Category: Health & Medicine

Introduction

In Australia, smoking is a severe problem that is becoming more acute because it harms not only smokers but also the people around them. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 13% of the countrys population were smokers in 2017. In this regard, the Australian government has taken measures to combat smoking in recent years, including educational and media campaigns. In 2006, Australia became the first country to introduce a law restricting smoking in all public places (Tobacco in Australia, 2021). This measure significantly reduced the number of passive smokers, resulting in a decrease in smoking-related diseases. The effectiveness of educational and mass media campaigns, international and national policies, and relevant partnerships in reducing smoking prevalence in Australia must be evaluated to mitigate the adverse health consequences of smoking.

Educational Campaigns

However, the smoking problem remains in Australia, and the countrys government runs various educational campaigns to raise awareness of the dangers of smoking. For example, the Sober Thinking campaign encourages smokers to consider how their habit affects their health and those around them. In addition, media campaigns in Australia are encouraging people to quit smoking. For example, in 2012, the Quit for You, Quit for Two campaign helped over 180,000 people quit smoking (Quit Now, 2014). Nevertheless, despite the campaigns, the smoking problem remains relevant in Australia. Unfortunately, many people continue to smoke, implying that more efforts are needed to combat this issue.

Relevant International and National Policy

Australias international smoking-reduction policy includes various initiatives and measures to reduce the harmful effects of smoking. The World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which Australia signed in 2003, is one such initiative (Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, 2022). This convention includes many measures to reduce tobacco consumption, such as high tobacco product taxes, a prohibition on tobacco advertising, and packaging with imagery that may appeal to smokers.

Furthermore, Australia is a member of the World Health Organization (WHO), which works on various programs and initiatives to reduce smoking in multiple countries worldwide (World Health Organization: WHO, 2022). Australia takes a variety of measures to reduce smoking on a national scale. In 2012, a new standard was introduced that involved raising tobacco taxes (Wilkinson et al., 2019). This measure was successful, resulting in a decrease in the number of smokers in the country. A record tobacco tax was also implemented in 2020, reducing the number of smokers (Wilkinson et al., 2019). Another significant national policy is prohibiting the sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products to underage people. This is meant to keep children from starting smoking at a young age.

Overall, Australias international and national smoking-reduction policies are quite effective. Despite numerous state-level initiatives, some smokers are still in the country. To combat smoking more effectively, it is necessary to strengthen controls on selling tobacco products to underage people and increase penalties for violating the smoking ban in public places (Smoking, 2017-18 financial year, 2019). Conduct more and larger-scale educational campaigns to raise public awareness of the harms of smoking and encourage people to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

Relevant Partners That Can Help Reduce Smoking Prevalence

Reduced smoking prevalence is an essential task for Australia. This goal can be achieved with the help of various partners, including government organizations, non-governmental organizations, the business sector, and activist groups. This text will consider partners who can assist Australia in meeting its smoking prevalence reduction goals. The World Health Organization is the first partner that can help Australia with this task. The WHO has created and supported frameworks to combat the tobacco epidemic at national and international levels (World Health Organization: WHO, 2022). The WHO also offers technical assistance and expert advice on tobacco-related issues.

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), such as the Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF), are the second partner. NGOs have experience and expertise in dealing with health issues and can assist the government in developing and implementing measures to reduce smoking prevalence. The ADF, for example, promotes a healthy lifestyle, combats drug, and alcohol abuse, and can significantly contribute to the fight against smoking (Nicotine  Alcohol and Drug Foundation, 2022). The business sector is the third partner. Some businesses have already begun to reduce tobacco sales. Supermarkets, for example, could stop selling cigarettes, and tobacco companies could shift to producing safer and healthier alternatives, such as electronic cigarettes. Tobacco regulation may also impact the business sector by restricting the sale of tobacco products.

Finally, activist groups can make a significant contribution to the anti-smoking campaign. They can participate in campaigns promoting a healthy lifestyle and educating people about the dangers of smoking. They can also support legislative efforts to limit tobacco sales. Overall, reducing smoking prevalence necessitates multifaceted and coordinated efforts from various partners (Dono et al., 2022). Each of the partners mentioned above can contribute to this task and help Australia achieve its smoking-prevention goals. Collaboration between these organizations can be an effective way to combat smoking and succeed in this important task.

Conclusion

In conclusion, smoking remains a significant public health concern in Australia, leading to various health issues, including lung cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory illnesses. Evaluating key global health initiatives, including educational and mass media campaigns, national and international policies, and relevant partnerships, are necessary to curb the prevalence of smoking and its associated adverse health outcomes. Effective strategies must be implemented to raise awareness, increase access to cessation resources, and reduce the social acceptability of smoking. With concerted efforts from various stakeholders, it is possible to mitigate the negative impacts of smoking on public health in Australia.

References

Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. (2022). WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. Web.

Dono, J., Martin, K., Bowden, J. A., & Miller, C. (2022). A population-level analysis of changes in Australian smokers preferences for smoking cessation support over two decades  from 1998 to 2017. The Lancet Regional Health  Western Pacific, 19, 100342. Web.

Nicotine  Alcohol and Drug Foundation. (2022). Web.

