Helen M Taggart

• PhD, RN, ACNS-BC
• Professor at Armstrong Atlantic State University

Nurses have a key role in detection of delirium, yet this condition remains under recognized and poorly managed. The aim of this study was to explore nurses' knowledge of delirium-related information as well as their perception of their level of knowledge.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of arch supports on balance, functional mobility, and pain in the back and lower extremity joints among older adults. A single-factor within-subjects design was used. A convenience sample of older adults formed a single group for fitting with arch supports. Balance, functional mobility, and self-...

Obesity is a major health problem in the United States, and it is occurring at an increasing rate. When an orthopaedic patient is obese, the care plan and interventions must be adjusted for the specific patient needs. This article explores the multidimensional challenges and suggests strategies to provide safe care for the patient who is obese.

Fibromyalgia (FM), one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders, is associated with high levels of impaired health and inadequate or limited symptom relief. The cause of this complex syndrome is unknown, and there is no known cure. Numerous research results indicate that a combination of physical exercise and mind-body therapy is effective in s...

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of Tai Chi exercise among older women. Multiple regression analysis revealed statistically significant improvements in scores for balance (p <.001), functional mobility (p <.05), and fear of falling (p <.001) and associated demographic factors. Three months of twice weekly, 30-minute Tai Chi cl...

Hip fractures are one of the most common and potentially devastating injuries in the geriatric population. The incidence, morbidity, and health care costs associated with hip fracture among older persons are well recognized. Because of the complex health care needs of the elderly, rehabilitation after a hip fracture can present a challenge at a tim...

Self-rated health is a powerful and consistent predictor of self-care capability and health outcomes including mobility, morbidity, and mortality. Exercise is important for health and functioning of older adults. Although daily physical activity is advocated for reducing many health risks and maintaining mobility, older women are generally not heed...

This article describes the process from inception to successful operation of a case management model of a community-based multiple sclerosis clinic. The article includes information regarding the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and clinical manifestations of multiple sclerosis. The assessment, planning, and intervention stages of the process are explai...

One way to build knowledge in nursing is to share research findings or clinical program outcomes. The dissemination of these findings is often a difficult final step in a project that has taken months or years to complete. One method of sharing findings in a relaxed and informal setting is a poster presentation. This method is an effective form for...

This section focuses on recent publications that are related to collaborative efforts in developing and conducting research studies in the clinical setting. Collaboration can occur between academia and clinical settings as well as between nursing specialties and other health care disciplines.

This study identified current orthopaedic nursing research priorities that should be investigated to advance the practice of orthopaedic nursing. The study was accomplished by the National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses' (NAON) Research Committee via a national survey of selected NAON members. A descriptive design was used to determine research...

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common central nervous system disease among young adults and the third leading cause of disability in the United States. It is estimated that 400,000 Americans have this disorder of the brain and spinal cord, which causes disruption in the smooth flow of electrical messages from the brain to nerves throughout the...

The relation of exercise habits of 113 female college students to their knowledge about osteoporosis and their health beliefs was investigated, using the health belief model to determine why some people participate in self-care preventive actions but others do not. Age was positively correlated with the level of osteoporosis knowledge, awareness of...