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Efficacy of Green Tea Consumption on Body Composition in Collegiate Athletes: A Randomized Controlled Trial
No full textPrevious studies have found that green tea consumption can aid in decreasing body fat in less active or overweight populations. Collegiate athletes have a lower body fat percentage than the general population, and there is a lack of research on the effects of matcha on this population. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect that matcha has on the overall body composition of collegiate athletes, as well as its effects on energy levels during athletic activity, as this has yet to be studied. The hypothesis was that there would be a decrease in fat mass in the green tea group. Methods used Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) testing both before and after green tea supplementation for five weeks in the experimental, comparing to the control. Here we found that body composition did not have a significant change after the consumption of matcha daily for 5 weeks (p= >0.05). Pre and post surveys showed that there was an overall decrease in practices lacking energy in both groups, however this change was not more significant in the experimental than the control. This data shows us that matcha consumption does not aid in weight loss or body composition changes like it has in unactive or overweight populations, indicating that green tea consumption in athletic populations may require more time for changes to be seen, or that decreased muscle damage and increases in fat oxidation from green tea- as seen in other studies- may not translate to body composition change. More research is needed in athletic populations, possibly for longer periods of time with more strict guidelines on hydration before BIA testing
Evaluation of Midazolam as a Premedication for General Anesthesia: A Retrospective Study
No full textFinding the ideal preoperative pharmacologic regimen for a patient's care plan can be challenging since more definitive and comprehensive data on the subject is needed (Barash, 2017). Medication therapies like premedication must be individualized for each patient. This study evaluated patients ages 18-65 undergoing non-emergent robotic/laparoscopic cholecystectomies and appendectomies from April 1, 2022, to April 1, 2024, to determine if administering intravenous midazolam preoperatively affected certain postoperative outcomes. The project's primary outcomes were length of post anesthesia care unit (PACU) stay, and length of stay in phase two recovery before hospital discharge. Secondary outcomes were the number of pain medications and antiemetic medications administered during the PACU and phase two recovery stay. Forty patients were included in the midazolam group, and 28 were in the non-midazolam group. Differences between the intervention groups in the PACU and phase two recovery times, pain medication, and antiemetic medication outcomes were all statistically insignificant. Most confidence intervals in the intervention outcomes were broad with large standard deviations likely due to confounding factors, such as small and uneven sample group sizes. More research is needed to look at the effect of midazolam on different variables, such as different surgical or patient populations
Nurse-Led Education as an Optimizer of Self-Efficacy After a Vaginoplasty
No full textGender-affirming surgery (GAS) is one of the most common and effective interventions for gender dysphoria. Individuals who have a vaginoplasty procedure for male-to-female GAS must understand how to care for their new body, as this surgery requires lifelong management. Nurses have an essential role in the post-operative setting by providing education and assessing selfefficacy to identify barriers that may diminish their perceived ability to successfully care for themselves. This quality improvement project aimed to improve the delivery of self-care education through structured education sessions for four post-operative vaginoplasty patients during their hospital stay. A pre and post-test data comparison of self-efficacy, post-intervention self-care knowledge test, and satisfaction survey were collected. Measurable outcomes include a 20% increase in self-efficacy and a passing score of 8 out of 10 on a post-knowledge test. The findings indicate that nurse-led education successfully met most of the objectives. The mean selfefficacy score at baseline (standard deviations in parenthesis) was 35.3 (2.1) and 35.5 (4.4) out of 40, post-intervention. The maximum increase in self-efficacy from baseline was 12% and the mean score on the post-education knowledge test was 9.5 (0.6). Patients also reported high satisfaction with the education provided. Although the self-efficacy goal was not achieved, this project shows how nurse-led education can positively impact the care and health outcomes of individuals undergoing a vaginoplasty
Simulation Training for High Acuity Low Occurrence Emergencies
No full textSimulation training is vital for preparing nurses to handle high-acuity emergencies effectively, particularly in the context of trauma care in emergency rooms (ERs). This method, utilized extensively in military, aviation, and nuclear power training, offers a safe learning environment to practice real world scenarios. Given the approximately 1.2 million trauma-related ER visits annually, ensuring nurses proficiency in trauma care is substantial. High acuity, low occurrence emergencies (HALOE) pose unique challenges, and providing simulation training for these scenarios enhances nurses' knowledge, confidence, and performance while reducing stress and burnout. The project aimed to boost ER nurses' confidence through HALOE simulation training. Using Lewin's change management theory, the project employed a pre-test/post-test design to assess confidence levels using the Confidence in Managing Challenging Situations (CMCS) tool. Over a 6-week period, four simulation events were conducted in a Midwest hospital's emergency room, focusing on scenarios with chest tube set up and management and massive blood transfusion. Results indicated a significant increase in confidence levels post-simulation for both procedures. Simulation training offers a controlled environment for nurses to make mistakes, reflect, and refine their skills, crucial in healthcare where errors can have severe consequences. It bridges the gap between theory and practice, fostering transformative learning experiences. Incorporating regular HALOE simulation training can further solidify nurses' preparedness for high-stakes situations, ultimately improving patient outcomes and interprofessional relationships in ER settings
