NR 439 Week 7 Discussion

Student Name

Chamberlain University

NR-439: RN Evidence-Based Practice

Prof. Name:

Date

After analyzing the data, conclusions are drawn about the findings, which must then be communicated to the healthcare team. This step is essential for translating research into actionable practice. In this context, I will discuss the findings from one of the articles I reviewed in Week 5’s RRL assignment and explain how I would apply the evidence found to my practice. Additionally, I will explore how to share research-based evidence with my peers in the nursing field.

Findings from the Chosen Article

The article I selected for discussion is titled “Quantitative Balance and Gait Measurements in Patients with Frontotemporal Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease: A Pilot Study.” The findings from this study revealed that gait and balance disturbances are commonly associated with aging. However, these disturbances are more pronounced in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD). The study identified specific patterns of gait and balance that could differentiate between Alzheimer’s disease and Frontotemporal Dementia, especially in the early stages of diagnosis. The ability to distinguish between these two conditions through gait and balance markers is critical for diagnosing patients at an earlier stage, which could significantly impact the management and care of these individuals (Velayutham, Chandra, Bharath, & Shankar, 2017).

Application of Findings to My Practice

Based on the results of this study, I would apply the findings to my practice. The study compared patients with two types of dementia to a control group and focused on evaluating their gait and balance, including their ability to perform single or dual tasks. By utilizing these diagnostic markers, I can potentially improve the early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and Frontotemporal Dementia in my practice. Early diagnosis can lead to better planning of care, improved quality of life for patients, and a more effective treatment plan tailored to their specific needs. The study’s findings provide a reliable method for distinguishing between these conditions, which could be crucial in clinical settings.

In my nursing practice, I am focused on the issue of RN STAT orders for analgesic medications for patient pain relief and their effect on patient satisfaction scores. To address this clinical issue, I would use quantitative analysis to evaluate the research findings. According to Houser (2018), quantitative analysis involves the use of numbers to interpret data and turn raw information into actionable insights. In this case, I would collect data from patient satisfaction surveys to compare the satisfaction levels of patients who received STAT RN-administered pain relief versus those who had to wait for a physician to prescribe medication. By sharing these results with my peers, I can contribute to evidence-based decision-making and encourage timely pain management practices that could improve patient satisfaction scores.

Conclusion

In conclusion, applying research findings to practice is a vital step in enhancing patient care. The findings from the study on gait and balance in dementia patients could significantly improve early diagnosis and patient care strategies. Similarly, sharing research-based evidence on the impact of STAT RN orders for analgesic medications can contribute to better pain management practices and higher patient satisfaction scores. Translating research into practice is essential for improving outcomes in the healthcare field.

References

Chamberlain College of Nursing. (2017). Evidence-based practice: NR-439: Week 5: Lesson 5.

Houser, J. (2018). Nursing research: Reading, using, and creating evidence (4th ed.). Sudbury, MA: Jones & Bartlett.