Smoking Is a Women's Health Issue Across the Life Cycle
Abstract Many women know about the risks of lung cancer and cardiovascular disease that stem from tobacco use, but many don't realize there are several other potential health consequences of smoking. Nurses should utilize every opportunity to educate women about the various health risks of smoking. Promotion of smoking cessation now may help women prevent numeroushealth problems later. (Source: AWHONN Lifelines)
Source: AWHONN Lifelines - April 21, 2015 Category: Nursing Authors: Aimee Chism Holland Tags: Well Woman Source Type: research

Emerging Options for Treating Hepatitis C Infection
Abstract Hepatitis C infection can cause chronic liver disease and liver carcinoma and can necessitate liver transplantation. Of the more than 3 million people infected with hepatitis C, more than two‐thirds were born between 1945 and 1965. Many individuals are unaware that they're infected, which can delay treatment and lead to disease progression. Once infection is diagnosed, typical treatment regimens can involve multiple medications and side effects that can make it challenging for some people to complete therapy. In October 2014 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Harvoni®, a fixed dose combination...
Source: AWHONN Lifelines - April 21, 2015 Category: Nursing Authors: Heidi Collins Fantasia Tags: Rx Source Type: research

Chiari Malformation in Pregnancy
Abstract The diagnosis of Chiari malformation is on the rise owing to the increased frequency of brain imaging for concussion and trauma. This abnormal brain physiology can have a significant impact on the care management of a pregnant woman during the gestational period. Here we present a case example of a pregnant woman presenting in labor with a history of Chiari malformation with surgical treatment during her pregnancy. Antepartum, intrapartum and postpartum considerations are reviewed. This brief article is meant to be used as an easy‐reference tool in the clinical setting. (Source: AWHONN Lifelines)
Source: AWHONN Lifelines - April 21, 2015 Category: Nursing Authors: Sheryl E. Parfitt, Cheryl K. Roth Tags: In Practice Source Type: research

Perspectives on Implementing Delayed Cord Clamping
This article explores issues that may be keeping early cord clamping (ECC) in place as usual practice. Professional organizations almost universally recommend DCC for preterm infants, but some reserve recommending it for term infants only in resource‐poor settings. Concerns about polycythemia and jaundice persist in the literature, while years of published randomized controlled trials do not support the assumptions behind the concerns. New data suggest that DCC may improve resuscitative efforts in compromised infants. Multiple perspectives are offered for consideration when thinking about incorporating DCC into practice....
Source: AWHONN Lifelines - April 21, 2015 Category: Nursing Authors: Mayri Sagady Leslie Tags: CNE Feature Source Type: research

A Review of Opioid‐Induced Itching after Cesarean Birth
This article reviews the literature on itching after spinal and epidural administration of opioids and how nurses can best manage this side effect. (Source: AWHONN Lifelines)
Source: AWHONN Lifelines - April 21, 2015 Category: Nursing Authors: Barbara Hansen Cottrell Tags: Feature Source Type: research

History, Policy and Nursing Practice Implications of the Plan B® Emergency Contraceptive
Abstract Numerous policy changes have expanded access to emergency contraception, such as Plan B®, in recent years. Plan B® is a progesterone‐based medication that prevents pregnancy from occurring up to 120 hours after unprotected intercourse by preventing ovulation and tubal transport. Increased access to Plan B® allows women to make independent decisions regarding reproductive health. Nurses play an important role in providing education as well as comprehensive, compassionate and holistic care. (Source: AWHONN Lifelines)
Source: AWHONN Lifelines - April 21, 2015 Category: Nursing Authors: Michelle L. Munro, Alexandra C. Dulin, Elizabeth Kuzma Tags: Feature Source Type: research

Development of an Obstetric Vital Sign Alert to Improve Outcomes in Acute Care Obstetrics
Abstract Maternal morbidity and mortality is a national health problem. Causal analysis of near‐miss and actual serious patient safety events, including those resulting in maternal death, within obstetric units often highlights a failure to promptly recognize and treat women who were exhibiting signs of decompensation/deterioration. The Obstetric Vital Sign Alert (OBVSA) is an early warning tool that leverages discrete data points in the electronic health record, calculating a risk score that is displayed as a visual cue for acute care obstetric staff. When studied in a cohort of women with postpartum hemorrhage, use of ...
Source: AWHONN Lifelines - April 21, 2015 Category: Nursing Authors: Diana J. Behling, Michelle Renaud Tags: Feature Source Type: research

Prescription Opioid Use in Pregnancy
(Source: AWHONN Lifelines)
Source: AWHONN Lifelines - April 21, 2015 Category: Nursing Authors: Summer Hunt, Jennifer Hellwig Tags: On the Edge Source Type: research

Nursing Practice Implications of The Year of Ethics
(Source: AWHONN Lifelines)
Source: AWHONN Lifelines - April 21, 2015 Category: Nursing Authors: Karen T. Harris Tags: Commentary Source Type: research

Credibility
(Source: AWHONN Lifelines)
Source: AWHONN Lifelines - April 1, 2015 Category: Nursing Authors: Mary C. Brucker Tags: Perspectives Source Type: research

A Nightingale's Sorrow
(Source: AWHONN Lifelines)
Source: AWHONN Lifelines - February 12, 2015 Category: Nursing Authors: Michelle Eastburn Larsen Tags: Reflections Source Type: research

Ebola: Caring for Pregnant and Postpartum Women and Newborns in the United States: AWHONN Practice Brief Number 3
(Source: AWHONN Lifelines)
Source: AWHONN Lifelines - February 12, 2015 Category: Nursing Tags: AWHONN Practice Brief Source Type: research

Guidelines for Oxytocin Administration after Birth: AWHONN Practice Brief Number 2
(Source: AWHONN Lifelines)
Source: AWHONN Lifelines - February 12, 2015 Category: Nursing Tags: AWHONN Practice Brief Source Type: research

Quantification of Blood Loss: AWHONN Practice Brief Number 1
(Source: AWHONN Lifelines)
Source: AWHONN Lifelines - February 12, 2015 Category: Nursing Tags: AWHONN Practice Brief Source Type: research

Criminalization of Pregnant Women with Substance Use Disorders
(Source: AWHONN Lifelines)
Source: AWHONN Lifelines - February 12, 2015 Category: Nursing Tags: AWHONN Position Statement Source Type: research