Acute confusional states in the older adult after cardiac surgery : a natural history / Deborah Elizabeth Foster.

Format:

Book

Manuscript

Microformat

Thesis/Dissertation

Author/Creator:

Foster, Deborah Elizabeth.

Contributor:

Germain, Carol P., advisor.

University of Pennsylvania.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Penn dissertations--Nursing.

Nursing--Penn dissertations.

Nursing.

Academic Dissertations as Topic.

Medical Subjects:

Nursing.

Academic Dissertations as Topic.

Local Subjects:

Penn dissertations--Nursing.

Nursing--Penn dissertations.

Physical Description:

x, 299 pages : illustrations ; 29 cm

Production:

2001.

Summary:

This research generated a descriptive theory of the presentation, course, and resolution of acute confusion after cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. A multiple, embedded, mixed method case study design was employed using cognitive and behavioral instrumentation, field observation, interviews, and document analysis. Data were collected in cardiothoracic intensive care and intermediate units of an acute care teaching hospital. Of 62 patients (aged 70--85) continuously screened for changes in cognition and behavior, 10 developed acute confusion and were intensively and systematically studied until discharge. Major findings from cross case analysis include behavioral abnormalities within 24 hours after surgery, worsening of symptoms on the second postoperative day, nocturnal deterioration, treatment interference, and an abrupt, spontaneous improvement. Multiple converging lines of evidence support 18 propositions that can guide future studies.

Notes:

Supervisor: Carol P. Germain.

Thesis (Ph.D. in Nursing) -- University of Pennsylvania, 2001.

Includes bibliographical references.

Local Notes:

University Microfilms order no.: 3015312.

OCLC:

244971878