ANALYZE AT LEAST THREE (3) DIFFERENCES THAT YOU BELIEVE EXIST BETWEEN THE DECISIONS THAT U.S.

ANALYZE AT LEAST THREE (3) DIFFERENCES THAT YOU BELIEVE EXIST BETWEEN THE DECISIONS THAT U.S.

From the first e-Activity, determine the most commonly used population and individual measures used in providing healthcare today. Examine the primary impact that these measures exert on the choices that consumers make in order to address their own healthcare needs. Justify your response.
From the second e-Activity, compare the magnitude of healthcare costs in the United States to that of other developed countries. Analyze at least three (3) differences that you believe exist between the decisions that U.S. consumers and the consumers in other developed countries make regarding healthcare. Provide a rationale for your response.

Assignment: Medical Application of Cortisone



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Assignment: Medical Application of Cortisone

Assignment: Medical Application of Cortisone

Pharmacology

What is the medical application of cortisone? Cortisone is used to treat:

A.    Rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, gastrointestinal disorders, and a variety of skin conditions.

B.     Kidney disease, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis.

C.     Muscle disorders, tuberculosis, and thyroid disorder.

D.    All of the above

Anatomy

Oxygen saturation is likely to be lowest when an asthmatic with a diagnosis of pneumonia is positioned:

A.    In a high Fowler position

B.     Lying on the left side

C.     Lying on the right side

D.    Lying supine with the head of the bed flat

Chemistry

Laboratory test results indicative of thrombocytopenia, in addition to a low platelet count, would be:

A.    Increased PT

B.     Prolonged bleeding time and poor clot retraction.

C.     Increased aPTT

D.    Decreased RBC count.

Pharmacology

The purposes of epinephrine injection include all of the following except:

A.    Stabilizing mast cell membranes.

B.     Relaxing bronchial smooth muscle.

C.     Supporting arterial blood pressure.

D.    Blocking histamine receptors.

Pharmacology

Therapeutic interventions focused on increasing the oxygen supplied to the heart and decreasing the heart’s demand for oxygen include:

A.    Antiplatelet drugs

B.     Anticoagulants

C.     Morphine sulphate

D.    Thrombolytic drugs

Pharmacology

An intervention that would contribute toward the healing of a peptic ulcer is:

A.    Steroid administration

B.     Blocking or neutralizing of acid secretion

C.     Surgical removal of the ulcer

D.    Intravenous nutritional support

Pharmacology

Aspirin and NSAIDs are causative factors for the development of peptic ulcer disease because they:

A.    Increase acid secretion

B.     Allow proliferation of H. pylori

C.     Damage the mucosal barrier

D.    Alter platelet aggregation

Pharmacology

Your patient is interested in trying medication to improve low mood/depression. All of the following medications might be appropriate except:

A.    Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

B.     Amitriptyline

C.     Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors

D.    Benzodiazepines

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NursingPapers

Developing Advanced Nurse Practitioner Role

In Oman, nursing functions in the primary health care centres are restricted to traditional nursing tasks that are normally performed in secondary and tertiary health settings. The directorate of nursing and midwifery affairs (DNMA) at the ministry of health In Oman (MOH) stressed that currently nurses working in primary health care, particularly those in small health centres are functioning in an advanced practice role without any formal educational preparation and often in the absence of medical supervision during the evening shifts and the weekends(DNMA, 2012). There is no regulatory mechanism to protect these nurses and the public when they function in this advanced role. In 2011 World Health Organization (WHO) consultants have done a partial situational analysis in Oman of the issue and have suggested that these nurses need to be provided with appropriate educational preparation and advanced skills in order to function in this advanced practice role (DNMA, 2012)

The need to develop the role of advanced nursing practitioner in Oman is top of the agenda, clarity around the role is needed hence it was studied extensively worldwide (MOH, 2011). Therefore this assignment will discuss the development of ANP, definition, roles development taking into consideration other countries experience, the benefits of ANP and the international council for nurses (ICN) recommendations.

Discussion

The number of advanced nurse practice (ANP) has been growing worldwide and in recent years increased interest has been seen. The NP was introduced to meet health service gaps, with the literature describing the first reported NP role in the US in the mid-1960s (McIntosh, et al., 2003 and Driscoll, et al., 2005 cited in Lowe, et al., 2011, p.679). Additionally, the development of advanced nursing practice has become a global trend in the last few decades and stated that the first APN roles in the US were nurse anaesthetist and nurse midwives; both emerged in the 1940s and the first clinical nurse specialist (CNS) program in psychiatric nursing was established in 1954 (Sheer and Wong, 2008). However, there is worldwide variation of when the ANP was adopted but clearly stated in the literature that United States of America was the first leading in developing this role.

Throughout 1990s, the nursing literature demonstrated an almost undisputed desire to develop a nurse practitioner intended to function at an advanced level (Mantzoukas and Watkinson, 2007). The development of advanced nurse practice (ANP), an important milestone in the professional development of the nursing discipline in the 20th century (Lewandowski & Adamle, 2009), has become a global trend in the 21st century (Sheer & Wong, 2008; Lewis, et al., 2009 and Pulcini, et al., 2010). However, ANP encompasses multiple types of nurses in advanced roles; these roles include nurse practitioners (NPs), certified nurse midwives, nurse anaesthetists and clinical nurse specialists (CNS) (Ketefian, et al., 2001).

The International Council of Nursing (ICN) define an advance nurse practitioner as: “a registered nurse who has acquired the expert knowledge base, complex decision-making skills and clinical competencies for expanded practice, the characteristics of which are shaped by the context and/or country in which she/he is credentialed to practice” (Pulcini, et al., 2010, P.31 and ICN, 2008, p.29).

The need to develop the ANP roles were as a result of the need to contain costs, improve access to care, reduce waiting time, serve the deprived, and maintain health among specific groups (Sheer and Wong, 2008). In addition to that, advanced nursing practice was implemented due to an international climate of financial austerity, together with emergent technology, ageing populations and issues with sustaining work forces, efficient and cost-effective health care (Lowe, et al., 2011). It seems reasonable to assume that one of the introductions of NP services would be the reduction of cost, but cost reduction seemed difficult to proof.

However, Paez (2006) stated In one study that nurse practitioner in tertiary service prescribe more expensive drugs compared with a Physician prescribing resulting in higher drug cost in the treatment and another studies have proven that NP’s prescriptions led to a reduction of the drug-cost. Several other studies have proven the cost effectiveness of starting a NP program in their organizations (Chen, 2009 and Chenoweth, 2008). On the other hand, a study in the Netherlands of NP cost effectiveness did reveal the complexity of cost calculation of NP’s related work and its possible reduction (Dierick-van Daele, 2011).

In addition to that, Lowe et al (2011) emphasized that It is dif¬cult to provide evidence of ef¬ciency and cost effectiveness of ANP without clarity and consistency of roles and this is only possible when de¬nitions clearly articulate the advanced roles and functions, indicating how they make differences thus clear de¬nition then leads to standardized measures that can provide verification of efficiency, cost effectiveness and realization of patient outcomes with respect to health care.

On the other hand, studies have shown that APNs are able to bring about positive health outcomes, contain health costs, and enhance care satisfaction (Wong and Chung, 2006). Also Advanced nurse practitioners (ANPs) are considered to play an important role in helping to alleviate the shortage of human resources in health care in both developed and developing countries (Horrocks, et al., 2002 cited in Pulcini, et al., 2010, p.31).

It is clearly stated that introduction of NP and ANP in most of research findings suggest a reduction of cost, but more randomised controlled trials should be conducted to support this idea and attention must be given to what drugs are prescribed by NP’s. However, the developing of ANPs roles brings positive health outcomes, enhance care satisfaction, reduce cost and help in shortage of human resources.

On the other hand, Ketefian et al (2001) mentioned that advanced practitioner is beyond basic practice within the clinical domain, also requires higher levels of clinical skill and knowledge, which are acquired through graduate level education and/or certi¬cation in a clinical specialty. This advanced preparation equips the professional nurse for an expanded range of theoretical and research-based interventions.