Quit Now. (2014). Quit for you  quit for two. Canberra: Australian Government Department of Health.

Smoking, 2017-18 financial year. (2019). Australian Bureau of Statistics. Web.

Tobacco in Australia. (2021). Legislation to ban smoking in public spaces. www.tobaccoinaustralia.org.au. Web.

Wilkinson, A. V., Scollo, M., Wakefield, M., Spittal, M. J., Chaloupka, F. J., & Durkin, S. (2019). Smoking prevalence following tobacco tax increases in Australia between 2001 and 2017: An interrupted time-series analysis. The Lancet. Public Health, 4(12), e618e627. Web.

World Health Organization: WHO. (2022). Tobacco. Web.

Introduction

A respiratory therapist is a medical professional specializing in treating people with respiratory problems. For example, this therapist can help treat asthma, emphysema, pneumonia, mucoviscidosis, and other conditions. In addition, they provide emergency care to patients suffering from a heart attack, shock, or drowning (Respiratory therapist job description, n.d.). As a rule, respiratory therapists work in intensive care and post-intensive care units, emergency rooms, and specialized wards (Ge et al., 2022). A respiratory therapist is a practitioner providing care and extended life support to help patients of all ages breathe.

Analysis

A respiratory therapist is a diverse and specialized professional examining patients and providing them with ventilator management, oxygen, aerosol therapy, or diagnostic services. Consequently, a specialists main task is evaluating, diagnosing, and treating a patients respiratory function (Ge et al., 2022). Furthermore, as practice shows, the responsibilities of a respiratory therapist additionally include coordinating treatment and discussing patient treatment plans with medical team members, talking to patients with respiratory diseases, taking chest X-rays of patients and analyzing them, and more. In particular, a respiratory therapist works full-time, usually with an hourly wage of about $36 per hour (Hourly wage, n.d.). Compensation will vary depending on the experience, duration of work, and the size and location of a respiratory therapists facility.

To work as a respiratory therapist, a person must have in-depth knowledge of pulmonary function and pulmonary rehabilitation and experience working with respiratory equipment. Successful respiratory therapists need hard and soft skills to do their job. Moreover, to confirm these competencies, a degree in respiratory therapy is required under an accredited program (Respiratory therapist, n.d.). Obtaining a license in a state where a specialist will work is necessary.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a respiratory therapist is an essential and significant specialist in healthcare who is engaged in assessing and treating patients breathing. This specialist helps to cope with acute and chronic dysfunction of the cardiopulmonary system. Today, this profession is especially in demand and highly paid. Still, to master it, developing specific skills, abilities, and knowledge and receiving special education and a license to operate in a state is necessary.

References

Ge, H. Q., Xu, P. F., Qian, X. L., & Shen, W. M. (2022). The role of respiratory therapy in respiratory rehabilitation of critically ill patients. Chinese Journal of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases, 45(9), 848-851. Web.

Hourly wage for registered respiratory therapist salary in the United States. (n.d). Salary.com. Web.

Respiratory therapist job description. (n.d.). Betterteam. Web.

Introduction

Dentists are health specialists who deal with teeth and oral cavity problems. They also provide some check-ups of the teeth as well as the gums. The dentist helps to educate people with or without dental problems as to how to take care of their oral health. If an individual want to become a dentist, he needs to be a degree owner.

The person interviewed decided to be a dentist when I was twelve years when he first got braces for himself. This was the time when he realized that being a dentist is a very satisfying job since dentists earn a lot of money that he could use in future to cater for himself. The decision was facilitated by the research I made concerning dentistry.

Discovering the Calling: What It Takes to Be a Dentist

The interviewee spent time in the office of orthodontist shadowing them, so he could see what they usually do. He used to spend a lot of time in the hospital and got accustomed to the hospital environment. More importantly, his skills grew, and he became increasingly more proficient in dentistry.

Biology was the key subject to learn because some of the courses taken in undergraduate were the exact same courses that were suggested to the interviewee in the first year of dental school, including biochemistry, genetics and a lot of the courses that were the exact same material. He went to the University of Virginia for undergraduate, then dental school at VCU. The practical that he and his fellow students carried out during the major and also in the school has created a strong base in the practical in the dental school. The interviewee graduated from dentist school in 2002 and has been practicing for thirteen years. Job satisfaction seems to be the highest priority for the dentist; the practice itself is source of joy by making people smile. Moreover, the dentist loves working with the patient and helping creating beautiful smiles. The best part when the braces off and everybody is happy with their smiles. He feels very unsatisfied when I listen from very satisfied patients as well he loves their compliments. The least positive is that a dentist has to spend a lot of time treating patients. It is very physically devastating, and sometimes the dentist gets exhausted.

The dentist also encourages his staff to continue education programs as well. As a result, everybody in the office is always learning. The continuing educational programs have enabled the interviewee to gain a lot of skills on how to help the patients. The respondent also attends seminars to learn how to relate to patients as well as to be able to work with the new technology. He loves orthodontist; the specified domain is his favorite one, which was why he specialized in it. The interviewee worked as a general dentist for seven years. He loves using braces to help patients by setting their teeth. He also likes performing the work of a prosthodontist since he likes helping people by fitting their artificial teeth. Oral surgery, prosthodontics and pedodontics are also his favorites.