Exploring the Impact of LGBTQ-Related Skill, Knowledge, and Attitude on School Counselor Services
No full textLGBTQ youth have been found to face a unique combination of risk factors which influence their experience during high school. These factors include higher rates of bullying, anti-LGBTQ laws, and mental health concerns, including contemplating suicide, childhood trauma, and family rejection. School counselors are uniquely situated to provide services to LGBTQ youth. This study examined the influence of school counselors' preparation, knowledge, and attitude on the services provided to LGBTQ youth in k-12 schools. A quantitative study was conducted utilizing the LGBT-DOCSS and the Self-Assessment Checklist for Personnel Providing Services and Support to LGBTQ Youth and Their Families. Results indicated that school counselors' knowledge of LGBTQ issues influences the services provided to LGBTQ youth. School counselors' preparation and attitude toward LGBTQ individuals did not influence the services provided. School counselors must continue to seek out additional training regarding the LGBTQ population and remain knowledgeable about current issues faced by this population. Counselor Educators should continue to train students in identifying and separating their personal beliefs from their work with clients
Healthcare Experiences of Spanish-Speaking Immigrants with Limited English Proficiency
No full textThe United States is currently experiencing a high number of immigrants coming into the country every day. This impacts healthcare, as healthcare providers will care for this population. Language barriers can have a substantial impact on the cost and quality of healthcare. Through interviews of Spanish-speaking immigrants with limited English proficiency in a rural community, this qualitative study found that the lack of financial coverage, due to a myriad of reasons, along with the lack of consistent interpreter modalities greatly impacted the quality of healthcare that the participants received. These results reveal the need for the rural non-profit clinic studied to provide preventative care to decrease healthcare costs brought on by the reactive usage of the local Emergency Department. These findings the support the importance of providing preventative healthcare and proper disease management in the immigrant populations in the United States
CNAs Coping Through Covid
No full textThe nature of a Certified Nursing Assistants' (CNAs) job is to help patients/residents with performing daily activities. Due to the nature of their job CNAs endure emotional, social, and spiritual adversities that go beyond their excepted job description. Some of these difficulties include CNAs emotionally supporting their patients through illness, separation from family, and threat of death, which only intensified during the global pandemic. With the increased responsibilities of their job, CNAs must find ways of coping with the change in their lives due to COVID
Quantitative Train of Four Monitoring: Change Initiative and Retrospective Study
No full textWhenever a neuromuscular blockade is administered during anesthesia, a train of four monitoring should be utilized to monitor the depth of paralysis. The train of four can be monitored through a qualitative or quantitative device. This project aimed to implement the quantitative train of four monitoring devices. The Neuromuscular Transmission (NMT) module was the available quantitative monitor at the study site. The study sought to gather data through a pre-survey, provide education, collect a post-survey, observe variable differences between the two devices, and create a more significant use of the NMT module. The pre-survey garnered a response rate of 78%, and the post-survey had a response rate of 88%. The survey observed an incremental increase in response ratings for most questions asked. Before education, the NMT module was used in 5.4% of cases. Following education, the NMT module was used in 8.1% of cases, a 2.7% increase. Adverse events were monitored, and there were zero complications when the NMT was utilized compared to a total of six adverse events that occurred when the qualitative TOF device was used. There was an apparent increase in the data points collected when the NMT module was used. The amount of rocuronium and sugammadex was also monitored, and more medication was administered using the NMT module. Overall, the NMT module had a slight increase in use, and it appears safer for patients in avoiding residual paralysis and adverse events. However, a greater sample size is necessary to draw conclusions
A Relational Study Between Team Emotional Intelligence and the Balanced Scorecard Measures of Church Board Effectiveness
No full textThis quantitative research evaluated the connections between the measures and practices of team emotional intelligence (TEIM) and the measures of church board effectiveness (CBE). Team emotional intelligence shapes the culture of a team by developing norms and behaviors deemed acceptable by the team itself. Teams with higher levels of team emotional intelligence work more effectively with one another. Church leadership teams that function effectively serve their congregations, community, and God better. A group level of faith was also explored and evaluated for TEIM and CBE connections. Data was obtained through the Team Emotional Intelligence Survey, the Santa Clara Strength of Religious Faith Questionnaire in its original format and in a modified version for the group, and the Balanced Scorecard measures of Church Board Effectiveness. Scorecard focus areas were Stewardship, Mission, Internal Processes, and Christian Formation / Leadership Development. The TEIM questions included topics of team norms, basic group practices and elements of social capital. The data evidenced varied strength of relations between various CBE measures and 13/15 TEIM topic areas. All CBE focus areas were strongly connected to norms of proactive problem-solving and sound meeting practices. CBE measures were not related to understanding their work impact in terms of reaching their goals and supporting the expression of emotions. The strength of group faith differed from the individual level of faith and was relational to 14/15 TEIM and the CBE measure of Stewardship. This data identified growth opportunities for church boards to serve more effectively