Publications by authors named "Lucille R Ferrara"

Objective: The objective of this review was to evaluate the effectiveness of diaphragmatic breathing for reducing physiological and psychological stress in adults 18 years and over.

Introduction: Stress has reached epidemic proportions globally. Unidentified sequela of physiological and psychological stress can result in anxiety, depression, heart disease, cancer, immunologic conditions and death.

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Deviation from normal bowel function in the pediatric population is often a cause for concern for parents and caregivers, prompting numerous visits to a primary care provider. Constipation is a common and challenging issue in children that can have an adverse impact on their psychosocial and emotional well-being as well as quality of life. This article provides practical strategies for diagnosing, treating, and preventing constipation in children.

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Gout is a disorder of purine metabolism that primarily occurs in adult males. Elevated plasma uric acid concentrations (hyperuricemia) cause deposits of urate crystals in joint spaces causing severe, repeated attacks of arthritis.

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Falls in older adults are a major public health concern and can often have fatal results. Practitioners need to be aware of assessment and diagnostic techniques to prevent falls in older adults.

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Corneal abrasion is a common eye injury that occurs in all age-groups. A focused history and physical exam can identify patients with corneal abrasions and improve intervention time. Minor corneal abrasions usually heal within 48 hours without complications or eye damage.

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Abdominal pain is a common complaint encountered in primary care and in the ED. Varying levels of pain dictate the immediacy of the intervention. Time is vital when making the decision to initiate therapeutic interventions.

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Crohn disease (CD) is an autoimmune disease that affects people across the lifespan. Patients with CD are predisposed to other autoimmune illnesses, such as psoriasis or arthritis, and suffer from complications including infection and malnutrition. This article will focus on the diagnosis and treatment of CD.

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An integral part of an advanced practice nursing student's education is to partner with a clinical preceptor. Developing strategies to balance busy clinical practice and preceptor responsibilities can foster a positive mentoring experience.

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Review Question/objective: The objective of this review is to identify the effectiveness of group visits for patients with heart failure (HF) on knowledge, quality of life, self-care behaviors, and hospital readmissions.

Research Questions: BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) continues to be a major health burden throughout the world. There are currently over 5.

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Background: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is ubiquitous. Complications and costs of diabetes are rising and are depleting limited resources. It is imperative for healthcare professionals and patients alike to confront this chronic condition by exploring new interventions.

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