Becoming a dentist will allow one to assist individuals in the society. Men and women in the society always have problems related to their teeth such as tooth decay. Becoming a specialist in dentistry will enable one to acquire skills on how to advise people the best way to keep their teeth in a proper condition. The dentist claims that he will help people to relieve pain and, thus, make them happy.

Dental professionals usually have excellent job potential. Everybody in the society requires dental care. The demand for the dental professionals will continuously increase proportionally to the increasing population, as more individuals will seek for dental care services. This enables the dentists to get more jobs and even make more money.

Dentistry as a career needs thorough preparation. It is associated with the career decision that enables practicing dentistry. The courses, for instance, biochemistry, physiology, and anatomy that one has taken, contribute a lot.

Dentistry learning requires one to gather dental skills from practicing dentists. It may include visiting other dentists who have gained a lot of experience over time. One needs to observe how they handle and interact with patients. Therefore, it influences one in decision-making to pursue the dentist career.

The practicing dentist needs to attend continuing educational programs. The program enhances the knowledge of the practicing dentist through the various practical trainings as well as the use of the latest clinical technologies. The dentist gains and broadens the skills from the workshops.

One needs to make the decision on the best career choices. A person needs to ascertain whether the career chosen is the right one. This can be ascertained by visiting offices related to the career chosen and asking the people in the occupation some questions concerning the career. Observing their daily practices in the career appears to be helpful. During the specialization in the dentistry, it is always of great advantage to select the favorite type of dentistry.

Individuals have to make sure to take appropriate studies in the institutions. One should select the subjects that lead to the career occupation and make sure the institution attended prepares him or her enough for the career of choice.

It is important to attend the continuing educational programs. This aids in career advancement as well as skill development in the profession. Interaction with other specialists is facilitated; hence, sharing of information occurs. It becomes obvious that an individual is a lifetime learner.

A dentist evaluates individual oral health, performs check-ups on anything unusual in the mouth and examines the neck, face and lymph nodes. Frequent visits to the dentist are required for the purpose of dental care and maintain the proper hygiene.

Dental surgeons focus majorly on the tartar and plaque and on removing them. The dentist carries out oral surgeries on the enamel, bones, and gentle areas. The oral surgeon removes affected teeth by applying anesthesia. The dentists Assess pathological conditions and treat the patients with cancerous tumors. They also provide treatment for facial traumas such as dealing with the makeup injuries, set fractured mouth and bones.

The dentist makes use of some tools to facilitate the performance of his or her activities. Dentists use some tools such as mouth mirror, periodontal probes, burnisher, amalgam plunger, spoon excavator. Each tool has its particular purpose for use.

The visitation was very educative and of great assistance. Many things that were learned during the visitation project need to be implemented in daily practices among the dentists as well as those who desire to choose dentistry as their career.

In researches statistical tools are of paramount interest since there are some conclusions that can only be arrived into when the data collected is subjected to statistical analysis. In this analysis, the researches are bound to reject or accept hypothesis that were advanced prior to the research. There are quite a number of the statistical techniques. They can be used for some specific interests in a study. One of the possible statistical tools which are frequently used by the researchers is the students t-test. The students t-test is used to ascertain whether the means of the different samples groups related or not. Within the t-test, there are two sub-divisions which can be found within the test. They are used depending on the treatment that was given to the samples during the study (Samuels, & Witmer, 2003).

In this regard, the t-test may be used differently when the samples are matched or not, this is commonly referred to as an independent t-test. In most cases researchers do make the mistake of using the wrong t-test in analyzing samples. That happens because they do not consider the kind of the treatment that was given to the samples during data collection (Bordens, & Abbott, 2011). Therefore, it is important that this case is to be observed during data analysis in order to avoid giving any deviating results. In the data provided the following can be analyzed by use of the t-test on grounds that they satisfy the component considered when working out the t-test; weight loss after treatment, and Body Mass Index (BMI) before and after the given treatment.

In the t-test for the weight loss after the treatment, the independent t-test will be the most appropriate to be used since the groups will be divided randomly and subsequently they will be given different treatments. Since there is a lack of a clear coherent arrangement of the sample groups considered, the use of the independent t-test comes in handy.

The paired t-test will be considered according to the BMI data that was collected before and after the treatment. In this case, we clearly observe the samples given two treatments, before and after. In this sense, we consider the samples paired on grounds that they are considered vis-a-vis the first data to make a conclusion of the different ways the treatment affects the results (Samuels, & Witmer, 2003). In the case of the paired treatment, the researchers are able to make comparison of the previous results and subsequent results or that the same sample is given two successive treatment over a period of time to observe their effect on the sample so as to enable as draw a conclusion on the two (Bordens, & Abbott, 2011).

The use of the correct version of the t-test in data analysis is of absolute concern since it enables the researchers to avoid missing a significant difference in the data outcome. It is therefore important for one to understand the type of consideration that a data was subjected to as this will enable the analyst to opt for the most appropriate version of the t-test to be used to come up with the most valid results not distorted by the use of a different method in data analysis, otherwise, the results will always have some discrepancies.

