Creating a culture of evidence in nursing education using student portfolios.

There has been a growing interest in the use of portfolios to assess nursing student progress in areas such as critical thinking, problem solving, and communication. The data obtained from student portfolios can be used to improve undergraduate nursing curricula; however in order for change to occur, closing the assessment feedback loop is essential. The portfolio program of one Midwestern school of nursing has successfully used portfolio evidence to effect undergraduate curricular change.

Anemia in older adults.

Anemia in the older adult is associated with changes in quality of life, decreased cognition and functional ability, and an increased risk for falls, infections, morbidity, and mortality The prevalence, etiology, pathophysiology, and diagnosis of anemia in older adults are reviewed. Collaborative interventions that assist the older adult, the family, and health care professionals in its management are identified.

Pathophysiology of anemia and nursing care implications.

Anemia is a decrease in erythrocyte mass or amount of hemoglobin from impaired production of erythrocytes, blood loss, or increased erythocyte destruction. The pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, and selected pathologies of anemia and their implications for nursing practice are reviewed.

Anemia: diagnosis and management.

Anemia is a pathologic condition produced by a decrease in red blood cell mass or a decrease in the amount of hemoglobin. Anemia is a common occurrence in the United States. Children from some ethnic groups have a higher incidence of anemia, but anemia also can affect overweight children and children with chronic illnesses.

Women in recovery discuss parenting while addicted to cocaine.

Purpose: To identify what women recovering from cocaine addiction think is needed of them to be good parents.

Design: An exploratory descriptive design using in-depth, semistructured interviews, conducted in the woman's home or in a treatment center. Demographics and pregnancy history were collected during the interview.