Advanced practice nursing roles such as clinical nurse specialist (CNS) and clinical nurse consultant (CNC) have evolved globally in a variety of specialty clinical areas (Dunphy, et al., 2009 cited in Lowe, et al., 2011, p 678) both roles were predominantly developed around a consultancy type position, with some indirect patient care being maintained (Ackerman, et al., 1996 cited in Lowe, et al., 2011, p 678). On the other hand, Lowe et al (2011) outlined that although definition and clarity of NP and CNC is reported differently in the literature both are falling under ANP umbrella. Furthermore, Lincoln (2000) supported the idea that both NP and CNC should fall under the scope of ANP despite their differences and the impact on healthcare delivery system. On the other hand, Mick and Ackerman (2002) emphasized that both the CNC and the NP roles are pathways to advanced nursing practice.

It is clearly stated in the literature that both NP and CNS/CNC falls under one umbrella, but both roles should be differentiated a point noticeably supported by Dunn (1997) and Roberts-Davis and Read (2001) who mentioned that the direct care of the NP includes provision of care by way of initial assessment of problems/concerns, establishment of diagnosis following appropriate diagnostic testing if required and formulation of a management plan, which may include prescription of medicines. On the other hand, the CNS/CNC provides the on-going improvement of patient care through management/case management of a patient group with differentiated problems.

Noticeably there are three concepts in developing ANPs roles; one concept supported by Laurent (2000) and Lewis (2002) which both emphasized that the development of advanced nursing practice role needs to be associated with the concept of a clinically specialized nurse possessing a degree of expertise in a specific area of practice and being primarily involved in managerial and task management responsibilities. This concept views the advanced nursing practice as a result of practice specialization considering that there is an opportunity held by nurses for the substitution of other professional’s roles with specialized nurses practising at advanced level (Pearson & Peels, 2002, Daly & Carnwell, 2003). Such specialist nurses will have more control and autonomy in carrying out activities such as diagnosing, assessing (e.g. tissue viability), intervening (e.g. prescribing) and referring to other professionals based on their clinical judgement (Daly & Carnwell, 2003).

A second concept that consider the development of advanced nursing practice roles need to be an exclusive domain of the ANP title protected by governmental and statutory legislations under a newly developed clinical posts. These ANPs are viewed as the extension of nursing into the domains of other health professions, rather than the development or expansion of the nursing discipline (Daly & Carnwell, 2003; Loftus & Weston, 2001). This concept considers that this role ought to be extended in new environments, such as those of Nurse Developing Units or Nurse-led clinics or Nursing triage, where again nurses will have greater degree of autonomy and professional decision making. These ANPs, in contrast to specialist nurses, are considered to be primarily nursing-focused and -orientated practitioners that avoid fragmentation of nursing care. Moreover, such ANPs will have to acquire and implement further knowledge and skills emerging from other disciplines, such as technical skills, and management and educative capabilities. Therefore, these ANPs will have to combine nursing knowledge with other types of knowledge functioning at a higher level of practice and will be acting as the interface between medical and nursing care (Carnwell&Daly, 2003, Loftus&Weston 2003).

A third concept views the advanced nursing practice to be neither a result of specialization, nor attained by virtue of being bestowed with the relevant title. Instead, they view the concept as a generic or an umbrella term that includes elements of advanced practice within the discipline of nursing (Reveley & Walsh, 2000). Some of these elements of advanced practice are the ability to discover, modernize and grow the nursing profession by utilizing multiple types of knowledge and skills along with research evidence and academic thinking processes. Hence, a Master’s degree is recommended for entry level (ICN, 2008, p.29). Furthermore, these characteristics would enable the ANP to collaborate confidently with the multidisciplinary team and offer leadership and expert coaching that would allow motivation, empowerment and dissemination of competent practice, thus clearly demonstrating the contribution of nursing to the health care of society (Hamric & Hanson, 2003).

In summary, the author supports the concept of advanced nursing practice and specialist nurse being two distinctive roles and the ANP roles should be developed as a part of the nursing discipline in Oman with research evidences and academic thinking processes. The author did not find any evidence that support the idea of the need of specialist nurses in order to develop ANPs roles, but the author believe that nurses in Oman should develop from functioning at basic level to function as specialist nurses and develop more at advanced nurse practitioner role, hence DNMA (2012) outlined that the nurses in Oman health services function at basic level. However, specialist nurse roles and advanced nurse practitioner roles are needed in the current climate of health services in Oman.

However, the risk of equating advanced nursing practice with the specialist nurse is the medicalization of the nursing profession and nurses acting as a replacement or a substitute for medical personnel rather than providing advanced nursing care (Pearson & Peels 2002). On the other hand, if advanced nursing practice is associated with a defined title and consequently with prescriptive roles of practice, such as those of nursing development units, nurse-led units and nursing triage, then the advanced nurse practice role it will run the risk of becoming just another type of medical specialization, this is what Pearson and Peels (2002) caution when they outline that, “in the process of expanding nursing roles and removing existing barriers, some things might be lost … and general nursing roles [will become] denigrated” (p. 3).

However, the divergence from the traditional registered nurse role and subsequent professional autonomy has drawn some concern from the medical fraternity, worried that they may lose their patient’s to ANPs (Wilson & Bunnell, 2007), their power (Appel & Malcolm, 2002) and posing a challenge to the existing and dominant medical discourse(Kilpatrick, 2008). Furthermore, such a process may well provide the reason why ANPs are often reported as assisting the co-ordinated approach of the multi-disciplinary team (van Soeren & Micevski, 2001). However, ANPs might better deliver care due to the very nature of an integrated approach to practice through the application of nursing knowledge and experience and the ability of the ANP to intersect professional boundaries in their clinical practice should serve to provide a better understanding of patient needs (Kilpatrick, 2008).

However, Davies and Huges (2002) argued in order to develop ANPs roles; ANP should be flexible in their approach to care, be able to lead, and be prepared to take risks. Furthermore, there have been more recent claims that the ANP needs to be able to use both experiential as well as theoretical knowledge, demonstrate expertise, show the ability to research and think critically (Mantzoukas and Watkinson, 2007). However, developing the role of ANP in Oman requires the nurses to function at advanced level focusing on developing the specialist nurses and subsequently develop to ANP roles with appropriate education level as DNMA (2012) emphasized on the need of ANP study at least at masters level and the need to move away from diploma based nurse’s program to baccalaureate level.

On the other hand, several commonalities have emerged on the attributes of ANPs. Person-centred care appears to be at the forefront of the vision for nurses. Sutton and Smith (1995) are advocates of this, and claim that ANPs spend their time focusing upon the patient, placing them at the centre of their role in order to provide the highest standard of care. They have a desire to “push the boundaries” and strive to provide holistic and innovative patient-centred care (Shiu, et al., 2012). The author believes that ANPs would be needed to fulfil the vision of ministry of health in Oman (DNMA, 2012).

Clarity around what each of the advanced nursing roles offer is paramount to take advantage of this opportunity to improve healthcare delivery (Lowe, et al., 2011). Despite there being evidence to support the idea that recognition of the ANP role can improve patient safety and service development (Cerinus, 2009), we have to ask the question of whether ANPs will ever be fully accepted by the very people in Oman. In other countries nurse-led chronic disease management clinics have been very well received, and the patients are very grateful to be able to “avoid” having to see the doctor. The culture in Oman is predominantly medical oriented, the population are tribal and less educated than in the western world, accepting the role of ANP will need a coordinated efforts from all disciplines. However, the success of developing ANP roles in Oman depend on the consistencies in de¬ning the explicit nature of the ANP role, protection of the ANP title, its scope of practice and the credentialing processes required (Lowe, et al., 2011).

On the other hand, Lowe et al (2011) argued that the title of NP in the UK is not protected, or under any regulatory governance, unlike the role in other countries such as Australia, Canada, Ireland and the US. However In June 2005 the UK Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) decided to finally define what constituted ‘advanced nursing practice’ and agreed the title should be protected. They concluded advanced nursing practise is an umbrella term, which is used to describe a number of specialist roles including clinical nurse specialist and nurse practitioner (NMC, 2010). The ministry of health in Oman need to overcome these issues around the initial phase of developing the role of ANP in United Kingdom by clearly defining and protecting the role.

