patients with anxiety and depression include pharmacological treatments and psychotherapy. Thus, undermining the existence of modifiable risk factors, such as diet. Despite being an area of growing research, the gut-brain axis is a very broad topic among the healthcare field. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate registered nurses’ perceptions and understanding of the gut-brain axis and its implications for mental health management. Methods: This proposed exploratory descriptive study will conduct research among fifteen registered nurses, each with at least two years of experience in specialties such as gastroenterology, psychiatry, or hospital care. They will participate in semi-structured interviews lasting 45–60 minutes. These interviews will assess their knowledge of the gut-brain connection, attitudes toward nutrition-based interventions, and approaches to incorporating dietary education into patient care. Data Collection and Analysis: The data will include participants' responses from interviews that will be recorded and transcribed to identify patterns and themes using content analysis. The findings of the study will offer insight into the current understanding and knowledge gaps of nurses regarding the relationship between gut health and mental health. Conclusion: Although there is research surrounding the gut-brain axis, there is a gap in the understanding and perceptions of nurses around this topic. The results of this study can bring more attention to a primarily nutrition-based intervention. Thus, allowing nurses to create individualized treatment plans focusing not only on pharmacological treatments but also on a modified diet to improve patient mental health outcomes.

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  Nurse Suicide: Examining Depression and Anxiety in Critical Care Settings

  Arianna Bernardine Barata

  Nurses play a critical role in healthcare, yet the demanding work environment often exposes them to stressors, leading to the development of depression and anxiety. According to the National Library of Medicine (NLM) (2021), 50.8% of nurses have stress, 74% have anxiety, 70.8% have depression, and 79.1% have at least one of them. Burnout, understaffing, COVID fatigue, alarm fatigue, patient ratios, and disrupted sleep patterns are some of the stressors nurses contend with in every shift. While some nurses may cope and overcome these challenges, many face more severe issues, such as suicide. Nurse suicide is an issue that has begun to grow exponentially across the United States. Howard (2023) reported an annual suicide rate of 14 per 100,000 nurses. Compared with other U.S. workers, nurses are at higher risk for suicidal ideation, and nurses with such ideation are more reluctant to seek help than those without it (Elizabeth et al., 2021). In this paper, critical nurses are defined as nurses who work in intensive care and oncology units. There is limited research on the efficacy of resources used to decrease anxiety and depression in the workplace. Some interventions can be implemented to decrease the prevalence of depression and anxiety in the critical care nurse setting. The purpose of this Research proposal is to identify the factors causing depression and anxiety in nurses working in the Intensive Care Unit versus the oncology department and determine if meditation and visualization are effective in decreasing the rates of depression and anxiety. How does the practice of meditation reduce the incidence of depression and anxiety in nurses, specifically analyzing ICU and Oncology nurses? The hypothesis is that meditation and visualization will decrease the amount of depression and anxiety in ICU and oncology nurses.

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  Nursing Education on Sleep Health and its Impact on Insulin Resistance in Adolescents

  Salamasina Tufa

  Sleep is essential for human physical restoration, cognitive function, and emotional well-being. Recent studies have discovered that sleep is also important for proper endocrine system health, and problems with sleep may directly put a person at risk for Type II Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) (Tsuneki et al., 2016). A precursor to T2DM is insulin resistance (IR), which is when insulin is not effective in bringing glucose into the cells for energy. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2024). Sleep disorders, poor sleep quality, and short sleep duration contribute to IR by harming the body’s cells, making them less responsive to insulin (Coombe et al., 2022). Sleep deprivation disrupts hormones such as ghrelin, which stimulates hunger. Ghrelin is typically elevated in individuals with poor sleep (Kim et al., 2015). Research has found that people with T2DM who have poor sleep quality are more likely to engage in emotional eating and have less cognitive restraint with food (Zhu et al., 2019). Increased caloric intake and unhealthy food choices over long periods of time are associated with IR, ultimately highlighting how sleep health is a critical factor in T2DM prevention (Cleveland Clinic, 2021).

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  Nursing Students’ Attitudes and Preparedness for MAiD

  Kristal Candray

  As the aging population grows, terminal illness diagnoses are increasing, which has increased global interest in Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD), Physician-Assisted Suicide (PAS), and euthanasia. However, there hasn’t been much research on how nursing students in California feel about MAiD or how well their education prepares them for these practices. Studies show that religious beliefs and prior knowledge or clinical experience with MAiD can influence students’ attitudes and sense of preparedness. Qualitative research has also identified common challenges, like role confusion, conflicts between ethics and religion, and the need for better education on the topic. Despite this, there’s no research exploring whether nursing students’ attitudes match their stage of moral development or how Mezirow’s Transformative Learning Theory might shape this development. This study aims to explore how nursing students feel about MAiD and how prepared they think they are to support patients, which is especially important as chronic illnesses and end-of-life care needs continue to grow.

