NURSE PRACTITIONER最新文献

Abstract: Preparing for the new school year is an exciting and busy time. An important task for parents and caregivers during the back-to-school season is to ensure that their child or adolescent is up to date with their vaccines. NPs play a vital role in guiding parents and caregivers through the vaccination process, thereby ensuring that school-aged children and adolescents' health requirements are met. This article provides NPs with resources to assist in making decisions about child and adolescent immunizations. It also explores effective communication strategies to convey the benefits of vaccination to parents and caregivers, equipping NPs with the necessary knowledge and tools to navigate vaccination complexities and advocate for the health and safety of school-aged children and adolescents.

Abstract: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health condition characterized by inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity as well as difficulties with social interaction, learning, and sometimes sleep. A variety of symptoms is possible, and three ADHD presentations have been defined. Owing to healthcare workforce shortages, particularly in mental health care, it is critical for family NPs and other primary care providers to possess accurate understanding of the disorder and its symptomatology, evaluation, diagnosis, and management in children and adolescents. In today's landscape, newer extended-release and long-acting stimulants support better medication administration and adherence, as well as maintain more consistent levels in the body throughout the day, for pediatric patients. This article aims to keep family NPs up to date in the latest in ADHD diagnosis and management to reduce patient barriers to care; it also provides NPs with critical information to convey to pediatric patients, their families, and their teachers during this back-to-school season.

Objective: This study aimed to measure NP students' knowledge and perception of medical marijuana (MM) and determine whether they need additional education on the topic.

Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was implemented. NP students were asked to complete a survey that assessed their knowledge of MM, including adverse reactions and medical indications. Perceptions of recreational marijuana and MM were assessed through a 5-point Likert-scale questionnaire.

Results: Of the 230 NP students who completed all or part of the questionnaire, 115 met inclusion criteria and were included in results. Most students (94%) felt that MM should be legalized in all US states. Likewise, 97% felt that MM education should be included in NP program curricula; however, only 30% reported receiving in-depth education on the topic. Participants were asked to identify, among 18 provided medical conditions, those which were approved indications for MM use; accurate response rate was low, though cancer, pain, cachexia, nausea/vomiting, posttraumatic stress disorder, and epilepsy were identified correctly as indications by more than half of participants. Previous MM use and religious affiliation had an impact on knowledge and perceptions of MM.

Conclusion: With an increasing number of states legalizing MM, NP programs must evaluate their current curricula and integrate content that addresses the gap in knowledge of MM mechanism of action, indications, and adverse reactions.

Abstract: The emergence and subsequent surge in popularity of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), especially among adolescents and young adults, have reshaped the landscape of tobacco consumption, including use patterns and beliefs as well as therapeutic approaches to the condition. The health implications of ENDS are a cause for concern among NPs, as they include severe nicotine dependence, mental health consequences, and adverse effects on respiratory and cardiac systems, among other issues. This article focuses on the health implications of vaping across the lifespan and emphasizes the need for NPs to evaluate ENDS use consistently across age groups and offer age-appropriate treatment within the clinical setting. Importantly, although vaping is prevalent among various age groups, most tobacco use, including vaping, begins and becomes established during adolescence. This back-to-school season therefore marks an ideal time for NPs to educate their pediatric patients, along with their parents or caregivers, about the widespread effects of vaping on health, and it also serves as a reminder to screen for the condition in adults, regardless of smoking history. To combat this trend on a larger scale, NPs can further advocate for community health by promoting youth prevention programs and supporting policy initiatives aimed at curbing ENDS use.

Abstract: School refusal refers to child- or adolescent-motivated refusal to attend school or remain in school for the duration of the school day. Importantly, the child or adolescent does not conceal their absence from school from their caregivers. Root causes for school refusal include anxiety, mood disorders, untreated learning disorders, and social difficulties. Long-term outcomes of school refusal include further social withdrawal, ongoing mental health issues, and unemployment. This article reviews the differences between school refusal and other types of chronic absenteeism, and it describes behaviors that may manifest in a child or adolescent who avoids attending school. The primary care provider's role in evaluation and treatment of this population is discussed.