On the other hand, the regulatory nursing body and the educational institutes in Oman need to consider the steps in developing the ANP role that had been implemented in the United Kingdom as the nursing and midwifery council (NMC) and the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) developed a formal ANP programs to be taught in higher education institutes (HEI). On successful completion candidates gain accreditation from the RCN and is then recognised as an ANP. Both the RCN and NMC have since been in opposition to individuals and institutes who continue using the title ANP without the adequate training and education (RCN, 2012).

The establishment of the AANPE (Association of Advanced Nursing Practice Educators) sought to bring together all the HEIs in the UK who teach and run the ANP programs. On the other hand, there is a lack of consistency about the skills required by a NP in the UK clinical setting, the educational preparation required before licensure/endorsement and in the subsequent measures for maintenance of competence to practice and regulation (Wilson & Bunnell, 2007). The author believes that the definition of the role, protecting the title of ANP, develop a formal ANP programs, accreditation, set the skills and competencies and develop an association of advanced nursing practice is important to develop the role of ANP in Oman.

However, Sheer and Wong (2008) outlined that the speed of developing ANP role internationally varies and factors influences development are; first the readiness of the nursing profession itself to advance to a higher level. The readiness refers to the presence of a substantial general-nurse population and well-developed nursing education at the baccalaureate level to allow further development of the discipline. Second the nursing educations exist at the postgraduate level and have reasonable nurse to population ratios. Recently the education system in Oman introduced the post graduate studies for critical care (adult, neonate and accident and emergency) primary health care, psychiatry, administration and nephrology and developed the baccalaureate science of nursing, but most of the nurses have a diploma (three years program) in nursing.

Conclusion

The author discussed in this assignment that the advanced nurse practitioner initially was developed in United States of America, supported the need for ANP development in Oman, outlined the different roles of ANP that the NP and CNS/ CNC are under one umbrella, discussed the different concepts of developing the role and support the advantages of developing the ANP role in reducing cost, bringing better health outcomes and helping in shortage of human resources.

The author emphasized that in order to develop ANP role within Oman; the practicing nurses in primary, secondary and tertiary health settings should be advanced toward extended nursing roles (specialist nurses) and ANP role. In addition to that defining the role of ANP, protecting the title of ANP, develop a formal ANP programs, accreditation, set the skills and competencies and develop an association of advanced nursing practice is important to develop the role of ANP in Oman. Furthermore, regulatory body and legal framework need to be established and the need for medical and public acceptance of the role.

Moreover, there is a need to develop the existing diploma degree in the nursing health institutes to baccalaureate degree level (BSN) as the number of graduate at BSN is very low and develop an education program at master’s level as education at masters’ level does not exist in Oman. Lastly, there is a need to establish a regulatory body for ANPs in Oman.

Please work with the Philippines.

Please work with the Philippines.

Increased Risk of CTE in Contact Sports

Contact Sports Increase the Risk of CTE

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury (TBI), also called craniocerebral trauma, is classified as a brain laceration stemming from an external force, usually a blow to the head. A traumatic brain injury can be minute or severe, altering functionality of the brain, ultimately affecting the individual. Traumatic brain injuries accounts for one-third of all injury related deaths and are extremely common within all societies, affecting 52,000 lives annually and 57 million patients worldwide. In fact, Zhang (2015) states that traumatic brain injuries are one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality of young adults less than 45 years of age. This type of injury can well lead to the outcomes of physical inactivity such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. The World Health Organization anticipates that TBI’s will be a dominant cause of death and disability by the year 2020. However, in 1976, Braham Teasdale and Bryan J. Jennett introduced a method to diagnose traumatic brain injuries called the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) which is an assessment of brain pathologies measuring stimulated verbal, motor, or eye-opening responses. The GCS classifies a TBI as either mild, moderate, or severe, using scores of 13-15, 9-12, and 3-8. Furthermore, there are new neuroimaging techniques that improve the accuracy of the diagnosis and prognosis of TBI such as: diffusion-tensor-imaging, magnetoencephalography, and single-photon-emission-computed-tomography. In fact, there are many neurological injuries that can account for a traumatic brain injury with some being: coup-contrecoup brain injury, brain contusion, diffuse axonal injury, second impact syndrome, shaken baby, and a penetrating injury. However, the most common brain injury that affects thousands of individuals every day, is a concussion.

The American Academy of Neurology defines concussion as “trauma-induced alteration in mental status that may or may not involve loss of consciousness.” (WOLTER) Concussions are usually triggered by biomechanical forces (a direct blow to the head or elsewhere on the body with an impulsive force transmitted to the head) that induce functional alterations rather than structural injuries and result in a graded set of neurological symptoms with or without the loss of consciousness. (WEBER) There are three grades of concussions that rank the severity of trauma induced to the brain, categorized as grade 1, grade 2, and grade 3. A grade 1 concussion is known to be a mild form lasting less than 15 minutes with transient confusion, no loss of consciousness, and resolution of mental-status abnormalities. Next, a grade 2 concussion is moderate and retains concussion symptoms and mental status abnormalities with amnesia for more than 15 minutes. Lastly, grade 3 is the most severe case with the person losing consciousness for a few seconds. Concussions can cause a variety of symptoms, including dizziness, nausea, headache, sleep problems, cognitive difficulties and irritability. Ocular symptoms include visual blur, visual field loss, diplopia and photosensitivity. Moreover, these categories of brain injuries are most common within athletes participating in contact sports.

Athletes who participate in sports are constantly sacrificing their minds and bodies in return for game and glory. Athletes are known to be extremely competitive, having a unique passion to win and succeed in what lies in front of them. The most intense form of competition lies within contact sports. Contact sports are an athletic activity that requires the form of contact between participants to be used. When participating in these athletic events, there is much to come from it but also much to lose. Most importantly, contact sports such as boxing, BMX, football, soccer, rugby, martial arts, wrestling, and ice hockey can increase the likelihood of brain injury through concussions. Sport-related concussions have become an increasingly acute medical and social problem (MALCOLM). It is believed that each year there are 1.6 – 3.8 million sport-related concussions in the United States and 2.1 million sport-related concussions in youth football globally.

Forces generated through contact sports listed above can often be life threatening. For example, boxing is ranked most life-threatening, with many types of severe impairments. Among injuries that boxers are susceptible to, CTE stemming from concussions, is most common. In boxing, the main objective is to hit your opponent directly and effectively in the head. The goal is to render them unconscious. Because fighters more often than not, experience blows above the neck, degenerative brain disease transpires. According to Dr. Charles Bernick, in a recent study, it was proven that “among fighters with more than nine years’ experience, those who fought the most times annually, performed worse on thinking and memory tests.” This illuminates the idea that brain volume of boxers is often lesser than that of the average individual. When brain volume decreases, there is a significant decline in DHA levels, or Docosahexaenoic acid, leading to severe memory loss. Furthermore, the Journal of Combative Sport has stated there was 488 boxing deaths between January 1960 to August 2011, with 66 percent of the reported deaths being from head, brain, or neck injuries. In addition to boxing, mixed martial arts and wrestling can have the same impact on an individual’s brain. The connection here is the early symptoms of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, which includes loss of memory most similar to that of Alzheimer’s disease.

Furthermore, the sport of American football is widely known as America’s most popular sport and noted as being severely dangerous to the player. Whether it be in practice or in a game, full helmet to helmet contact can cause a concussion, but can be more severe for the athlete if left untreated. In 2002, a Nigerian-American physician and forensic pathologist discovered CTE in a former football player for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Mike Webster. This finding followed by many more have led to the book and movie “Concussion.” This is stated by Linda Hepler, who also declared that concussion rates for football athletes under 19 years of age has doubled over the last decade and occurs most during practices. Now, the National Football League has put their best foot forward in helping athletes prevent the occurrence of a concussion by limiting the head to head contact in game. If a player leads with the crown of their head, looking to target their opponent, they are automatically penalized and fined. However, in college football, targeting is not only a penalty but an automatic disqualification from the game. Moreover, helmet technology has only gotten better over the years, but it takes one simple mistake to cause a life-threatening disease.