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  Optimizing Discharge Education for HF Patients

  Connie-Rose Pangan

  Heart failure is a chronic condition in which the heart cannot adequately provide blood and oxygen to tissues in the body. Heart failure patients account for the highest 30-day readmission rate in Medical-Surgical conditions (Nair et al., 2020). It is the leading cause of hospitalization in adults over 65 years old in the US. Constant readmission is costly, and therefore additional interventions must be done to prevent it. Due to the severity of heart failure, these patients require a copious amount of information at discharge to understand the pathophysiology of their disease, their medication regimen, and important lifestyle changes needed to prevent readmission. Without a standard of care, the amount of time nurses spend on discharge education and the comprehensiveness of the information provided may vary from provider to provider. In addition, a patient’s comprehension of the material is not always evaluated. Therefore, some patients are discharged without complete confidence about their self care regimen. Without this confidence, heart failure patients are less likely to adhere to their discharge protocol and ultimately have poorer health outcomes. Although previous research has been done on the effectiveness of patient education on the reduction of readmission rates among heart failure patients, there has been little research about the evaluation of education effectiveness and how to monitor discharge protocol adherence. The goal of this study is to consolidate a teaching method that accommodates one's existing educational barriers, implement follow-up to increase knowledge retention and improve self care, and to prevent readmission among heart failure patients.

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  Optimizing Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia Prevention and Education: In Adult ICU Settings

  Danielle Gonzalez

  Abstract

  Background: Ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) in adult intensive care patient units (ICU) is one of the most common and deadly nosocomial infections today. Studies have identified a gap in intensive care nurse ventilator education and compliance with hospital protocols. Overall increasing the rates of VAP and morbidity. Hospitals worldwide have shown a decrease in VAP rates after inheriting "VAP-bundles''. This includes nurse specific interventions and assessments as a preventative measure. However, studies failed to demonstrate which bundle interventions directly correspond to the prevention of VAP. Purpose: Address all components of education, a nurse’s ability to properly identify and understand the pathology of VAP, protocol compliance, to reducing VAP rates and identifying weak points in current hospital practices. Method: An observational longitudinal intervention study will be conducted in an adult ICU setting. The initial phase utilizes an uncontrolled group, setting a baseline. Followed by the subsequent phase, where participants become a controlled group, after the introduction of ventilator bundles. The data will be collected using, in person observation of nurse adherence and skill competency, along with providing educational classes on a bi-weekly basis. Concluding with a monthly questionnaire, that compares and reevaluates nurses' knowledge of preventative measures and treatment for VAP patients. Results: Preliminary findings suggest when conducting a continuous education program and implementing a “Ventilator Bundle” approach, VAP rates drastically drop. Conclusion: Each bundle included five main interventions (elevation of HOB 35°-45°, daily “sedation vacation & assessment of readiness to extubate, PUD prophylaxis DVT prophylaxis, and daily oral care with chlorhexidine). All interventions are pulled from the IHI bundle, indicating potential for making this the gold standard protocol. Overall proper adherence by all team members and ventilator education should be required by all ICUs.

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  Parental Presence Following Pediatric Invasive Procedures and Surgery

  Jaymie Riza Torres and Franchesca Isabelle Andaya Lazaro

  Background: Pediatric patients are severely affected by preoperative anxiety which can lead to postoperative complications and delayed recovery. This could be attributed to their developmental stage which determines their response to stress and fear. Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to evaluate postoperative recovery outcomes in pediatric patients following the implementation of parental presence at the induction of anesthesia and upon first waking up. Method: This proposed research utilizes a mixed-method approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methods through a quasi-experimental study. The target population consists of pediatric patients between the ages of three and eight years old with a convenient sample size of 60 children elected to undergo an invasive procedure or surgery. The study will divide participants into two groups, the control group and the interventional group, which will receive parental involvement at the administration and recovery from anesthesia. Results: The data for this study will be collected pre-and post-operatively, looking at the pain, stress, and anxiety of the participants. A paired t-test will be used to interpret the data and identify the correlation between parental presence and the psychological and physiological outcomes following invasive procedures and surgery. Conclusions: Determining the efficacy and degree of parental involvement during invasive procedures and surgeries for preschool-aged children is crucial in bridging their developmental needs and healthcare to enhance recovery outcomes.

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  Pediatric Vaccination Adherence: Enhancing Compliance Among First-Generation Asian American Parents

  Katelyn Leong

  Background: Vaccine adherence in the pediatric population refers to receiving vaccines as per the recommended schedule, which significantly reduces vaccine-preventable diseases and enhances community immunity. Vaccine hesitancy, driven by concerns such as safety, misinformation, or cultural beliefs can affect adherence. National coverage of state-mandated vaccines among kindergarteners declined from 95% to around 93% between 2019 and 2022, varying across different vaccines. Objective: This research proposal’s focus is to determine if an educational intervention targeting first-generation Asian Americans, who have adopted their immigrant parents' misinformation about vaccines, will effectively increase vaccination rates among their children. The study aims to assess the effectiveness of educational outreach in promoting vaccination adherence within this demographic group. The literature reviews contribute to understanding various aspects of pediatric vaccination on parental decision-making and adherence to immunizations and have implications for public health interventions promoting vaccine uptake and adherence among children. It highlights the influence of cultural and societal factors on vaccination rates and hesitancy, exploring demographic, cultural, and psychological influences shaping parental attitudes and behaviors toward childhood vaccination. Method: A quantitative experimental design will be used with a sample size of 100 participating families. Once the 100 participants are selected, they will be randomly placed in either the control or experimental group. Both groups will receive standardized care and education on the necessity of vaccine adherence; however, the control group will not receive the educational intervention coupled with the inclusion of a brochure containing the required dated immunization schedule. Vaccine adherence will be measured by the children’s EHR records (pre- and post-intervention) and a questionnaire will measure vaccine hesitancy and willingness before and after the intervention. As a result of the study, there is an expectation that vaccine adherence scores will increase.