References

Bordens, K. S., & Abbott, B. B. (2011). Research design and methods: a process approaches (8th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.

Samuels, M. L., & Witmer, J. A. (2003). Statistics for the life sciences (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Prentice Hall.

Summary

I chose to study such a mental health problem as schizophrenia. Under the chosen illness emotional reactions and thought processes are disrupted. This disease was chosen as it has many different aspects and mechanisms that are important for study. Memory, attention, and perception may be disrupted under the prolonged course. However, schizophrenia does not provoke perturbations in consciousness or intellectual processes. Lack of treatment leads to a complete loss of a sense of ones own I and the loss of the integrity of a persons personality. In order to avoid this, it is necessary to diagnose the signs of schizophrenia in a timely manner and start treatment as soon as possible.

Schizophrenia has some similar symptoms among patients, which may be a signal to start an examination. These include isolation from society, unsociableness, indifference to oneself, friends, and family, emotional coldness, a gradual loss of interest in everything that worried one before, and sleep disturbances (Volkan, 2022). However, it is worth noting that adolescents often experience similar symptoms during the transition period. If one feels that the symptoms are getting worse, one needs to consult with a doctor.

As the disease progresses, common symptoms and signs of schizophrenia occur, which include positive and negative ones. The first group is characterized by hallucinations when the patient sees and hears something that does not exist (Crider, 2020). One experiences delusions, namely, illogical beliefs in which the patient cannot be persuaded. Disorderly thinking is when the patient either speaks too quickly, then stops in the middle of a thought, and at the same time names non-existent words. In addition, there may be unnatural movements when a patient with schizophrenia moves slowly and freezes in an abnormal position, or vice versa, moves too quickly and jerkily.

Cognitive Challenges

With the chosen health challenge, patients face particular cognitive challenges articulated by changes in thinking and judgment. Among cognitive impairments in patients with schizophrenia, attention, perception, and various types of memory, such as working, verbal, and autobiographical, are most often indicated. Moreover, there is a violation of executive functions and problem-solving behavior and reduced control of activity and its organization, especially in the sphere of thinking (Volkan, 2022). Furthermore, the association of neurocognitive impairment with schizophrenia is well established. Such disturbances may be present before the development of positive symptoms of schizophrenia and may continue during periods of remission. Certain deficits have been identified in the areas of attention, memory, processing speed, and executive function.

Physical Challenges

Under selected mental health problems, some physical changes are highlighted, which include the following items. The most pronounced are changes in the size of individual brain parts. For example, in patients with schizophrenia, there is a decrease in volume or flattening of the cerebral cortex involved in the processing of analytical information and logical thinking. Moreover, in patients, the work of some parts of the limbic system, which is responsible for emotional perception, is disrupted. These include the amygdala, hippocampus, thalamus, and parahippocampal gyrus. There is an asymmetry between the frontal, temporal, and occipital lobes of the brain.

Organic changes in the volume and structure of brain regions entail disturbances in their work, namely the processing and perception of information and cognitive functions. Although it is still impossible to influence the structure of the brain, it is possible to correct individual violations in its work due to the use of pharmacological agents (Crider, 2020). An imbalance of any substances in the body, in general, and the brain, in particular, is the cause of certain pathologies. For example, a lack of the same dopamine is a characteristic symptom of Parkinsons disease. And some drugs that provoke its production can thereby cause manifestations of psychosis. Therefore, in the case of schizophrenia, impaired dopamine secretion remains a constant cause of psychotic states, which can and should be treated with medication.

Social Challenges

In the chosen mental health problem, social challenges are primarily formulated by the impossibility of continuing the former social activity in case of illness. It includes being unemployed, as the diagnosis affects the ability to perform ones duties adequately. Unemployment is an urgent problem since one loses the opportunity to realize oneself in life and receive resources for subsistence (Volkan, 2022). Moreover, being at work, in one way or another, the person maintains social communication with colleagues or with superiors. The lack of any social activity can aggravate the condition of a schizophrenic patient, which also formulates the issue. Moreover, being hospitalized in severe stages of the disease, one does not have the opportunity to maintain relationships with friends or family, which also aggravates the condition.

In addition, people with schizophrenia commit serious crimes such as murder or serious bodily harm several times more often than healthy people. These crimes can be committed both under the influence of productive symptoms and due to an emotional-volitional defect that makes it difficult to regulate ones behavior (Thompson, 2021). High-profile crimes of this kind, which are covered in the media, lead to the fact that society and even some doctors are afraid of people who have schizophrenia, trying to isolate or avoid them. Moreover, the knowledge that many doctors have left after the cycle of psychiatry relates primarily to the dangers of the mentally ill. As a result, having met these patients at the reception, many doctors consciously or unconsciously seek to get rid of them for some legal reason.

Emotional Challenges

With the chosen problem, serious emotional challenges arise, which include inadequate emotional reactions and changes. There is a progressive impoverishment of emotional reactions up to the development of states of emotional deficiency, as well as their inadequacy and paradox. The impoverishment of emotional responses occurs at the beginning of the disease and is steadily progressing (Thompson, 2021). First, higher emotions change, such as emotional responsiveness, compassion, and altruism, then the patients become cold and selfish.