However, in soccer, the head of the athlete is at severe risk of injury through contact with another player’s head, elbow, knee, or foot and even with a violent fall to the floor. In soccer, the greatest chance of impact through play is within contested headers and corner kicks. Nevertheless, when a player comes into contact with another player, whiplash can occur and cause a concussion through the violent force transfer throughout the neck and head of the athlete. When these actions happen, players are running, jumping, and moving with extreme force to attain the goal of scoring and winning the competition. According to CPSC statistics, 40 percent of soccer concussions are attributed to head to player contact; 10.3 percent are head to ground or goal post; 12.6 percent are head to soccer ball; and 37 percent is not specified, stated by the American Association of Neurological Surgeons. To sum up, it is extremely important to tend to the athlete if he or she is at risk of a concussion because about 50% of concussions go unreported.

In addition to the fact that a vast majority of concussions go underreported, the reported concussion rates in the National Hockey League (NHL) in the last 5 years is more than triple that of the previous decade, stated by Wennberg (20). The doubling and tripling of incidents reported is potentially due to bigger, faster players, new equipment, and harder boards and glass. The leading form of concussion in ice hockey is through body checking, allowing the player to strike another opponent with their shoulder or hip to stop them from advancing with the puck. Agel and Harvey (2) had recorded a study that stated the concussion rate in females were higher than expected but still cannot compare with that of the males. Player contact is the leading form of concussion with reported statistics of 41% rate of concussion for females and an astounding 72% concussion rate for males. Moreover, Cusimano et al. (10) researched that when body checking is allowed to young athletes competing in Pee Wee ice hockey games, the risk of injury and concussion was higher among these athletes of the ages 11 and 12. Due to these statistics, it is found that in 2011, the USA Hockey’s board of directors passed the Progressive Checking Skill Development Program, known to have successfully changed the pace of game, deeming it safer for athletes. In order to reduce the rate of concussion and provide a safer play of game for ice hockey players, the implementation of helmet standards, use of face guards, and rules regarding body contact has changed to protect the athlete for the long-term effects of such a common injury.

Next, rugby is also a sport where there is violence between clubs and head injury is easy to come by. In rugby, players have to possess the ball without being tackled and if they are tackled, the force generated can bring about a concussion. Lastly, in BMX, drivers are continuously doing stunts or riding at high speeds where one fall or accident can put them in a severe state. BMX legend, Dave Mirra was diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy during an autopsy after he had committed suicide. It was known that Mirra was facing symptoms of brain degeneration which led to his passing.

Repetitive blows to the head, resulting in multiple concussions, can soon open a path onto CTE, or chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a neurodegenerative disease associated with head trauma. This process forms from a protein called Tau which clumps and slowly spreads throughout the brain, killing brain cells. It is found in athletes, military veterans, and others with constant brain trauma. Moreover, in the human brain, there are over 90 billion neurons that connect in a complex network, allowing individuals to interpret and react to our environment. Neurons are known as the building blocks of the brain made up of three parts: cell body, axon, and axon terminal. When an individual is impaired with a forceful concussion, it directly alters the shape of the axon which is so fragile due to its slim structure. The altered shape of the axons makes them difficult for cells to distribute chemicals and materials to all areas of the cell (WEBSITE). Tau proteins that help keep everything together are changed and fall apart, diseasing the human brain. During injury, microtubules break down causing Tau to float freely throughout the cell, changing shape and clumping together due to phosphorylation. It takes a long time for the disease to generate, but once Tau clumps are formed, they are slowly spread and linger throughout the brain, regardless of any future head injuries.

Looking forward, patients of CTE may experience issues with thinking and memory, such as: memory loss, impaired judgement, confusion, and progressive dementia. Symptoms revolving around the cognition appear in a patient’s 40s or 50s. These conditions can worsen with time or may be stable for years. Early symptoms of CTE appear in an individual within the ages of 20-30 and affects their mood or behavior. Further, aggression, depression, impulse control problems, and paranoia all stem from this ​

As stated (Gabriele), after a single traumatic brain injury, focal neurologic signs and neurocognitive symptoms can last for months or longer. A traumatic brain injury of moderate to severe intensity can accelerate age-related neurodegenerations such as: Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and motor neuron disease also known as ALS. All of these diseases begin with axonal injury, which alters the shape of the cell further leading to neurodegeneration. At first, in 1928 Harrison S. Martland described these neurological effects of sports-related head trauma as “punch drunk” syndrome. Later, in 1937 Millspaugh referred this condition as “dementia puglistica.” Lastly, in 1949, neurologic, behavioral, and cognitive specific features were described in literature, deeming this condition “chronic traumatic encephalopathy.”

Individuals who are confirmed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy and experience its effects are known to have a history of repetitive head trauma. However, not everyone who experiences a head injury develops neurodegeneration or is likely to have CTE. Clinical symptoms within four domains of mood, behavior, cognition, and motor, can appear years or decades after exposure to head trauma. Further, it is stated by ( PAGE 149 BALNEO ) that mood features include: depression, irritability, hopelessness, anxiety, fearfulness, high rate of suicidal ideas, insomnia, apathy, flat affect, and loss of interest or fatigue. Next, behavioral symptoms include: impulsivity, explosivity, loss of control, aggression, rage, short fuse, physical or verbal violence, disinhibited speech or behavior, childish behavior, personality changes, paranoid ideas, and psychosis. Moreover, cognitive features can include: memory loss, executive dysfunction, dementia in advanced stages, but also impaired attention and concentration, visuospatial difficulties or language troubles. Lastly, motor signs include: parkinsonism, ataxia, dysarthria, gait troubles, tremor or spasticity. To conclude, all of the signs and symptoms described above do not happen quickly, yet they progressively evolve slowly over decades of time. The cases of CTE involving impairment of motor skills were predominantly boxers and the cases involving mood and cognitive features were predominantly American football players.

The prevention of any disease may seem farfetched to an individual; however, the likelihood of a brain injury can be prevented at a young age. Children are introduced to sports, especially contact sports, in their early life. Children attain a role model through the sport that interests them, making the individual more like their desired athlete. For instance, children who are introduced to sports such as football, boxing, hockey, and soccer, increase the likelihood of injury. During these stages of life, the brain is not fully developed, making very little room for error for any type of injury, being potentially life threatening as life takes it course. When the human brain is not fully developed, it increases the chance of an injury. The internal and external features of children are underdeveloped such as: neck strength, cognitive ability, and physical strength. In fact, data has shown that the rates of hospital admissions for children are higher in that of adolescents. Bancroft NeuroRehab states, by the time children reach 10 years of age, 16 percent will have at least one head injury that requires medical attention (Zemek, R.L., 2013). Next, the majority of sport-related concussion occurs in children 18 years old or younger (Comstock & Logan, 2012). Lastly, it is important to take note of possible concussions and seek medical attention to limit the damage of any internal injuries.

The dangerous disease of chronic traumatic encephalopathy takes its toll on the life of the individual affected and the lives of their family members. In 2011, former National Football League superstar Dave Duerson committed suicide with a self-inflicted gun wound, found to be in relation with the disease of CTE. Duerson had been suffering from the effects of CTE for two years before it became too much to handle. Before his death, Duerson told family and friends that he wanted his brain to be examined so the findings can help prevent the disease in the future, especially for NFL players. Shortly after Duerson’s death, doctors at Boston University had confirmed that what Dave had been suffering from was in fact, chronic traumatic encephalopathy. With the passing of his father, Tregg Duerson was motivated to make an impact for the lives of current and future football athletes. Tregg proceeded in writing the Duerson Act which proposes to ban tackle football for children under 12 years old in the state of Illinois. The Duerson family believes in order to stop CTE from developing, equipment does not have to be advanced, but physical contact has to be eliminated.

