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Editorial
Towards building knowledge power of nurses (Punitha Ezhilarasu)
Concepts and Issues
Women and Mental Health (Vijayalakshmi K, Nita Pokharel)
Nurses’ Role in the Fight against Tobacco Consumption (Sara B, Vijayalakshmi Ethiraj)
Clinical Articles
BiPAP: A Modality of Treatment for COPD – A Case Study (Seema A. S, Ilavarasi Jesudoss, Jebamani Augustine)
Research Articles
Effectiveness of Counselling on the Body Image of Patients with Skin Disorders (Rohini T, Punitha Ezhilarasu, Malliga B. Ravindar, Susanne A. Pulimood)
Continuing Education Series No: 12
Obstetrical Haemorrhage – A Fatal Obstetric Emergency
Research in Brief
Comparison of Two Protocols used for Pupillary Dilatation (Lyza Richard, Rosalind Balan)
Abstracts
WOMEN AND MENTAL HEALTH
* Vijayalakshmi, K, M.Sc (N)., M.A (Psy)
** Nita Pokharel, M.Sc (N)., Ph. D
ABSTRACT
India is going through a period of rapid changes. The economic, political and social changes affect the lives of all individuals especially women. The state of women’s mental health is indeed in a state of flux. Many studies, both community and hospital based indicate that women are disproportionately affected by mental health problems and their vulnerability is closely associated with biological, psychological and social factors. Thus women’s mental health cannot be considered in isolation from social, political and economic issues. Nurses play a vital role in the promotion of women’s mental health, prevention of mental disorders, care and rehabilitation of mentally ill women. This article is hoped to sensitize the nurses in understanding the mental health status of women and plan for interventions through various approaches to empower women’s mental health.
NURSES ROLE IN THE FIGHT AGAINST TOBACCO CONSUMPTION
Sara B, M.Sc (N)
** Vijayalakshmi Ethiraj, M.Sc (N)., Ph.D
ABSTRACT
The tobacco epidemic is a global challenge which requires concerted efforts at national and global level. May 31 is observed as “World No Tobacco Day”. The ultimate goal in fighting against this preventable disease “Tobacco addiction” is to create a smoke free society. This article helps the nurses to enhance their knowledge on the contents of tobacco, tobacco related diseases, various tobacco control measures with special emphasis on cessation programme designed by nurses to help smokers to quit.
BiPAP: A MODALITY OF TREATMENT FOR COPD – A CASE STUDY
* Seema A. S, M.Sc (N)
** Ilavarasi Jesudoss, M.Sc (N)
*** Jebamani Augustine, M.Sc (N)
ABSTRACT
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. This results in substantial and increasing economic and social burden for individuals, families, society and health care organizations. Acute exacerbation represents an acute worsening of COPD, requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation. Endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation are associated with complications. Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV) is an alternative method of ventilation with positive pressure delivered via nasal or face mask. It has been reported that only 20% of patients with NIV were intubated and the complications associated with Non – Invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV) were less. NIPPV can be used in the high dependency areas. Staff expertise is important in the care of patients on NIPPV. The nurse needs to be very alert in monitoring the patient. NIPPV is usually given as Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) or Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP). This article presents in brief, the case study of a patient with acute exacerbation of COPD, managed with BiPAP.
EFFECTIVENESS OF COUNSELLING ON THE BODY IMAGE OF PATIENTS WITH SKIN DISORDERS
* Rohini T, M.Sc (N)
** Punitha Ezhilarasu, M.Sc (N)., Ph.D
*** Malliga B. Ravindar, M.Sc (N)
**** Susanne A. Pulimood, D.D., M.D
ABSTRACT
The physical changes that result from skin diseases can have a negative effect on body image. The body image is significantly affected with potential psychological problems. Nurses through counselling can help patients to cope with their physical, psychological and social effects of skin conditions, thus improving body image. A quasi experimental study was therefore conducted to assess the effectiveness of counselling on the body image of patients with skin disorders. Pre interventional assessment was carried out for a sample of thirty-five subjects to find out the perception of their body image by means of a questionnaire regarding cognitive, emotional and behavioural aspects. Counselling was given to them using cognitive behavioural therapy. Post interventional assessment was carried out using the same questionnaire. Results demonstrated a remarkable improvement in the perception of their body image following counselling. Subscale analysis of body image scores revealed that counselling had played a significant role in improving the emotional aspect of body image.
CONTINUING EDUCATION SERIES – NO: 12
OBSTETRICAL HAEMORRHAGE: A FATAL OBSTETRIC EMERGENCY
* Christy Simpson, M.Sc (N)
** Janet Jones, M.Sc (N)
*** Nirmala Manoharan, M.Sc (N)
ABSTRACT
Obstetrical haemorrhage is one of the emergency conditions in which haemorrhage occurs during pregnancy, childbirth or puerperium. Bleeding may be vaginal and external, or internal into the abdominal cavity. Maternal and perinatal mortality are high due to heavy blood loss. Nurses play a major role in identifying the predisposing factors and taking preventive measures or prompt action to control the emergency situations. Haemorrhage can be early obstetrical haemorrhage or late obstetrical haemorrhage. Though early obstetric emergencies are common among women, the mortality rate is less compared to late obstetrical haemorrhage. This article reviews the types, causes, pathophysiology of late obstetrical haemorrhage and aims to equip the nursing personnel with knowledge required to provide appropriate and timely care to women.