Predicting discharge outcome after elective hip and knee arthroplasty.

The objective of this prospective study was to determine if differences exist between individuals who require an inpatient rehabilitation program after elective hip and knee arthroplasty from those patients who can be discharged directly home. Multiple variables consisting of baseline demographics, social status, insurance status, medical history, pain level, quantitative strength, range of motion, and functional ability were examined. The primary outcome measure was the discharge destination from the orthopedic service and consisted of either a discharge to home or a discharge to an inpatient rehabilitation unit.

Serum estrone concentrations and coronary artery disease in postmenopausal women.

Little is known about the relation between serum sex hormones and either coronary heart disease or the development of atherosclerosis in women. We measured serum estrone concentrations in 87 postmenopausal women (age, 50 to 81 years) who were admitted for diagnostic cardiac catheterization. None of the women were on estrogen replacement therapy.

The music therapy assessment tool in Alzheimer's patients.

1. Empirical research is needed to evaluate immediate and sustained physiological, psychological, and psychosocial therapeutic effects, if any, of music therapy on behavioral patterns of elderly institutionalized Alzheimer's patients. 2.

Quantification of the effects of listening to music as a noninvasive method of pain control.

This study quantified the effects of listening to music as a noninvasive nursing method of pain control. The effects of soothing and stimulating music on pain and tactile thresholds, heart rate, and blood pressure were determined on healthy female volunteers (N = 10) in a laboratory setting. Data were analyzed by ANOVA for repeated measures and post hoc comparison tests.