On the other hand, technological products are being designed by companies to address the issues of sport-related concussions. The “Head Impact Monitor System” (HIMS), is being designed by Prevent Biometrics, introducing a sensor-laden mouth guard that detects collisions immediately. This technological design promotes the care of athletes on the sideline following a impactful blow to the body on the playing field. Alternatively, the NFL has worked to reduce the rates of concussions and long-term injury by implementing a concussion protocol on the field, employing independent doctors to be on call in case of a traumatic injury. Riddell, a well-known helmet company that has been around the National Football League for years, developed both a Precision-Fit helmet and its InSite training tool. The Precision-Fit helmet is personalized for the athlete’s need, providing extreme protection geared up for the force of impact. Its InSite training tool is described to be a sensor within the helmet that tracks impact data, sending it to coaches and athletic trainers on call. This type of technology can adjust an athlete’s playing technique, making it safer for them and their opponent.

References

  • Bazarian, J. J., Zhu, T., Zhong, J., Janigro, D., Rozen, E., Roberts, A., … Blackman, E. G. (2014). Persistent, Long-term Cerebral White Matter Changes after Sports-Related Repetitive Head Impacts.

    PLoS ONE

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    (4), 1–12.
  • Concussions in Ice Hockey: Current Sports Medicine. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://journals.lww.com/acsm-csmr/fulltext/2016/01000/Concussions_in_Ice_Hockey.11.aspx#R2-11
  • Costanza, A., Weber, K., Gandy, S., Bouras, C., Hof, P. R., Giannakopoulos, P., & Canuto, A. (2011). Review: Contact sport-related chronic traumatic encephalopathy in the elderly: clinical expression and structural substrates.

    Neuropathology & Applied Neurobiology

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    (6), 570. Retrieved from http://rlib.pace.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edb&AN=65152304&site=eds-live&scope=site
  • Grades of Concussion and Management. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.neuroskills.com/education/grades-of-concussion-and-management.php
  • Kimbler, D. E., Murphy, M., & Dhandapani, K. M. (2011). Concussion and the adolescent athlete.

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    (6), 286-90.
  • Maroon, J. C., Winkelman, R., Bost, J., Amos, A., Mathyssek, C., & Miele, V. (2015). Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy in Contact Sports: A Systematic Review of All Reported Pathological Cases.

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    (2), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0117338
  • News. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://traumaticbraininjury.net/2013/01/14/boxers-and-brain-injuries-a-scary-study/
  • Reis, C., Wang, Y., Akyol, O., Applegate, R., Stier, G., Martin, R., . . . Wing Mann Ho. (2015, May 26). What’s New in Traumatic Brain Injury: Update on Tracking, Monitoring and Treatment. Retrieved from https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/16/6/11903/htm
  • Sports-related Head Injury. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.aans.org/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Sports-related-Head-Injury
  • Technology can’t save football players’ brains. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.engadget.com/2018/02/02/nfl-concussions-cte-technology-superbowl-lii/
  • Understanding the Risks for Concussions in Soccer. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.orlandohealth.com/blog/understanding-the-risks-for-concussions-in-soccer
  • What is CTE? (2018, November 06). Retrieved from https://concussionfoundation.org/CTE-resources/what-is-CTE
  • Wolter, M., Pelino, C. J., & Pizzimenti, J. J. (2017). Concussion and chronic traumatic encephalopathy: optometrists should be on the lookout for symptoms of CTE in patients with a history of repetitive head trauma, especially those who play contact sports.

    Review of Optometry

    , (3), 107. Retrieved from http://rlib.pace.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edsgao&AN=edsgcl.491138125&site=eds-live&scope=site

Simnet word project | Computer Science homework help

Simnet word project | Computer Science homework help

zippo374

Word Ch 1 – Guided Project 1-2 (Simnet Blue Project Block – Simnet Graded)

Word Ch 1 – Independent Project 1-6 (Simnet Blue Project Block – Simnet Graded)

Word Ch 1 – Pause and Practice (Simnet instructions – Canvas Graded)

Nurse

 

Discussion: 

Compare and contrast the growth and developmental patterns of two toddlers of different ages using Gordon’s functional health patterns. Describe and apply the components of Gordon’s functional health patterns as it applies to toddlers.    

Instructions:  

Word limit 500 words.  Support your answers with the literature and provide citations and references in APA format.  

Assessment and Interventions for Schizophrenia


Assessment and Interventions for Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that affects around 24 million people across the world (Lim, Barrio, Hernandez, Barragan, & Brekke, 2017). It is one of the most debilitating mental illnesses because of the significant social and occupational impairments (Beecher, 2009). Schizophrenia is characterized by cognitive impairments that greatly limit functions (Eack, 2012). Individuals with the disease have poor verbal memory, low IQ, poor mental speed, and perform poorly on fluency tasks (Xiao, Bartel, & Brekke, 2017). Schizophrenia is a hereditary disease, and it typically onsets by the age of 30 (Tikovsky, 2017).  Recent research supports success in cognitive-behavioral therapies and psychotherapies (Hamm, Buck, Vohs, Westerlund, & Lysather, 2016). Because of their expertise in psychosocial intervention, social workers have a special ability to aid in treating individuals with schizophrenia (Eack, 2012).


Assessment

According to the Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM-V) (2013), the diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia includes psychotic symptoms that are present for a noteworthy amount of time. Psychotic symptoms include delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, disorganized behavior, and other negative symptoms(DSM-V, 2013). The time of onset for schizophrenia is typically late adolescence to early adulthood, and this is a time of very important development (Eack, 2012).

Schizophrenia is unique compared to other psychiatric disorders because of its lasting symptoms with psychosocial impairments between episodes (Lim et. Al., 2017). When compared to people with mood disorders and schizoaffective disorders, people with schizophrenia performed the worst in the domains of processing, working memory, visual learning, reasoning, problem solving, and social cognition (Xiao et. Al., 2017). Low scores in social cognition is important in recognizing schizophrenia from other illnesses (Xiao et. Al., 2017). Assessing an individual’s social cognition and neurocognition are important to diagnose schizophrenia (Xiao et. Al., 2017). Because of their cognitive impairments, individuals with schizophrenia can be especially vulnerable to socioeconomic hardships (Lim et. Al., 2017).

Neurocognition is the process involved in thinking and reasoning such as attention, memory, and executive function abilities. Attention is especially important in detecting information that is important, and memory is needed for storing information. The greatest impairments are to verbal memory and attention. Social cognition is the ability to process, interpret, and regulate socioemotional information. Social cognitive impairments include trouble taking perspective, regulation emotions, and recognizing social cues. Impairments of attention and memory effects the ability of a person to hold a job or even carry a conversation. Social disabilities are attributed to a person being unable to understand other perspectives and social cues. Neurocognitive and social cognitive impairments are closely associated with schizophrenia (Eack, 2012).

An accurate family history can be extremely useful when assessing a patient suspected of having schizophrenia. If an individual has immediate family with the disorder, they are ten times more likely to have it (Tikovsky, 2017). The genetic effects of schizophrenia are complicated, but recently it has been discovered that compliment component 4 (C4) plays a role as a pathway for the disorder. C4 is involved in marking synapses in the brain for removal. It is most active in the late teens and early 20s. Overactivity of C4 is associated with a higher risk of schizophrenia (Runnels, 2018). The discovery of the genetic components that play a role in the etiology of schizophrenia is evidence of the hereditary nature of the disease.

Gender of the patient plays a significant part in assessing them for schizophrenia. It affects the onset and the prominence of symptoms (Seeman, 2018). Seeman (2018) describes her female patients with schizophrenia as “well groomed, chatty, friendly, and smart” (p. 9). While she described her male patients as “emotionally distant, apathetic, disheveled, and angry” (p. 9). Women typically encounter the onset of symptoms later in life compared to men, and this allows for the women to have time to complete more education and mature their social skills . While women often worked outside the home and maintained committed relationships, men with schizophrenia are associated with high suicide rates, unemployment, and being dependent on their parents (Seeman, 2018).