People become less interested in events in the family, and at work, old friendly contacts are torn, and former feelings for loved ones are lost. In severe cases, progressive emotional devastation leads to everyday apathy. A paradox of emotional reactions appears in a significant part of patients against the background of the impoverishment of emotional life. Patients endure the misfortune in their family rather indifferently, while they show violent, inadequate reactions with insufficiently correctly expressed condolences or for a completely insignificant reason.

The Role of HCA

Finally, it is worth mentioning that the role of HCA for patients with schizophrenia is significant. It is formulated by the fact that with the current diagnosis, one may not be able to provide oneself with basic needs independently. There may be memory lapses or an inadequate assessment of the environment, which can provoke injury to the patient. At the same time, the nurse must show increased patience, attention, and return to the customer. HCA should compensate the patient for the inability to move independently, use the bathroom, eat, monitor their appearance, and maintain social activity.

References

Crider, A. (2020). Schizophrenia: A biopsychological perspective. Routledge.

Thompson, P. (2021). Schizophrenia: A workbook for healthcare professionals. CRC Press.

Volkan, K. (2022). Schizophrenia: Science, psychoanalysis, and culture. ISD LLC.

Rationale

The purpose of this study is to critically appraise the research applying Watsons nursing theory to assess patient perceptions of being cared for in a multicultural environment by Suliman et al. (2009). The article aimed to examine how patients perceive nurses caring behavior in a multicultural background. The researchers suggested that cultural differences existing between those who give care and those who receive it will affect the perception of provided care, which was the rationale of the study.

In order to provide the necessary data, analysts turned to an exploration of the topic on the example of patients from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as the majority of nurses cultural backgrounds differ from their patients backgrounds (Suliman et al., 2009). The purpose of the research was stated clearly.

Literature Review

The article provides a literature review that introduces concepts analyzed in the study. Such notions as caring and caring behavior are presented. The connection between cultural environment and healthcare is discussed. Authors do not evaluate the literature provided in the review, as they focus on the brief description of its main theses (Suliman et al., 2009). However, it is significant to say that since most of the literature observed in the article is dated 2000-2009, it is not as relevant nowadays as it was when the study was published.

Type of Study

Research questions clearly address the problem. The research is exploratory as it investigates an issue that has not been studied in detail previously. It includes descriptive analysis as a method of research. The study design is based on the survey exploring the distinction between patients assessment of the importance of caring behavior and its frequency demonstrated by hospital nurses (Suliman et al., 2009). The research uses probability sampling along with cluster, systematic, and stratified sampling. Inclusion criteria were the age between 20 to 50 and admission to a surgical or medical ward for the first time (Suliman et al., 2009). Another criterion was the patients consciousness at the time of data collection. The choice of criteria is valid as it includes participants with the necessary characteristics, ensuring equal representation of both genders and wards. Patients characteristics mentioned above assist in answering the initial research questions.

Design

The studys design is a good match with the purpose of the study as it provides data illustrating patients ideas about caring behavior and supports it with statistics. Data was collected with the help of a questionnaire based on the Caring Behaviors Assessment invented by Cronin and Harrison and Jean Watsons carative factors. The quantitative methods were used to calculate the percentage, frequencies, and mean scores. It was used to examine the correlation between gender and the perception of caring behavior as well (Suliman et al., 2009). The study followed ethical considerations as patients consent to participate in the study was requested. Patients anonymity and confidentiality were guaranteed (Suliman et al., 2009). It is possible to say that the protection of participants was ensured.

Limitations

This study has its constraints that can influence the interpretation of the results. The researchers note such limitations of the study as the questionnaire length and the lack of supplemental studies, exploring the perception of caring behavior by the nurses, and the lack of observation of nursing care (Suliman et al., 2009). The research could be used for educating medical staff on caring behavior, and it is important to understand nurses perceptions of their performance of care as well. It could be useful to divide patients and nurses perceptions and observe the staffs caring behavior on-site, which would help make the results more objective.

Conclusions and Implications

The conclusions of the research flow directly from the studys findings. The results show that Saudi patients assessed caring behavior as important despite different cultural backgrounds with medical staff (Suliman et al., 2009). The frequency of caring behavior demonstrated by nurses was assessed lower in such categories as teaching/learning and helping/trust behavior. The researchers explained this as a result of cultural and language barriers (Suliman et al., 2009). There is a discrepancy between gender and perception of caring behavior, which as the article claims, has no explanation in the literature (Suliman et al., 2009). The implications for further research and practice could be measures that will help to eliminate cultural barriers and establish supportive surroundings in medical institutions in the situation of patients and nurses different cultural environments. Another possible implication for the study is the correlation between the nurses background and their frequency of attending to caring behavior.

The Quality of the Study

The authors of the article follow formal logic without falling into common fallacies. The study is based on facts and does not contain any biased opinions. The researchers use appropriate language to describe the concepts proposed in the study and present the findings. The study procedure is realistic, and the results are valid. The research is valuable as it provides data that is helpful in making patients and nurses relations more efficient and assisting in the healing process.

