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BACKGROUND: The Index of Nausea and Vomiting (INV), developed by Rhodes and others in 1984, measures three dimensions of upper gastrointestinal distress: nausea, vomiting and retching (NVR). While the revised version has been tested with a variety of high-risk populations, there are no data suggesting that it can be used to assess upper gastrointestinal distress among the growing numbers of ambulatory or day surgery patients. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate a modified version of the INV for use with ambulatory surgery patients. METHODS: A secondary analysis was conducted using data obtained from a descriptive study designed to identify risk factors for postdischarge nausea and vomiting (PDNV) among adult ambulatory surgery patients. Patients who reported PDNV (n = 190) participated via phone interview 24 hours after discharge by completing a modified Rhodes INV. FINDINGS: Reliability analysis (alpha = 0.897) indicated that the modified Rhodes INV measured upper gastrointestinal distress as a single concept in the postdischarge ambulatory surgical sample. One item of the 8-item scale was dropped. Principal component analysis extracted one factor that accounted for 67% of the variance with all items loading. CONCLUSIONS: Upper gastrointestinal distress following ambulatory surgery discharge comprises a different symptom mix than during other high-risk events such as pregnancy or chemotherapy. Further research on the differences in assessing NVR among different populations is indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Historically, nursing has affirmed the inductive approach to professionalism gained through education at the baccalaureate level. Research has challenged the inductive approach by identifying professionalism among associate degree-prepared nurses returning for the professional degree. Two variables derived from the literature, self-actualization and work experience, were investigated as possible antecedents to the development of professional attitudes, values, and behaviors of associate degree nurses. Findings indicated that self-actualization was positively and significantly related to the degree of professionalism. The need to reevaluate the induction model of professional socialization and consider a reactive approach is considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to identify and describe predictors of QOL of elders who live alone in Taiwan. BACKGROUND: Despite a growing population of elders who live alone, research on their quality of life, important for policy decisions and health care provider interventions is virtually absent. METHODS: A descriptive correlational design surveyed 192 Taiwanese elders living alone, selected at random from urban and rural areas. During home visits elders completed the WHO-QOL-BREF, Social Support Scale and Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) in addition to providing demographic data. RESULTS: Multiple linear regressions showed that six variables predicted physical health and the psychological wellbeing QOL domains, accounting for 74.5 and 60.1% of the variance, respectively. Four variables predicted 46.7 and 34.3% of the environmental and the social relationship QOL domains, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Elders who live alone in rural areas and suffer from depression are at high risk for a low quality of life. However, elders living alone reported a better quality of life than their institutionalized counterparts. Interventional research and policy decisions focused on treatment for depression and providing social support networks, as these elders age, will be particularly important. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: By understanding variables associated with elders' quality of life, nurses can coordinate interventions to improve their quality of life. Poorly educated rural women who live alone are particularly vulnerable. Nursing assessment of quality of life indicators and implementation of strategies for increased social support are needed for high-risk elders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]