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  Postpartum Depression: The Effects on Infant Development During the First Year of Life

  Sophie John

  Childbirth is considered one of the most pivotal events in a woman’s life, bringing along profound changes. While often seen as joyful, the experience can be extremely challenging or stressful. This might trigger a wide range of emotions that can hinder a mother’s ability to care for herself as well as her newborn. Unlike temporary “baby blues,” postpartum depression (PPD) is similar to major depressive disorder, with symptoms like guilt, anxiety, hopelessness, and even suicidal thoughts. Though typically diagnosed within 4-6 weeks after birth, it often goes untreated or underdiagnosed due to inadequate screening. Untreated PPD can pose a risk for mother-infant bonding and adversely affect a child’s cognitive and emotional development, highlighting the importance of early detection and treatment. This thesis highlights the importance of early detection and early interventions for PPD.

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  Prepared to Protect: Improving Cardiac Emergency Response in Youth Club Sports

  Melissa Garcia

  Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a medical emergency where the heart unexpectedly stops beating due to an electrical malfunction. A person experiencing a cardiac arrest collapses, loses consciousness, and ceases breathing (American Heart Association, 2022).

  Exercise offers numerous benefits to the cardiovascular system and a person’s overall health. However, there are incidents of sports-related cardiac arrest in apparently healthy athletes, including children and young adults. Athletes may be exposed to dehydration, adrenic surges, electrolyte imbalances, acid/base disturbances, and trauma which increases their risk of experiencing a cardiac event (Wasfy et al., 2016).

  Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in youth athletes. Despite this alarming statistic, there is a significant gap in awareness and emergency action plan (EAP) compliance among coaches, parents, and medical personnel in club youth sports organizations. Non-school based youth sports organizations often lack the safeguards and resources that schools can provide. It is critical to enhance the education about cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automated external defibrillators (AEDs), and comprehensive emergency action plans (EAPs). Coaches, parents, and officials can uphold the safety standards of sports activities when they are certified and trained in the necessary medical interventions. By addressing these gaps in knowledge and preparedness, there is an opportunity to protect children and prevent cardiac death in youth sports.

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  Preparing Nurses for Medical-Assistance in Dying: The Role of Comprehensive Education and Training

  Keira O'Reilly

  Medical-assistance in dying (MAID) is a process in which a physician prescribes lethal medications that the consenting patient will self-administer with the intention of ending their life. By April 2024, medical-assistance in dying was legal in 10 states as well as the District of Columbia (“Death with Dignity,” 2024). With an evolving legal landscape around MAID, healthcare professional training on this procedure is often overlooked and inadequate (Winters et al., 2022). This is especially true for ICU nurses who manage critical and often end of life cases. This lack of education leaves nurses underprepared for the legal, ethical, and emotional challenges involved. Nurses play a key role in medical-assistance in dying from facilitating end-of-life conversations to being a patient advocate. Nurses should be knowledgeable about medical-assistance in dying in order to encompass all end-of-life care options for their patients.

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  Preventive Strategies for Elder Abuse within Hospice Care by Healthcare Professionals

  Joshua Eason

  Background: Healthcare professionals providing hospice care need to have particular specialized abilities, empathy, and trust. Unfortunately, some of these medical professionals are unable to provide their patients the care they need, so they will instead abuse and ignore them. Elder abuse must be identified and addressed in hospice care settings if older patients are to have their rights and dignity upheld and a standardized, compassionate end-of-life care program is to be provided for each patient.

  Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness and preventative strategies for elder abuse, implemented by healthcare providers within the hospice care settings by examining and stating preventative measures.

  Method: We used a qualitative approach utilizing structured interviews toward healthcare professionals and patients by asking a series of questions regarding hospice care experience, witnessing abuse, and abuse training/education.

  Results: We found that a majority of healthcare professionals attended a mandatory abuse training program, yet it wasn’t as useful due to it being vague and not resembling real life scenarios. Patients state they have no personally experienced abuse, but know of their peers that have. During the interviews, family members have stated nurses did not educate them about the warning signs of abuse.

  Conclusion: Healthcare institutions may strive toward creating settings of safety, compassion, and respect for senior patients receiving hospice care by putting into place evidence-based treatments and rules. By working together and putting patient welfare first, we can reduce the number of elder abuse cases and make sure that everyone receiving hospice care has a dignified death experience.