Blood Pressure Levels, Application Essay Example

Article 1

An article by Foster-Fitzpatrick, Ortiz, Sibilano, Marcantonio, and Braun (1999) addresses the importance of different movements and if they have any impact on blood pressure levels. The project title represents the subject matter appropriately and the belief different types of movement are influential in how blood pressure measurements are read (Foster-Fitzpatrick et.al, 1999). The article also provides a clear abstract and objective for the study and the determination of the extent to which blood pressure is impacted by leg movements and placement, such as sitting with a crossed leg at the knee position (Foster-Fitzpatrick et.al, 1999). The literature review for the study is also appropriate in providing much-needed background regarding the subject and the impact of positioning on blood pressure readings (Foster-Fitzpatrick et.al, 1999).

This influence is further addressed in a study sample of 100 males with previously diagnosed hypertension who are outpatients in different clinics in the veterans’ hospital system in an inner city environment (Foster-Fitzpatrick et.al, 1999). The subjects were divided in half to have their blood pressure read in one of two different ways: either with their feet on the floor or with their leg crossed at the knee area, and all subjects received these readings in each position (Foster-Fitzpatrick et.al, 1999). The primary independent variable in the study are the position of the legs during blood pressure readings and the dependent variable is the actual blood pressure measurement itself (Foster-Fitzpatrick et.al, 1999). The study results demonstrate that when the patient crossed his legs, blood pressure readings (systolic and diastolic) increased with this position as compared to feet on the floor (Foster-Fitzpatrick et.al, 1999). As a result, the study provides further evidence that the positioning of the legs is critical to the stability achieved with blood pressure readings in males, and based upon the evidence provided, females are likely to experience similar results with the same type of measurements with similar leg positioning. In general, the study addresses a relevant question and concept regarding blood pressure readings and the level of accuracy that is achieved in the clinic setting, particularly when clinicians may not require a specific type of leg placement for their patients when these readings are observed, and uses credible evidence to accomplish these tasks. This is an important tool in determining how to best accurately measure blood pressure levels in patients across different population groups to promote successful readings, diagnoses, and treatment alternatives if necessary.

Article 2

An article by Palese, Skrap, Fachin, Visioli, and Zannini (2008) addresses the importance of patient responses to the awake craniotomy and how this impacts their beliefs and perspectives of the surgery and of other matters. The study abstract is comprehensive and provides a strong summary of the subject matter and the study objectives, while also addressing the study protocol itself (Palese et.al, 2008). It is important to recognize that patients in this manner have a highly unique experience that is far different from many other experiences due to the severity of the condition which requires surgery in the first place (Palese et.al, 2008). Their ability to be awake during the surgery under some circumstances is very unique and somewhat surprising because brain surgery is not performed when patients are awake (Palese et.al, 2008).

The study is qualitative in nature and considers the experiences of these patients and provides adequate literature sources to back up these claims (Palese et.al, 2008). The study also explores some of the perspectives of healthcare providers, which are an important element to this discussion because of the nature of the surgery and the experiences of these patients (Palese et.al, 2008). These efforts are also relevant because they demonstrate the impact of serious surgeries on patient perceptions and wellbeing (Palese et.al, 2008). The study is relevant and provides important information regarding this area of interest, which is not likely to be well known in public circles; therefore, the information is used to provide insight into a relatively unique concept and delves into the areas of psychological and emotional impact of this type of surgery for the designated patient population (Palese et.al, 2008).

Conclusion

The development of a successful framework for a quantitative research study requires a unique topic, a relevant data collection framework, and the opportunity to conduct statistical analyses to achieve the desired results. The study by Foster-Fitzpatrick et.al (1999) accomplishes these objectives by developing the research question thoroughly and demonstrating the importance of leg placement on the accuracy of blood pressure readings. This information is relevant to clinicians because it impacts diagnostic tools and potential treatment frameworks for patients who are hypertensive.

A qualitative research study is largely based upon a definitive set of literature resources to answer the chosen research question. The study by Palese et.al (2008) accomplishes these objectives effectively by addressing the importance of the patient experience in the awake craniotomy. Since this is a unique type of surgical experience because of the serious nature of brain-related surgery, the patient’s thoughts, perceptions, and other elements are effective contributors to the clinician’s focus and direction when managing these patients before, during, and after surgery (Palese et.al, 2008). Therefore, the study provides important directives regarding the ability of patients to manage their thoughts and perceptions of the surgery and to share them with the clinical team in charge of these cases (Palese et.al, 2008). This study provides important insights that could contribute to future studies which address awake surgeries in other areas.

References

Foster-Fitzpatrick, L., Ortiz, A., Sibilano, H., Marcantonio, R., and Braun, L.T. (1999). The effects of crossed leg on blood pressure measurement. Nursing Research, 48(2), 105-108.

Palese, A., Skrap, M., Fachin, M., Visioli, S., and Zannini, L. (2008). The experience of patients undergoing awake craniotomy: in the patients’ own words. A qualitative study. Cancer Nursing, 31(2), 166-172.