There are disagreements on how schizophrenia should be defined (Tikovsky, 2017), and it is possible that practitioners have been lumping different disorders with similar symptoms under the disorder of schizophrenia (Runnels, 2018). There are criticisms of the validity and reliability of the methods of gathering information from clients. The causation of schizophrenia is still not certain, and it causes it to be challenging for practitioners to fully comprehend the effects of genetic and environmental factors (Tikovsky, 2017).


Social Work Interventions

The severity of schizophrenia makes the population living with it extremely vulnerable (Beecher, 2009). Social workers specialize in working with vulnerable populations, and social workers have pioneered the development of psychosocial interventions that have proven to be effective in treating schizophrenia (Eack, 2012). Social workers have a broad knowledge base that aids in equipping them to treat schizophrenic patients. The emphasis on person in situation perspective, biopsychosocial knowledge, and treatment modalities such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, ecological approach, and strength perspectives give social workers unique tools to treat schizophrenia (Beecher, 2009).

The treatment of schizophrenia is most often centered around the medical model (Beecher, 2009). The etiological medical model operates on the basis that mental illnesses are disorders of the brain that should be treated with medication and/or physical treatment. The practice oriented medical model seeks to identify the root of the problem and then treating to heal or repair the issue (Beecher, 2009).

Psychosocial interventions are extremely important to improving an individual’s functioning when the individual has schizophrenia (Eack, 2012). The growth of treatments available are helped by the growing belief that recovery is possible for individuals with schizophrenia (Hamm et. Al., 2016). Psychosocial interventions are most often provided by social workers because of their role in developing, evaluating, and using psychosocial interventions. Community treatment, family psychoeducation, and strength-based therapies are all methods social workers use to aid treatment of schizophrenia. These interventions combined with the appropriate medication are associated with success in recovery (Eack, 2012). The collection of social workers and other disciplines has resulted in psychosocial interventions to improve cognitive functioning. The psychosocial interventions are constructed to improve cognition by using aimed cognitive exercises and training (Eack, 2012).

It is important to address an individual with schizophrenia from an interpersonal stance. It is necessary for the practitioner to have a sensitive and responsive approach to the process occurring in that moment. The position from which a therapist speaks more important thatn what is actually said. The practitioner must believe that it is possible for the most psychotic patients to be understood. People with severe mental disorders find ways to make sense of what is happening to them. Practitioners must also accept that it is possible for an individual with a severe mental disorder to want to recover. The therapist should adopt the role of a consultant to the patient to aid them in their recovery (Hamm et. Al., 2016). Interventions that allow for individuals to make decisions about their treatment can nurture recovery. Intrinsic motivations encourage better engagement in interventions and make it more likely the individual is successful in recovery  (Lim et. Al., 2017).

Outcome oriented recovery stresses the decrease of symptoms and a return to premorbid functioning. Process-oriented recovery focuses on coping with and managing symptoms. The mental health community does not agree on which method is better for schizophrenia (Lim et. Al., 2017). Lim, Barrio, Hernandez, Barragon, and Brekke’s study found that more than one in 20 participants accomplished a year of recovery. This goes against the stereotype that individuals with schizophrenia generally do not recover (Lim et. Al., 2017).

Positive family relationships when entering rehabilitation is associated with success in recovery (Lim et. Al., 2017). Family members are often the most likely to be hurt by a delusional or hallucination individual. Ensuring the patient is not a risk to others is important to treatment (Seeman, 2018). Providing psychoeducation to the family of individuals with schizophrenia is effective in lowering the likelihood of relapse (Lim et. Al., 2017).

Cognitive remediation has proven to be an effective approach to psychosocial interventions for treating schizophrenia (Eack, 2012). Cognitive remediation approaches include a variety of exercises such as completing sudoku puzzles and computer programs designed to target precise domains of cognition. There are diverse methods of approaches available to practitioners, but they all share common principles. Almost all approaches include strategic techniques designed to optimize cognitive performance along with drill and practice techniques that improve performance through repetition. While evidence supports improvements in neurocognition using cognitive remediation approaches, there are less studies on how it improves social cognition. The belief is that if cognitive functioning can be improved, recovery is possible. There is evidence that supports using cognitive remediation in community and social work settings. Social workers will have a large impact on providing cognitive remediation to underserved individuals (Eack, 2012).

Cognitive enhancement therapy is a cognitive remediation approach that is meant to improve neurocognition and social cognition. It starts by targeting basic problems through pairing clients for neurocognitive remediation by implanting the computer-based training into a social context. After a few months, multiple pairs of patients join together in groups. Patients work with a coach to create a plan for their recovery. Social-cognitive groups are important to cognitive enhancement therapy, and psychoeducation, cognitive exercises, and homework are used to target social cognitive functioning in the groups (Each, 2012).

Antipsychotic medications are necessary to any effort to treat schizophrenia. They make it possible for people with schizophrenia to live in the community because they help manage the psychotic symptoms like hallucinations and delusions (Eack, 2012). Antipsychotic medications can be taken orally or injected. Long-lasting injections are more effective in lowering the chances of hospitalization (Runnels, 2018). They can be dangerous if the individual taking them is in a situation where it is important to be aware and alert (Seeman, 2018). Even when antipsychotic medications work to get the psychosis under control, individuals with schizophrenia require other interventions because of their poor social, vocational, and cognitive functioning.


Conclusion

More research is necessary to determine what helps individuals with schizophrenia to be successful in recovery in order for more specific treatment to be developed and enhanced (Lim et. Al, 2017). While social workers are not the primary providers for individuals with schizophrenia (Beecher, 2009), they are uniquely qualified to help the especially vulnerable population. Through their knowledge base, social workers are vital instruments to be utilized in the treatment of schizophrenia.

References

Causes and Effects of Lung Cancer in Australia

Introduction

Cancer has been infamously named the leading cause of death -worldwide- by the World Health Organization (WHO, 2019). According to the World Health Organization, the global rates of cancer incidence



[1]



and cancer mortality

2

are not improving either, but are rather continuing to increase (WHO, 2019). Currently, cancer is said to be responsible for one in every six deaths worldwide (WHO, 2019). Lung cancer, in specific, is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and is said to be the leading cause of cancer death worldwide (WHO, 2019).

Australia is drastically affected by lung cancer. According to the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer, Australia is known to have both the highest rates of cancer incidence and mortality compared to any other country (International Agency for Research on Cancer, 2018). While currently in Australia, more men are diagnosed with lung cancer than women, it is estimated that women’s incidence rate of lung cancer will surpass men’s incidence rate within the next decade (Yu, X., Kahn, C., Luo, Q., Sitas, F., & O’connell, D., 2015). Furtehr on, there has been a significant increase in disparity across socioeconomic areas for lung cancer (Yu, X., Luo, Q., Kahn, C., Cahill, C., Weber, M., Grogan, P., … O’Connell, D., 2017) in Australia.

In addition to Australia, lung cancer in the United States of America is said to be the number one killer cancer for both men and women (American Lung Association Scientific and Medical Editorial Review Panel, 2019). Although currently in America, men are more likely to be diagnosed with lung cancer than women, the already small incidence gap between the two sexes is decreasing (Donington, J., & Colson, Y, 2011). In America, a low socioeconomic status has also been associated with an increased risk for Lung Cancer (Hovanec, J., Siemiatycki, J., Conway, D., Olsson, A., Stucker, I., Guida, F., … Behrens, T. 2018).

The high rates of lung cancer incidence and mortality for both countries may be contributed to smoking tobacco, second-hand smoke, genetic susceptibility, poor diet, occupational exposures, and air pollution (Malhotra, J., Malvezzi, M., Negri, E., La Vecchia, C., Boffetta, P., & Malhotra, J, 2016). Further on, cultural views and stigma may be an important cause of lung cancer mortality (Crane, M., Scott, N., O’Hara, B., Aranda, S., Lafontaine, M., Stacey, I., … Currow, D, 2016). Some of lung cancer’s effects include high mortality rates, high healthcare expenditures, tobacco control initiatives, and other governmental interventions.

