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In late 2021, the CDC was alerted to a cluster of children with hepatitis of unknown etiology at a US hospital. Similar reports began to emerge out of Europe. This article discusses the systematic investigation into these cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persons who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) are diverse in gender, gender identification, sexual orientation, race and ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. They face unique disparities in healthcare. This article discusses how to create a welcoming healthcare environment for these individuals. Persons who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) face unique disparities in healthcare. This article discusses how to create a welcoming healthcare environment for these individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The US is the only developed country in the world with rising maternal mortality. This article discusses factors that contribute to this rise, disparities in maternal mortality, and steps nurses can take to help reverse this worsening trend. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Barriers to intrauterine device use include cost, absence of qualified providers, the lack of simplified insertion protocols, cultural hesitation, and misconceptions of appropriateness of use. This article outlines how NPs can eliminate practice barriers to intrauterine device use and prevent unintended pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite advances in screening and treatment for syphilis, the US has seen increased incidence of the disease in the past decade. This article gives an overview of incidence, risk factors, clinical manifestations, assessment, screening, treatment, and prevention of syphilis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides insights on applying the psychological first aid (PFA) principles for nurses during high stress periods such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Topics discussed include the necessity for manager intervention before workloads and stress levels lead to a crisis level, potential of PFA to reduce acute distress during a crisis and develop support for the future recovery of nurses, and the aim of PFA to develop stress management skills among healthcare team members.

The article focuses on recognizing risk and presence of posttraumatic stress disorder in women. Topics discussed include the U.S. women who report having experienced significant trauma at some point in their lives range from 50% to 90%; posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) goes largely unrecognized in women; and this article discusses ways to monitor, screen, and intervene for PTSD in women.

In 2016, large outbreaks of hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection began to occur among high-risk individuals, including those with a history of drug use and those experiencing homelessness. This article focusses on HAV infection among high-risk individuals in the community, including those experiencing homelessnes [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article focuses on the two universally recommended vaccines during pregnancy--Tdap and infl uenza--and how NPs can advocate for the appropriate vaccination of this patient population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS) can be caused by infectious and noninfectious triggers. NPs can help children with PANS recover from their symptoms and prevent future recurrences by appropriately screening, recognizing, and diagnosing the clinical presentation of PANS. PANS treatment includes pharmacologic therapies as well as cognitive behavioral therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic disorder affected by stress and dietary habits. This article explores the role of diets low in fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols in reducing IBS symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a 19-year old female with a history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) to address issues of confidentiality involved in obtaining a sexual health history. Topics include a brief background on the patient's medical history, her reason for not having STI screening, and the role of nurses in obtaining a sexual health history. Also mentioned are the common reportable STIs in the U.S. and the five Ps to remember when obtaining a sexual health history.

The article offers information about primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). Topics mentioned include the symptoms including high fever and signs of meningeal irritation, diagnostic approaches including testing for amebas, the treatment options including amebicidal medications and anti-epileptic drugs.

The article discusses the prevalence of brucellosis around the world. According to data, approximately 500,000 cases of brucellosis occur globally each year. The signs and symptoms of the bacterial infection are identified, including fever, chills, weight loss, headache and splenomegaly. Also discussed are the ways to diagnose, treat and prevent brucellosis.

The article discusses the role of nurses in identifying and caring for rubeola-infected patients, preventing disease spread, and encouraging vaccination based on U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. Other populations at risk for complications due to infection include pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals. Incubation period of rubeola is six to 21 days from initial exposure. Nurses in the U.S. can contact their health departments for a list of diseases.

The article discusses challenges with caring for hospitalized patients with celiac disease (CD). Topics include reference to the gluten-sensitive enteropathy and non-tropical sprue affecting around one percent of the U.S. population, genetic autoimmune disorder complication that triggers attack on body's own cells as well as contraindication for gluten protein common in grains. Also mentioned are symptoms such as diarrhea, anemia and weight loss.

The article discusses the different techniques used in identifying and controlling exposure to lead, the implementation of appropriate screening and intervention for children and others at risk to lead poisoning, and the racial and economic disparities associated with lead poisoning. Topics covered include the reported lead contamination in Flint River in Flint, Michigan, the health problems caused by exposure to lead, and government efforts in addressing the lead poisoning problem in the U.S.

The article discusses the toxoplasmosis infection in humans that may derive from consuming meat from animals that have access to contaminated environments or other infected animals as of 2018. Topics covered include the infection's biological occurrence, and its signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Also noted are the population screening for toxoplasmosis, and the advising of patients on the importance of thorough cooking of all meat before its consumption.

The article presents a case study of a 32-year-old lady, who experienced a sudden flow of clear fluid between her legs. It mentions the nurse's role in managing obstetric emergency. It mentions that occurrence of umbilical cord prolapse (UCP) is due to entering of fetal umbilical cord into the birth canal alongside the part of the baby. It mentions that iatrogenic causes can be the risk factor for UCP.

The article discusses the significant role played by nurses in patients experiencing placental abruption. Topics include the meaning of placental abruption, associated risk factors such as drug use, cigarette smoking, and poor nutrition, and the assessment of vital signs, oxygen saturation and level of consciousness by the assigned nurse. Also mentioned is information on the patient's continuing care during the postpartum period.

A personal narrative is presented which explores the author's experience of working with new nurse authors, and teaching in a Registered Nurse (RN)-to-Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) completion program to further the education of nurses.

