Nursing Articles Critiques Example

Article 1

The article entitled “The effects of crossed leg on blood pressure measurement” by Foster-Fitzpatrick et.al (1999) addresses a quantitative research approach to determine how blood pressure is impacted by different leg positions within a specific male population. The article utilizes a convenience sample approach to evaluate a very specific and simplistic measurement of blood pressure under two separate circumstances: 1) With feet on the floor and 2) While the legs are crossed (Foster-Fitzpatrick et.al, 1999). The study population was identified from a sample of outpatients of a Veterans Administration Medical Center in the Midwest region, and a convenience sample was chosen because it was cost and time effective, and also included a wide age range, from the ages of 31 to 81 (Foster-Fitzpatrick et.al, 1999). This specific population group was also specific in that they had a prior diagnosis of hypertension and were prescribed medications up to the date of these readings (Foster-Fitzpatrick et.al, 1999). In addition, any patient with a history of peripheral vascular disease or any other disruption of the lower extremities was excluded because the legs were necessary to obtain accurate readings for comparison purposes (Foster-Fitzpatrick et.al, 1999).

Each study participant that was selected was given the same type of blood pressure test using an electronic cuff and was evaluated independently for accuracy prior to use to ensure that readings would be precise for all study participants (Foster-Fitzpatrick et.al, 1999). The surrounding environment was made as comfortable as possible to prevent any unnecessary stress during the measurement period and each participant was required to remain still to prevent any problems during readings (Foster-Fitzpatrick et.al, 1999). All participants were subject to the same readings in two different ways, one with their feet flat on the floor and one with their legs crossed, to prevent any unnecessary variances in readings (Foster-Fitzpatrick et.al, 1999).

For the statistical analysis portion of the article, the analysis of variance (ANOVA) method was used, and the two primary factors for evaluation were blood pressure and the position of the leg (Foster-Fitzpatrick et.al, 1999). The study results indicate differences between readings as based upon leg positioning; therefore, it was assumed that when the crossed leg position was used, there was an increase in blood pressure readings, while when the feet were flat, blood pressure was reduced (Foster-Fitzpatrick et.al, 1999). Under these conditions, the data collection method was appropriate and accurate for the measurements under consideration; therefore, the ANOVA testing was a simple yet effective method of statistical analyses for this study protocol (Foster-Fitzpatrick et.al, 1999).

For this study, existing guidelines regarding the measurement of blood pressure are relatively consistent; however, the method in which clinicians measure blood pressure is not always conducted in the same manner. Therefore, it was important to identify the differences between measuring blood pressure by using different types of leg positions to determine effectiveness and accuracy in measuring blood pressure more accurately. This study is useful in supporting the belief that blood pressure readings should be taken in a consistent manner with the feet on the floor with minimal movement in order to better understand the importance of accurate blood pressure readings at all times to facilitate effective treatment outcomes and blood pressure management for all patients in this manner.

Article 2

The article entitled “The experience of patients undergoing awake craniotomy: in the patients’ own words: a qualitative study” by Palese et.al (2008), the study provides an important qualitative assessment of the different perspectives of patients who have experienced a craniotomy in an awakened state. The technique known as intraoperative mapping demonstrates the importance of expanding tumor excision in a manner that is most safe and effective for patients because it reduces the potential for neurological damage in different forms (Palese et.al, 2008). This study supported the recollection of information from patients who have experienced this type of surgical method in order to accomplish the desired objectives in measuring patient feelings and emotions regarding this unique experience (Palese et.al, 2008). This type of study is appropriate because it reflects upon a different type of experience and asks a series of questions that are not always considered when evaluating the serious nature of any type of brain surgery, particularly surgery to remove tumors. Conducting this type of surgery while the patient is awake is even more complex and intricate because it requires a greater understanding of the different elements which enable researchers to better understand these experiences from a patient point of view (Palese et.al, 2008).

This research study utilized a qualitative approach because this was a better measurement of the opinions and perspectives of study participants, and could be conducted by using an interview-based format (Palese et.al, 2008). These efforts indicate that when patients are awake during a procedure of this nature, there is a greater likelihood that they will experience unique behavioral outcomes that are worthy of evaluation from a clinical perspective (Palese et.al, 2008). These efforts also indicate that patients are likely to experience a range of emotions during this experience that tend to focus on the events and the ability to survive in a relatively normal state, rather than to focus on the tumors and their significance (Palese et.al, 2008). These efforts are important because they reflect a more accurate approach to recognizing the needs of patients who require craniotomies and how this impacts their emotions and general wellbeing (Palese et.al, 2008).

The use of a qualitative approach for the study reflects an opportunity to evaluate the specific nature of the condition and its overall impact on health and wellbeing (Palese et.al, 2008). By using a small patient sample of 21 participants, the interview process was able to be controlled and some consistency as well as diversity within the responses could be effectively achieved (Palese et.al, 2008). In addition, the study reflects a capacity to develop a greater understanding of how patients respond to these types of events because it could impact their recovery in different ways and also demonstrate that greater attention must be paid to the development of different procedures to evaluate the emotional and psychological needs of patients in this condition (Palese et.al, 2008).

The study results indicated a number of interesting approaches and parallels to consider in regards to patient emotions and responses to surgery, such as their willingness to share their perspectives with surgeons to provide them with some non-clinical insight into how this experience makes patients feel because these feelings and emotions are critical and essential to patient wellbeing (Palese et.al, 2008). This is necessary because it provides further evidence that patients who experience these events face critical challenges and other factors that are not solely based upon clinical presentation and symptoms (Palese et.al, 2008). On the contrary, patients may experience significant emotional and psychological factors as they face this type of surgery that may positively or negatively contribute to the overall surgical process in different ways; therefore, surgeons and other clinicians should be aware of these experiences and should allow patients to share their insight in order to promote a more successful patient experience that focuses on patients and their overall health and wellbeing, not only in a physical capacity, but also in a psychosocial manner (Palese et.al, 2008).

References

Foster-Fitzpatrick, L., Ortiz, A., Sibilano, H., Marcantonio, R., & 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., & Zannini, L. (2008). The experience of patients undergoing awake craniotomy. Cancer Nursing 31(2), 166–172.

Polit, D.,F. & Beck, C., T. (2012) Nursing Research:Generating and Assessing Evidence for Nursing Practice (9^th ed.) Wolters Lippincott Williams & Wilkins