People have begun to take less conventional medical routes and acknowledge alternative medicine as a result of a paradigm change away from complete dependency on medical professionals and hospitals and toward greater flexibility. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) encompasses non-Western integrative remedies, such as pet therapy, acupressure, psyche practices, and reiki healing therapy, that aid patients with little to no side effects (Brewer et al., 2019). An excellent illustration of this type of medicine is Ayurveda, an old Indian system of traditional medicine that takes a holistic, organic perspective to both physical and mental well-being by primarily relying on the use of herbs (Chandran et al., 2020, p. 2). Since it has no adverse side effects and aids in the treatment of a wide range of conditions, Ayurveda alternative medicine is therapeutically beneficial and should be integrated more frequently.

Ayurveda has great potential to help people deal with the quickly expanding pandemic and lessen the impact of its negative effects in this modern age of increasing medical dangers and outbreaks. To combat the global spread of COVID-19, a virus that causes flu-like symptoms in mild to severe instances and acute respiratory distress syndrome-like manifestations, complementary and alternative medicines have proven to be highly effective. In one study conducted over a two-month period, Balkrishna et al. (2021) found that 83.33 percent of patients in the Ayurveda group experienced symptom alleviation within the first 13 days of therapy, while only 48.78 percent of patients in the Allopathic group experienced this result. Ayurvedic treatments depend entirely on natural oral dosages and nasal drops, in contrast to standard Allopathic medicines, such as Azithromycin, Vitamin-C, and antihistamines. In addition, no obvious negative impacts were found during the course of the research (Balkrishna et al., 2021). Therefore, it is clear that the use of Ayurvedic medications alone in managing Covid-19 results in a quicker and safer symptomatic resolve.

The use of medicinal plants and nanomaterials to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) has shown promise in recent Ayurveda therapy protocols. Traditionally, UTIs have been managed with antimicrobial treatment, which has long-term consequences due to the development of multidrug tolerance. There are Ayurvedic formulations and plants that can be used to cure and prevent UTIs, and their use has been shown to have a significant impact on the frequency with which these infections arise. For instance, one research found that the Ayurvedic plant Achyranthes aspera helped the kidneys process fluids more efficiently and provided additional protection against microbial infection. Likewise, Equisetum arvense and Tribulus Terrestris are both moderate diuretics and antimicrobials that help clear up the urinary tract. Hence, the primary benefit of Ayurvedic medicines is their ability to lessen vulnerability to the harmful bacteria that cause UTIs. There is a long list of extracts and herbs common in Ayurvedic methods that help with the therapy of UTIs. Given such findings, there is reason to be optimistic about Ayurveda nanotechnology, as there have been accounts of the successful use of nanostructures against uropathogens.

To help people live a life that is healthy, free of anxiety and illness, and joyful, Ayurveda combines contemporary living and health-oriented practices with the ancient knowledge of using natural remedies, drugs, and plants. It has been cited that, in contrast to traditional Allopathy, Ayurveda ensures a decrease in the growth of COVID-19 and reduces its symptoms. Additionally, Ayurvedic herbs and extracts are successful in healing UTIs, while standard antimicrobial therapy produces side effects. As Ayurveda has been proven to have no negative side effects, incorporating it into ones therapy and expanding its use can have profound positive benefits and be truly life-changing.

References

Balkrishna, A., Bhatt, A. B., Singh, P., Haldar, S., & Varshney, A. (2021). Comparative retrospective open-label study of ayurvedic medicines and their combination with allopathic drugs on asymptomatic and mildly-symptomatic COVID-19 patients. Journal of Herbal Medicine, 29, 100472. Web.

Brewer, N. J., Turrise, S., Kim-Godwin, Y. S., & Pond, R. S. (2019). Nurses knowledge and treatment beliefs: Use of complementary and alternative medicine for pain management. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 37(3). Web.

Chandra, H., Singh, C., Yadav, S., Yadav, S., Mishra, A. P., Laishevtcev, A., Brisc, C., Brisc, M. C., Munteanu, M., & Bungau, S. (2020). Promising roles of alternative medicine and plant-based nanotechnology as remedies for urinary tract infections. Molecules, 25(23), 5593. Web.

Chandran, S. R., Rangarai, H., & Parayitam, S. (2020). The effect of brand awareness and use, product awareness and use on brand and product satisfaction: A study of Ayurveda products from India. Asia-Pacific Journal of Management Research and Innovation, 16(2), 103121. Web.

Stem cells are universal cells that have the ability to divide and pass genetic information to other cell types that are designed to maintain and repair the organism. Adult stem cells are found in the adult organism and are able to divide and differentiate into other cells. Embryonic stem cells are especially powerful stem cells that are found in the fetus during early ontogenesis and are able to transform into any cell type in the organism. Despite the fact that stem cells are incredibly useful in treating various diseases, there are some ethical concerns about their usage.

Some individuals or organizations may wish to ban the use of embryonic stem cells. The reason for it is that embryos have an unidentified moral status. Since the time of forming personhood is unclear, there is a question of whether embryos should be protected from intervention (Poulos, 2018). I believe that transplantation of autologous stem cells leads to fewer debates as the patient from whom the stem cells are taken does not suffer in the procedure. Besides, such a patient is both a donor and a recipient (Lymphoma Action, 2019). Therefore, there is no concern about one person being healed at the cost of the other. Moreover, in this case, a patient is able to give informed consent for a procedure. Thus, autologous stem cells are likely to be put into service without introducing ethical disputes.