The following paper will consist of a body which will further explain the role that gender plays in lung cancer, the causes of lung cancer, the role that socioeconomic status plays in lung cancer, and the effects of lung cancer in Australia. Additionally, the paper will consist of an analysis that will critically examine and analyze the literatures mentioned in the body and compare the lung cancer’s causes, effects, gender roles, and socioeconomic roles in Australia to America. Lastly, the paper will include a conclusion to wrap up the paper’s main points and explain what research should be further examines for lung cancer in Australia.

Role of Gender in Lung Cancer in Australia

In Australia there is an estimated 10,000 lung cancers diagnosis per year -in which 5,950 are in men and 3,755 are in females (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2019). Further on, there is an estimated lung cancer mortality of 4,715 males and 2,910 females (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2019). This makes lung cancer the second cause of death for all males and the fourth cause of death for females in Australia (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2019). However, over the past several years, the mortality rate from lung cancer for males has decreased by 41%, while the mortality rate for females has increased by 56% (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2019). This is a huge disparity gap between both genders. This different pattern of incidence and mortality rates in males and females is said to reflect recent changed in attitude and smoking behavior. Currently men smoke more tobacco than women, but women have started smoking tobacco much more than before, whereas men have stopped smoking tobacco as much as before. This can be due to changing cultural views, in which smoking tobacco is no longer perceived a “male” activity- making women more inclined to smoke. At the same time, there has been many tobacco control initiatives targeted to the male population, which may be the cause of why the male population has decreased their smoking rates (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2019).

Causes of Lung Cancer in Australia

As a chronic disease, lung cancer has many risk factors that may accumulate over time to initiate the disease. Such risk factors include smoking tobacco, inhaling second-hand smoke, genetic susceptibility, poor diet, occupational exposures, and air pollution (Malhotra, J., Malvezzi, M., Negri, E., La Vecchia, C., Boffetta, P., & Malhotra, J, 2016).

Smoking tobacco is the biggest risk factor for lung cancer as it accounts for 87 percent of all lung cancer deaths (Ball, W.,1957). In Australia, smoking tobacco became common as it exponentially increased after World War Two (Adair, T., Hoy, D., Dettrick, Z., & Lopez, A., 2011). Beneficially, within the past decades’ discovery of how harmful smoking tobacco is, the proportion of adults in Australia who were daily smokers decreased from 22.3% to 13.8% (Adair, T., Hoy, D., Dettrick, Z., & Lopez, A., 2011). During the more recent years, however, the daily smoking rate has remained relatively stable at 13.8% (Adair, T., Hoy, D., Dettrick, Z., & Lopez, A., 2011).

Poor diet is also one of the major risk factors for lung cancer. A diet high in red meat and low in vegetables is shown to have a strong correlation to lung cancer (Xue, X., Gao, Q., Qiao, J., Zhang, J., Xu, C., Liu, J., & Xue, X., 2014). Australians consume approximately 100kg of red meat per year- ranking Australia as the number one country with the highest red and processed meat intake per person (“FED: Snapshot of Australia’s health”, 2018). In addition to red and processed meat, only 68% of children and five percent of adults have a sufficient intake of vegetables (“FED: Snapshot of Australia’s health”, 2018). This shows that Australia’s diet is extremely poor and could be why so many Australians are affected with lung cancer.

Stigma and other cultural views may also be an important cause of lung cancer mortality. When it comes to lung cancer screenings in Australia, there is a common belief in that a person should only go to the doctor if the symptoms are severe enough— since they “know their body, and would know if something was wrong” (Crane, M., Scott, N., O’Hara, B., Aranda, S., Lafontaine, M., Stacey, I., … Currow, D, 2016). Another widely held view is to not mention “mild” symptoms to the doctor since it will “go away” (Crane, M., Scott, N., O’Hara, B., Aranda, S., Lafontaine, M., Stacey, I., … Currow, D, 2016). Lastly, many smokers admitted that they would not tell their doctor if they experience symptoms of smoking because of the stigma associated with smoking (Crane, M., Scott, N., O’Hara, B., Aranda, S., Lafontaine, M., Stacey, I., … Currow, D, 2016). This is an obstacle to secondary prevention for lung cancer, which is critical for early treatments and stopping further spread of the cancer.

Roles of Socioeconomic Status in Lung Cancer in Australia

Currently in Australia, there has been a significant increase in disparity across socioeconomic areas for lung cancer (Yu, X., Luo, Q., Kahn, C., Cahill, C., Weber, M., Grogan, P., … O’Connell, D., 2017). Many studies show a strong negative correlation with one’s smoking rate and one’s socioeconomic status; people in the lowest socioeconomic status group are almost twice that of the highest socioeconomic class to smoke tobacco (AIHW, AIHW & AACR, 2008). As a result, people with lower socioeconomic statuses have higher lung cancer incidence and mortality rates than people from higher socioeconomic statuses (AIHW, 2010a). More specifically, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population of Australia show a relative socioeconomic disadvantage to other Australians. As a result, the age-standardized incidence rate of lung cancer are significantly higher for Indigenous than non-Indigenous Australians (AIHW, 2010a). In specific, Indigenous (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) males were 1.7 times as likely to be diagnosed with lung cancer as non-Indigenous males and Indigenous females were 1.6 times as likely to be diagnosed with lung cancer as non-Indigenous females. This difference may be explained, at least in part, by the fact that Indigenous adults have a relatively low socioeconomic status (AIHW, 2010a). Being in a low socioeconomic status puts the Indigenous population at a more than twice as likely chance to be a current daily smoker and not be able to afford healthy and nutritious foods (AIHW, 2010a).

Effects of Lung Cancer in Australia

Premature mortality is the biggest effect of lung cancer in Australia. Other effects of lung cancer include high healthcare expenditures, tobacco control initiatives, and increased research for lung cancer. As previously mentioned, lung cancer has extremely high mortality rate in

Australia; the chance of surviving at least five years of lung cancer is only 17 percent (Torre, L., Siegel, R., Jemal, A., & Torre, L., 2016). Most people who die prematurely from lung cancer not only cause emotional damage on their families, but they become a lost value in their country as a whole; in Australia, the amount of premature deaths from lung cancer in 2003 resulted in 88,000 working years lost and was estimated to be a $4.2 billion economic cost for the country (Carter, H., Schofield, D., & Shrestha, R., 2016).

Lung cancer in Australia also creates high healthcare expenditures. Just in 2004 alone, Australia’s healthcare expenditure for lung cancer was approximated to cost $166 million (AIHW, 2010b). 79% of the health expenditure on lung cancer was for hospital admitted patient services -costing around $131 million (AIHW, 2010b). Another 18% was spent on out-ofhospital medical services -costing around $30 million, and the last 3% was spent on prescription pharmaceuticals -costing nearly $5 million (AIHW, 2010b). This is an extremely high spending as in 2004 it was found that the proportion of health-care expenditure for lung cancer was more than the healthcare expenditure for all other cancers and all diseases (AIHW, 2010b).

Additionally, the future cost for lung cancer healthcare expenditures is estimated to have a sharp increase (AIHW, 2010b).

There have also been tobacco control initiatives as a result of the high lung cancer rates in Australia. In Australia, such initiatives such as putting health warnings on tobacco packaging, making smoke-free zones, tobacco price increases, and increased anti-tobacco marketing campaigns have already been shown to avert a great number of deaths in the country, preventing roughly 400 thousand deaths from lung cancer from 1956-2015 (Dela Cruz, C., Tanoue, L., & Matthay, R., 2011).

Analysis

The articles used in the body of this paper contribute to the larger body of science by bringing in comprehensive snapshots of Australia’s lung cancer’s latest statistics and their collective impact. This is important since one must know the collective effects, gender roles, socioeconomic roles, and causes of lung cancer for decision-making, resource allocation and the evaluation of programs and policies regarding lung cancer in Australia. All of the literatures used in the body are appropriate, as they are credible -all are peer reviewed and the experimental research papers have even been repeated multiple times by different studies in which similar results were found-, they are also relevant as they have the most recent data, and are directly related to the topic of lung cancer in Australia such as explaining genders’ roles in lung cancer, causes of lung cancer, socioeconomic roles on lung cancer, and the effects of lung cancer.

