Asian American cancer patients' pain experience

Asians have been reported to rarely complain about pain and to delay seeking help until pain becomes severe. Even in Asian countries, cancer pain has been reported to be underestimated and inadequately managed. Despite these findings, very little is still known about Asian American cancer patients' pain experience. The purpose of this study was to explore Asian American cancer patients' pain experience using a 6-month online forum among 27 Asian American cancer patients. Nine online forum topics on cancer pain experience were used for the data collection. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Three themes emerged through the data analysis process: (a) "pain is a natural thing," (b) "keep things as usual," and (c) "mind is over body." Asian American cancer patients considered pain as their bodies' spontaneous reactions to cancer that could not be avoided. They believed that it was very important to keep things as usual so that they could have a sense of being normal again. The participants thought that cancer and pain could be overcome through positive thinking. The findings suggest more in-depth cultural studies on pain experience among diverse subethnic groups of Asian American cancer patients.     

A situation-specific theory of Caucasian cancer patients' pain experience

Situation-specific theories can explain a population's unique health/illness experience with a limited scope of generalizability, but with more specificity that can provide a more close and comprehensive view on and explanation of a nursing phenomenon. In this article, a situation-specific theory explaining the unique cancer pain experience of Caucasian cancer patients is presented, along with the theory development process that was taken to develop the theory. First, the method used to develop the theory is concisely described. Then, the theory development process is described step by step. Finally, the situation-specific theory that was developed through the process is presented.     

Palliative cancer patients' experience of physical activity

Results from pilot studies indicate that palliative cancer patients report increased well-being and less fatigue after physical activity. This study aimed to explore how palliative cancer patients experienced physical activity. A qualitative design with semi-structured interviews was used. Eleven palliative cancer patients over 18 years old with different diagnoses and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Scale performance status levels of between 1 and 3 were interviewed. Four main themes emerged: routines of everyday life, less fatigue, professional guidance, and hope. The first theme comprised two categories: something to do, and being together with others in a similar situation. The theme professional guidance also comprised two categories: the physiotherapist as tutor, and the physiotherapist as motivator. Some cancer patients in palliative care who participated in physical activity experienced less fatigue and enhanced energy. Physical activity helps to bring structure to everyday life and gives a feeling of hope for the future.     

The African American experience in the Islamic faith

Disparity of health outcomes has been identified as a key concern in the health of Americans. Marginalization of the African American population may be a contributing factor. Identification of health protectors may prove key in decreasing disparities. The effect of spirituality on health is discussed. A historical overview of the African American experience in the Islam faith, from the Nation of Islam to universal Islam, is presented. A systematic assessment of the Islamic faith, with emphasis on the African American Muslim, was conducted as an assessment for a Community Health Nursing class. Leininger's Sunrise Model of Culture Care Diversity and Universality, with the ethnonursing model of data collection, served as the framework for data collection and analysis. The Islamic faith was noted to offer holistic direction for a "way of life" that promotes health and harmony of the mind, body, and soul. Implications for research were discussed.     

The cancer pain experience of Israeli and American patients 65 years and older

With the aging of the world's population, cancer pain will become an increasingly important health issue. The purpose of this study was to describe the cancer pain experience of Americans (n = 60) and Israelis (n = 39) 65 years and older. Outpatients in teaching hospitals in the U.S. and in Israel completed study questionnaires. Thirty percent of the total variance of worst pain was explained by age, symptom severity, and cancer stage, and 40% of the total variance of pain interference was explained by whether they were American or Israeli, symptom severity, and sense of coherence. Israeli patients had significantly higher scores on worst pain and pain interference, and significantly lower pain management index (PMI) and knowledge and attitudes toward pain and pain control scores. Studies with larger samples and across different cultures are needed to confirm these findings in order to develop culturally appropriate interventions.     

The lived experience of fibromyalgia in African American women

This study aimed to learn what it is like for African American women to live with fibromyalgia. Van Manen's phenomenological method of writing and rewriting guided the inquiry. The sample included 10 women, who were interviewed for 30 to 60 minutes each. Two agreed to second interviews, for a total of 12 interviews for data analysis. Data analysis revealed the following themes: (a) managing the symptoms, (b) becoming a self-advocate, (c) medications camouflage the pain, (d) coming to grips with the illness means making changes, (e) being accused of "taking a free ride" angers them, (f) support comes from self and spiritual connections, and (g) a certain amount of secrecy makes it easier to live with the illness. Recommendations focus on using a holistic approach to help African American women achieve or maintain their integrity.     

Gabapentin for pain control in cancer patients' wound dressing care

A patient with mycosis fungoides illustrates the problem of pain management during wound care and suggests the utility of a novel treatment, gabapentin. Skin lesions, be they induced through necrosis of tumor, therapy (e.g., radiotherapy), or by pressure ulceration, are often the cause of continuous pain or acute wound dressing pain. Optimizing the analgesic treatment in those patients is thus of major importance. Anti-inflammatory drugs and opioids are the cornerstones in the treatment of cancer pain but are rarely sufficient to control wound pain. Different adjuvant techniques can be used, including topical analgesics, psychological distraction techniques, anxiolytics, and co-analgesics. There is growing evidence that anticonvulsants, and sodium channel blockers in particular, are effective not only in neuropathic but also in inflammatory pain. Gabapentin, a voltage sensitive sodium and calcium channel blocker, was used as a co-analgesic to supplement morphine in this case of cancer wound dressing pain.     

Colon cancer screening in African American women.

African American women are more likely to die of colorectal cancer than are women of any other racial or ethic group. Early diagnosis depends on routine examination and screening. However, studies have shown that African American women are not utilizing available screening tools. African American women age fifty or older were questioned about their risk factors and frequency of CRC screening. The conceptual framework used was the Health Belief Model. Women who perceived fewer barriers, more benefits, higher perceived susceptibility, and increased confidence in the accuracy of screening, were likely to undergo screening. Implications for nursing practice are discussed especially focused on the role of advanced practice nurses as primary care providers. Utilization of a faith-based approach to reaching this population was also suggested.     

Holistic assessment of cancer patients' pain: reflections on current practice

This article explores the holistic assessment and management of pain for palliative care patients through the use of a case study. Using literature searching and reflection on current local practice, issues within pain assessment and management for cancer patients are identified. These issues include communication, opioid misconceptions, disease progression associated with increased pain, and the need to address all components of cancer patients' total pain. Reflection on practice has highlighted that education, effective communication and multidisciplinary collaboration, and adaptation of an existing assessment tool to develop a multidimensional holistic approach to assessing pain, have the potential to improve quality of life for palliative care patients and their families.     

喉癌患者术后呼吸道的护理

目的探讨喉癌术后患者呼吸道的护理。方法采用正确的卧位,有效的吸痰、合理的湿化、正确的内套管消毒等方法对8例喉癌术后患者进行呼吸道的护理。结果 8例患者无明显并发症,均安全出院。结论做好喉癌术后呼吸道的护理,可以有效地预防呼吸道的感染,避免窒息的发生,减轻患者的痛苦。