Nowadays, using stem cells offers the possibility of treating many injuries and diseases. For example, it helps with illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, and damage to the heart or brain. It successfully assists in the healing of burn victims as well. The use of stem cells to treat burn victims includes the use of immunomodulators, which help to regenerate skin quickly after damage caused by fire (Zakrzewski et al., 2019). Stem cells can also be used to treat Alzheimers disease, replace deficient neurons, and treat diseases such as multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

In conclusion, stem cells are able to assist in healing human organisms due to the fact that they transmit genetic information and alter into different types of cells. The question of the ethics of the use of stem cells is a cause of many debates due to different views on whether or not an embryo should be protected as a person. Stem cells are instrumental in handling numerous human injuries and illnesses, from diabetes to Alzheimers.

References

Lymphoma action. (2019). Autologous stem cell transplant[eBook edition]. Lymphoma Action. Web.

Poulos, J. (2018). The limited application of stem cells in medicine: a review. Stem Cell Research & Therapy, 9(1), 1-11. Web.

Zakrzewski, W., DobrzyDski, M., & Szymonowicz, M. (2019). Stem cells: past, present, and future. Stem Cell Research & Therapy, 10(68), 1-22. Web.

Introduction

Radiologic technologists or radiographers are a very important part of healthcare system, as they form a vital link between radiologists and patients aiding in better diagnosis and treatment of cases. The radiography profession has specific performance standards that clearly define the duties and responsibilities of a radiologic technologist.

They are-

1. Assessment: The radiologic technologist needs to have information regarding patients particulars and procedural issues (Practice Standards 4.R).
2. Analysis: The radiographer analyses the obtained information in order to perform radiography under favorable conditions (Practice Standards 4.R).
3. Patient Education: The radiographer educates/informs patients and other related parties about the procedures that are to be performed (Practice Standards 5.R).
4. Implementation and Evaluation: The radiologic technologist performs relevant procedures as per the obtained data and required standards. It may range from simple x-ray techniques to advanced imaging techniques, along with proper positioning and management of the patient. Then it is evaluated to decide the need for any modifications or repetition (Practice Standards 5-7.R).
5. Outcomes Measurement and Documentation: The radiographer needs to assess the final outcome as per standard guidelines and record all related details of the patient and procedure (Practice Standards 7&8.R).

Patient Care Skills

Like any other specialty of healthcare system, radiologic technologists need certain patient management skills to be successful as healthcare providers. Care should be delivered at various levels depending on patients condition.

1. The radiographer needs to educate patient about intended procedures ad their consequences in clearly understandable manner (Practice Standards 5.R).
2. Also, the radiographer should be able to assess patients condition so as to inform concerned specialty for necessary action (Practice Standards 5.R).
3. The practitioner must have knowledge in first aid administration, maintenance procedures and emergency management (Practice Standards 6.R).
4. Care should be taken to avoid unwanted radiation exposure for the patient (Practice Standards 6.R).
5. Patients deserve respect, and there should not be any bias in patient care based on religion, race and gender, among others (Practice Standards 14&15.R).

Role of Empathy for Radiologic Technologists

A technologist may be very good at technical procedures. But, if that practitioner cannot understand emotions of patients and act accordingly, it will not be possible to deliver satisfactory service. Patients may have various emotions due to many factors like hospitalization, strange and/or extensive tests and/or therapies. Their apprehension and anxiety at various stages need to be understood, as they may have serious consequences at times. Empathetic practitioners can clearly observe patients discomfort and anxiety (Dowd 1). It then becomes easier to manage patients accordingly. Because of this reason, many radiologic technology schools are teaching students about becoming empathetic practitioners through modalities like role playing and critical thinking (Dowd 2).

Communication Skills in Radiography Healthcare Profession

The practice of radiography mainly includes radiologists, technologists, therapists, patients and, often, specialists of other departments. Communication skills, the ability to convey certain information in a way that can be understood by the intended receiver, are very important to maintain healthy and successful correlations among related parties.

A radiologic technologist must be able to communicate effectively with the patient in order to ascertain the patient with information regarding diagnostic and/or treatment procedures. The performance standards require that the radiographer must have effective communication skills to have a positive relationship with patients and health care providers (Performance Standards 5.R).

The radiographer must be able to inform the patient about the procedures in an understandable manner and gain co-operation from the patient.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Magnetic resonance imaging is an advanced radiographic technique used for observing clear details of soft tissues. The technique allows maximum contrast between tissues, thus allowing clarity in observation (Bellon & Diaz 36). MRI scan is observed in terms of pixels, like N x N. These pixels are otherwise known as picture elements (Bellon & Diaz 26).

Principle

An external magnetic field is used to attract and orient hydrogen nuclei present in the body. MRI technique does not use ionizing radiation; rather the magnetic field is used to excite hydrogen nuclei and provide the MRI scan through a series of steps (Bellon & Diaz 26).