When it comes to gender roles’ effect on lung cancer in America compared to Australia, the gap between female and male lung cancer incidence and mortality rates is much smaller than Australia’s. In America, there is an estimated 228,150 new cases of lung cancer per year -in which 116,440 are in men and 111,710 are in women (American Cancer Society, 2019). Additionally, there is an estimated 142,670 deaths from lung cancer every year -in which 76,650 are in men and 66,020 are in women (American Cancer Society, 2019). It is important to note that the number of deaths are much larger in America since the population in America is bigger than Australia’s -however, Australia still has a higher mortality rate. Overall, in America the chance that a man will develop lung cancer in his lifetime is about 1 in 15, while for a woman the risk is about 1 in 17. Just like the disparity that the Aboriginal population of Australia face when it comes to lung cancer, black men and women in America also face a disparity as they are about 15% more likely to develop lung cancer than white men and women (Desantis, C., Miller, K., Goding Sauer, A., Jemal, A., & Siegel, R., 2019). In America, both black and white women have lower rates of lung cancer incidence than men, but this gap is very close to closing (American Cancer Society, 2019).

During the past 50 years there has also been a dramatic increase in the incidence of lung cancer in women in America- just like in Australia (Donington, J., & Colson, Y., 2011). There is a gap in the literatures when it comes to causes of the increase in lung cancer for women in both Australia and America. Most of the articles contribute this rise to an increase in smoking tobacco within the female population, however, approximately 1 in 5 women with lung cancer have never smoked (Donington, J., & Colson, Y., 2011). Some small studies have tried examining the significance of gender-based differences in epidemiology, genetics, hormones, and treatments of lung cancer to find what is the cause of 20 percent of the women with lung cancer, but not many studies have found significant data (Donington, J., & Colson, Y., 2011).

When it comes to the causes of lung cancer, Australia and America both struggle with the same causes. Australia’s historical trends in smoking tobacco and lung cancer were very similar to America’s (Adair, T., Hoy, D., Dettrick, Z., & Lopez, A., 2011). In America, the tobacco smoking rate were also extremely high after World War Two, where 42.4% of U.S. adults would smoke cigarettes (Angelicalavito, 2018). America’s smoking trends recently reached a record low of 14% after a 67% decline since 1965, just like they did in Australia (Angelicalavito, 2018). Further on, when it comes to dietary trends, in America, although high rates of red meat intake persist along with low rates of vegetable intake, there has been a national decrease in red meat consumption and a national increase in vegetable consumption (Neff, R. A., Edwards, D., Palmer, A., Ramsing, R., Righter, A., & Wolfson, J., 2018). This shows that America is less likely to be affected by lung cancer because of their diet as compared to Australia. In addition, cultural views such as stigma also persists in America as many lung cancer patients fear being denied treatment and conceal their condition and their psychosocial distress (Hamann, H., Ostroff, J., Marks, E., Gerber, D., Schiller, J., & Lee, S., 2014). Not many studies are done on how to effectively reduce this stigma in both America and Australia. Such stigma and cultural views prevent many people in both Australia and America in getting primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention for lung cancer.

When it comes to socioeconomic status’ role in lung cancer, many studies also showed a negative correlation between one’s socioeconomic status and lung cancer incidence in America just as they did in Australia (Hovanec, J., Siemiatycki, J., Conway, D., Olsson, A., Stucker, I., Guida, F., … Behrens, T., 2018). This can in part be due to people in lower socioeconomic classes for both countries are less likely to be educated about the importance of their health and more likely to be targeting by tobacco ads. Further on, people in lower socioeconomic statuses for both countries are less likely to afford healthy foods and are more likely to eat processed meats from fast food store chains, which increases their chances of developing lung cancer. There is a gap in articles that talk about the disparity in lung cancer mortality rates in Australia and America due to socioeconomic class roles. Although one might assume people from lower socioeconomic classes have higher mortality rates because they might have less access to quality healthcare- since this is generally a case of higher mortality rates in least developed countries as seen in the video of Dead Mum Don’t Cry (British Broadcasting Corporation, 2005) and talked about in the book “Introduction to Global Health” by Kathryn H. Jacobsen on chapters explaining infectious disease and disparities in least developed countries (Jacobsen, K. H., 2019) -however, this is not supported by scientific evidence for lung cancer. Further on, little is known about the relation between the strength of association and the level of adjustment and level of aggregation of the socioeconomic status measure for both Australia and America. One literature found “a weak positive association between individual income and lung cancer survival” however this correlation is too weak to have any significance (Finke, I., Behrens, G., Weisser, L., Brenner, H., & Jansen, L., 2018).

When it comes to the effects of lung cancer, Australia is more drastically impacted than America. For instance, the chance of surviving lung cancer after five years in Australia is only 17 percent, whereas in America that number is increased to 56 percent (American Lung Association Scientific and Medical Editorial Review Panel, 2019. Additionally, when it comes to the cost of healthcare expenditures, lung cancer in America does not have the highest healthcare expenditures out of all other cancers like it does in Australia (Yabroff, K. R., Lund, J., Kepka, D., & Mariotto, A., 2011) -even though lung cancer healthcare expenditures in America are estimated to be a whopping $12.1 billon (Yabroff, K. R., Lund, J., Kepka, D., & Mariotto, A., 2011). In addition, the same tobacco control initiatives have been used in America and have resulted in an 8% short-term relative reduction in smoking and a 12% long-term relative reduction in smoking prevalence through the greater impact on youth smoking (Levy, T., Tam, T., Kuo, T., Fong, T., & Chaloupka, T., 2018), reaching more people than the initiatives in Australia. There is a gap in articles about more efficient tobacco control initiatives in Australia that will primarily affect the minority groups such as the Aboriginal population, people in lower socioeconomic statuses, and women in Australia in order to eventually close the disparity gap. The only major area in which lung cancer is more drastically affecting America than Australia is the projected 3 million years of life that will be prematurely lost due to lung cancer -leading to about $145 billion in economic loss for the country (American Cancer Society, 2019). America is estimated to lose more money from premature deaths of lung cancer than Australia since the American population is larger, and more deaths in total mean more money lost in total. In America, it was also estimated that the cost of lung cancer healthcare expenditures will increase in the following years just like they will increase in Australia (Yabroff, K. R., Lund, J., Kepka, D., & Mariotto, A., 2011).

Conclusion

In reflection, lung cancer greatly impacts the population of Australia as it has both the highest incidence rate as well as the highest mortality rate out of all other cancers. Smoking tobacco, poor diet, and stigma are some of the causes of lung cancer that can be changed. Decreasing lung cancer incidence rates through primary prevention is said to be the most efficient way in dealing with lung cancer. That being said, further research should be done to find the most efficient ways to change people’s behavioral attitudes towards smoking tobacco, diet, and stigma. Such research should be especially aimed at populations who are most effected by lung cancer -such as the Aboriginal population in Australia, people in lower socioeconomic classes, and women. More research done in these areas should be able to remove the disparity gap and overall lung cancer incidence rates by guiding with decision-making, resource allocation and the evaluation of programs and policies regarding lung cancer. In addition, further questions should be asked on how America has made increased their five-year lung cancer survivability rate to 56 percent whereas it is only still 17 percent in Australia. Australia can learn a lot from America’s approach -as both countries have had very similar trends, causes, and effects (including the high mortality rates, high healthcare expenditures, and money spent on future tobacco prevention initiatives) of lung cancer.

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[1]

Cancer incidence refers to the number of people being diagnosed with cancer.

2

Cancer mortality refers to the number of deaths from cancer per 100,000 people in a population.

Nursing Theory, Research and Practice Project description No references

Nursing Theory, Research and Practice Project description No references

Nursing Theory, Research and Practice Research Paper Help

Nursing Theory, Research and Practice Project description No references older than 5 years 5 references No first person

Step 1 Review the scenario. During the course of your practice as a staff nurs