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The safety and efficacy of postcoital administration of oral contraceptives, commonly called "emergency contraception pills" (ECPs), have been well documented; nonetheless, this method of preventing pregnancy is underused in the United States. Through the use of surveys, the current study assessed providers' knowledge, prescribing practices, attitudes, and barriers regarding ECPs at a military treatment facility in the southwest United States. Results showed a lack of knowledge of ECP provision, with 34% believing treatment had to be initiated in 48 or fewer hours, and 60% believing two doses must be taken within 24 hours or more of each other. Slightly more than one- half (54.4%) of the providers reported having prescribed an ECP; those who had prescribed had more positive attitudes about ECPs. Perceived barriers included women not asking for ECPs, concerns about safety of ECPs, and issues regarding liability. A discrepancy between providers' perceived and actual knowledge about ECPs supports the need for better education for all providers who care for women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When health professionals, including RNs, have negative attitudes toward women experiencing homelessness, they create barriers to services. It is incumbent on nursing faculty to develop curricula that address homelessness and associated stereotypes, as well as to prepare students to provide safe and appropriate care to the homeless population. The aim of this qualitative study was to examine the attitudes of RN-to-MSN students toward mothers living with their children in a transitional shelter. A convenience sample of 10 students enrolled in a community health nursing course at a university in southern California participated in the study. Two focus groups were conducted: one before and one after a 15-week clinical experience. Data analysis revealed that during the clinical experience, students discovered that they, or perhaps an individual like them, could become homeless. Their attitudes and views changed to include a bigger picture of homelessness, described by public health nursing researchers as 'moving upstream.' This article suggests strategies for integrating clinical experiences with socioeconomically vulnerable individuals into undergraduate nursing curricula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute onset of surgical menopause rarely complicates a woman's psychological state. Although most women with acute surgical menopause have associated menopausal symptoms, few psychological consequences have been reported. This article presents the case report of a woman who developed immediate postoperative symptoms of severe anxiety that significantly impacted her quality of life. Physiological and psychological changes associated with surgical menopause and hormone replacement therapy are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a case of gallbladder paraganglioma that was discovered during nonrelated surgery. Retrospective study disclosed a family history of pheochromocytoma. The occurrence of gallbladder paraganglioma in the presence of family history of endocrine neoplasia supports that gall-bladder paraganglioma may indeed occur as a part of the r multiple endocrine neoplasm syndrome. Gallbladder paraganglioma is a rare tumor, and so far to our knowledge a only 6 cases have been reported in the literature. Three cases were discovered incidentally during cholecystectomy s for cholelithiasis 2 presented with right upper quadrant t pain, and 1 manifested with gastrointestinal bleeding. We herein review all reported cases of paraganglioma of gall- bladder and biliary system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The superior vena cava syndrome associated with an intraluminal vascular proliferative lesion is extremely rare. A case of intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia of the superior vena cava causing obstructive symptoms is reported that was successfully managed by surgical excision. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]