Steps Involved in Imaging Process

1. A strong, external magnetic field is applied to orient hydrogen nuclei of tissues (Bellon & Diaz 31).
2. A burst of radiofrequency (RF) energy is transmitted on to the oriented nuclei. Application of gradient coils inside the magnet allows spatial localization of energy (Bellon & Diaz 31).
3. The excited nuclei resonate at same frequency and emit energy while returning to the normal state. These emitted energy signals are then measured (Bellon & Diaz 28 & 31). The amplitude of the emitted signals indicates the amount of nuclei that formed the signal (Bellon & Diaz 28).
4. The frequency data is converted to gray intensity levels of the particular imaged plane through a process called Fourier transformation (Bellon & Diaz 31).

The basic point lies in the fact that a gradient field is created through inclusion of three gradient coils in the magnet, and they work in different angles. So the application of magnetic field is influenced by the gradient field effecting the excitation of protons across linear planes (Billon & Diaz 32). As a result, the realignment and, in turn, signal strength related to protons in the imaged tissues occurs at various rates. This results in greater contrast between tissues (Bellon & Diaz 31). The application of Fourier transformation divides the overall emitted energy signals individual components as per amplitude and frequency, thus enables localization of particular nuclei. In this way, MRI is helpful in producing greater details of tissues.

Works Cited

Bellon, Errol M, and Pedro J, Diaz. Magnetic Resonance Physics: An Introduction. Ed. Haaga, John R, et al. St. Louis: Mosby, 1994. 26-36.

Dowd, Steven B. Using Critical Thinking to Teach Empathy. All Business. 1996. Web.

Introduction to Radiography Practice Standards. American Society of Radiologic Technologists. 2008. Web.

The film Knives Out, filmed in 2018 and released in 2019, is an example of drawing the line between therapeutic and non-therapeutic communication. In the film, young nurse Marta Cabrera works for wealthy novelist Harlan Thrombey (Johnson, 2019). Having confused the vials with drugs, the nurse injects the man with a lethal dose of morphine, after which he commits suicide, wanting to justify the nurse (Johnson, 2019). Subsequently, it turns out that the medicine vials were changed in advance to frame the nurse and disinherit her from Harlan Thrombey (Johnson, 2019). Knives Out  provides an example of how therapeutic communication between nurse and client can get out of control and no longer conform to the principles of competent interaction.

Therapeutic communication involves maintaining a distance between the healthcare professional and the client. The main difference between therapeutic communication and non-therapeutic communication is that the nurse acts as a leading agent, seeking to ensure the comfort and well-being of the client (Potter et al., 2019). Principles of interpersonal communication such as responsibility and respect are also fundamental to therapeutic communication (Beebe et al., 2020). Marta definitely treats her client with respect, but she is irresponsible. The nurse allows the establishment of excessively close personal contact with her client, which is unacceptable in therapeutic communication. Marthas irresponsibility also lies in the fact that she did not check the name of the medicine vial, which she should have done with every injection.

From the phenomenological approach, it is necessary to analyze the situation as it appears at first glance. Firstly, the viewer learns that the nurse made a fatal injection mistake, which led to the unintentional death of her client. Communication between the nurse and the patient seems too personal, which provokes her to relax, which leads to such an error. The replacement of medicinal ampoules is not a critical fact since Marta is beyond the scope of therapeutic interaction in any case.

During communication between Martha and Thrombey, there are no hidden meanings or special words, they are open with each other, which demonstrates their personal rapprochement. Martha is the only person in Thrombeys inner circle with whom he speaks directly and without overtones. In contrast to this communication, the director includes the intrigues of the rest of the family, who work together to discredit Martha. A distinctive feature of communication between the nurse and the patient demonstrates his special attitude towards her, which should not have arisen in the course of interpersonal communication.

There is no hidden conflict between the nurse and the client; on the contrary, their communication is driven by the principles of care and compassion. Martha provides full palliative care with the fundamental principles of honesty and openness (Murray, 2016). However, it is compassion that pushes Thrombey to commit suicide, being an impulse to protect a person close to him. Despite the fact that the nurse showed the important fundamental principles of therapeutic communication: respect, compassion and caring, she was irresponsible and allowed the establishment of close personal bonds with the client, which led to tragic consequences.

In conclusion, Knives Out invites viewers to draw a clear line between acceptable and unacceptable in communication between a nurse and a health care user. Martha had to gently cut off the established overly personal connection with the client, and adhere to the established boundaries in organizing the therapeutic interaction with him. The nurse should act as the most active agent of communication, guided by the principles of care, compassion, respect and responsibility during interaction.

References

Beebe S., Beebe S., Redmond M., & Salem-Wiseman, L. (2020). Interpersonal communication: Relating to others. (8th Canadian ed.). Pearson.

Johnson, R. (2019). Knives out [Film]. Lionsgate.

Murray, K. (2016). Essentials in hospice and palliative care: A practical resource for every nurse. Victoria, BC: Life and Death Matters.

Potter, P.A., Stockert, P., Perry, A.G., & Hall, A. (Eds). (2019). Canadian fundamentals of nursing. (6th Canadian ed.). Elsevier Canada.