The article presents suggestions for new authors on how to respond to peer reviews. Topics discussed include not taking the criticism or feedback personally, steps in composing a response, an approach when the author disagrees with reviewers, and the importance of maintaining a good working relationship with the manuscript editor(s).

The article discusses the integration of a periodic screening for tuberculosis (TB) to the clinical nurses at the health care facilities in the U.S. to prevent the transmission of the disease to patients and colleagues. It highlights the concept of bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis which spread through respiratory pathways while coughing, sneezing, speaking or singing. It cites the use of tuberculin skin test (TST) or live-virus bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine for TB.

The article focuses on the role of nurses in providing assistance among women who have experienced rape and war-related sexual assistance. Topics discussed include posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) experienced by women victims, the key role of nurses to facilitate the removal of communication barriers, and familial support and prevention of escalation when identifying risks for violence. INSETS: Health risks associated with PTSD;Health problems associated with sexual violence;Preventing vicarious trauma and burnout.

The article explores the healthcare disparities in poor oral health in the U.S. that contributes to poor glycemic control in patients with diabetes, development of coronary artery disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes. It mentions that poor oral health also contributes to poor academic performance, school and work absence. It discusses various ways for primary care professionals for oral healthcare. It also offers detailed patient-teaching tips for patients across the lifespan. INSETS: Oral care tips for parents of young children;Getting up to speed on fluoride for children.

The article offers several tips for correctional nurses to meet the challenges related to working in prisons. These tips include providing appropriate care to the prisoners regardless of their offenses, taking the time to obtain a health history that is accurate, and being committed to the ethical care provision of all patients. The authors also discuss the lessons that they have learned while working as correctional nurses which they consider as a satisfying work experience.

The article explores the health risks of obesity to mother and baby during pregnancy, labor and delivery. It states that nurses should develop a trusting relationship with an obese pregnant patient in order to encourage her to seek prenatal care and make healthy changes in her lifestyle. It is also important that they deliver information concerning her health in a factual, kind and nonjudgmental manner. INSETS: What's obesity?;Special considerations for patients who become pregnant after...;Close-up on four tests.

The article presents a study which assessed pregnant adolescents' desire for pregnancy and examined whether there were opportunities for preconception care for pregnant adolescents with desired pregnancies. The samples used were medical records for 108 pregnant women below the age of 19. It was found that most of the adolescents had not wanted a pregnancy during the pregnancy diagnosis. It is noted that nurses who offer care to adolescents have a chance to talk about future pregnancies and to use healthcare visits to teach about preconception health.

The article focuses on the nursing care of adults with Down syndrome including common diseases and health promotion. Advocacy for families of Down syndrome adults is discussed. Health care planning for the transition between adolescence and early adulthood is mentioned. Other topics include sexuality and the assessment and management of pain.

The article offers the insights of professional organizations in the U.S. regarding planned home births, on how to help women make a choice, and guidelines for improving patient safety. The organizations that offered their views include the National Center for Health Statistics, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and the American College of Nurse Midwives. Topics include the role of nurses in home births, informed consent, and criteria for planned home birth.

The article discusses the increased risk of some patients with the autoimmune disorder celiac disease (CD) in developing infections and the pneumococcal vaccine's protection from pulmonary infections in 2019. Topics covered include hyposplenism and its clinical features, its incidence in adult patients with CD, and the controversy on whether and when to vaccinate such patients against pneumococcal pneumonia. Also noted are nurses' possible advise on up-to-date vaccinations to patients.

The article provides an answer to a question on the critical congenital heart defect (CCHD) screening procedure and why it is done.

The article discusses the epidemiology, signs and symptoms, and treatment of the sexually transmitted infection (STI) called Mycoplasma genitalium (MG), and the important role of nurses in preventing MG infection. Topics covered include the identified causes of MG infection, the association of MG infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) susceptibility and transmission, and how MG infection is detected and treated.

The article provides clinical information about Legionnaires' disease. Topics discussed are the epidemiology of Legionnaires' disease, importance of reporting the disease to public health authorities, signs and symptoms, diagnosis using chest X-ray, sputum culture and urinary antigen testing, treatment options including antibiotics administration and use of mechanical ventilator support and supplemental oxygenation, and prevention of the disease through water safety management.

The article focuses on acute bacterial meningitis caused by Neisseria menintidis which is referred to as meningococcal meningitis. It provides information on the clinical manifestations and symptoms of the infection and its mortality rate based in a large population-based study. Also discussed are the clinical interventions and procedures that must be done to treat meningococcal meningitis such as administering antibiotics. The article recommends completing a full course of childhood vaccines as primary prevention.

The article discusses how to identify and control children's exposure to lead and implement appropriate screening and intervention for children at risk. The article points out that parents should make unified efforts to stop any identified lead exposure regardless of the child's blood levels. It provides an overview of a risk-based screening policy recommended by the U.S. Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention.

The article offers information on the use of Gardasil vaccine against human papillomavirus (HPV). Gardasil vaccine protects against four strains of HPV which are responsible for cervical cancers and genital warts. The United States Food and Drugs Administration approved the use of the HPV vaccine to girls as young as age nine years old.

The article provides an answer to a question of the consequences of being treated for latent tuberculosis (TB) infection (LTBl) without having TB sings or symptoms.

The article provides an answer to a question about the main concerns in managing parvovirus in a patient who is at 16 weeks of gestation.