Master's Theses

Department

Nursing

Degree Name

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Abstract

The present study examined the possible relationship between the frequency of occurrence of CVA and the month of admission to a rural regional medical center. Previous studies suggested a relationship existed. The purpose of this investigation was to examine whether or not a relationship existed within the environmental conditions of Northwestern Kansas. The present study was based on Neuman’s Systems Model of the environment. Changing environmental factors and conditions specific to different months of the year could be considered stressors that may affect the client’s flexible line of defense resulting in illness or disease. The present retrospective study identified 472 charts of subjects that had been admitted to a rural regional medical center in Northwestern Kansas over a six year period with the principal clinical diagnosis of stroke. A chart review was performed and information evaluated by a judge panel to demonstrate the validity of the diagnosis of CVA. Types of CVA analyzed included subarachnoid hemorrhage, intracerebral hemorrhage, occlusion of cerebral arteries, and acute, but ill-defined, cerebrovascular disease. The present study revealed there was no significant relationship between the month of admission and the number of patients admitted with diagnosis of CVA. Spearman’s correlation coefficients indicated there was no significant relationship between the total number of admissions per month over the six year period or by number of admissions in each classification of disease coding group. The present study demonstrated a peak occurrence in July (n=55) and the lowest occurrence in September (m=25). The seasonal incidence of stroke was also analyzed and revealed that no significant relationship exists between the season of the year and the frequency of occurrence of CVA. The ability to identify environmental factors that correlate statistically with the incidence of CVA would offer nursing an opportunity to plan staffing and educational experiences and develop the scientific base of knowledge that ultimately improves patient care. The dearth of information and studies relative to the frequency of occurrence of CVA indicate that more studies are needed to identify relationships with potential environmental factors.

Keywords

Nursing

Advisor

Mary R. Hassett

Date of Award

Fall 1993

Document Type

Thesis - campus only access

Rights

© The Author(s)

Comments

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