Poststructuralism Paper Essay Example for Free

Poststructuralism Paper Essay What is post-structuralism? How did come about and who started it? How can it be used as a strategy? It cannot be defined without a reference to Ferdinand de Saussere.   He is considered as the â€Å"creator of the modern theory of structuralism (UXL Encyclopedia of World Biography, 2003, p.1).†Ã‚   He was responsible for what was said to have started the entire post-structuralist movement, A Course in General Linguistics.   He did not actually write it; his students, Charles Bally and Albert Sechehaye simply compiled and edited it for publication (UXL Encyclopedia of World Biography, 2003, p.1). Saussere considers language as a â€Å"system of signs that evolves constantly, in which particular words hold no meaning (UXL Encyclopedia of World Biography, 2003, p.2).† Words do not have definition on their own; they need to be involved in a kind of structure wherein together with other words, they begin to make sense.   Moreover, he believes that every idea or object has a sign (UXL Encyclopedia of World Biography, 2003, p.2.), which in turn, has two other parts.   A sign has a signifier, which refers to what a word originally looks or sounds like, while the signified refers to what is represented.   The connection of the two is unpredictable; it is always fluctuating.   This premise is basically the foundation of what is known as post-structuralism.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Post-structuralism actually started in the 1960s in France (James, n.d., p.1).   It is considered both as a critical theory (Henderson and Brown, 1997, p.1), and an interdisciplinary movement (Jones, n.d., p.1) which includes other fields as well like the â€Å"deconstruction of Jacques Derrida, the late criticism of Roland Barthes, and the psychoanalytic revisionism of Jacques Lacan (Henderson and Brown, 1997, p.1)† just to name a few.   Post-structuralism has been discussed alongside postmodernism, but Peters (1999) was quick to differentiate the two: â€Å"Poststructuralism takes as it theoretical object structuralism, whereas postmodernism takes as its theoretical object modernism(p.1). The key word in determining its definition is structure.   Post-structuralism develops a new body of knowledge apart from the pre-established structures.   It claims that the formation of knowledge then may no longer hold now.   There is no such thing as an established truth; what was considered true then, might be dubious now.   Peters (1999) adds, â€Å"Poststructuralism, then, can be interpreted as a specifically philosophical response to the alleged scientific status of structuralism to its status as a mega-paradigm for the social sciences and as a movement which, under the inspiration of Friedrich Nietzsche, Martin Heidegger, and others, sought to decenter the structures, systematicity and scientific status of structuralism, to critique its underlying metaphysics and to extend it a number of different directions, while at the same time preserving central elements of structuralism’s critique of the humanist subject (p.1).† One of the people famous for their contribution in post-structuralism is Frenchman Michel Foucault.   Although he is considered as a philosopher, his work is not confined to a particular body of knowledge.   Throughout his career, his works covered a range of topics, which included â€Å"sexuality, madness, illness and knowledge (UXL Newsmakers, 2005, p.1).†Ã‚   He is also associated with new historicism, which Henderson and Brown (1997) considers as â€Å"history as a species of narrative with gaps or ruptures between epistemes modes of thought and ways of knowing that characterize a given historical moment (p.1).†    He is not interested with history per se; rather, he is more interested in how events become part of history and what made it possible for them to be part of history.   Needham (1995) writes, â€Å"he believes that human nature, instinct, and other intrinsic underpinnings of mankind are not fixed; humans are conditioned through discourse: how we talk, how we formulate knowledge, and who we look to for knowledge. No universal certainties exist; justice, sexuality, insanity, morality all knowledge is a construction of discourse (p.1).†Ã‚   Overall, Foucault forces us to think out of the box.   For him there is no such thing as truth; the structure which developed our notion of truth should be analyzed. Because there is no one stable structure that holds, all that we know is influx all the time and it is better to focus on how these ideas are formed rather than being preoccupied with the ideas themselves.   Because of his post-structuralist ideals, many feminists are turning to him to further their cause.   His ideals help them challenge what was then regarded as true about women in patriarchal discourses.   One of the women who have been regarded for her feminist efforts is Mary McLeod Bethune.   Unlike Foucault, she is not an intellectual.   Smith (1996) calls her â€Å"essentially an activist (p.1),† and rightfully so. Her works is not even limited to women, though she pushes for their opportunities to.   All her life she has fought for the rights of her fellow African-Americans, and released the literary work My Last Will and Testament which is one of the most influential African-American literature out there.   She dared to push the envelope for her race, and defied the odds to help her race â€Å"maintain racial dignity (Smith, 1996, p.105).†Ã‚   S he made sure African-American girls can also be educated like their fair-skinned counterparts.   She opened a school for girls in 1904, which became the Bethune-Cookman College (Smith, 1996, p.106).   At first glance, she may not seem to be a post-structuralist, but she is.   Instead of conforming to the existing structures available to her race that operate in society, she tried to create new possibilities.   That is a move that is post-structuralist, indeed.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Post-structuralism as a strategy is simple; all that needs to be done is to challenge the existing premises by trying to get to the root of the very same premises.   In a post-structuralist sense, the normative condition is taken as such, but not considered stable or fixed.   It is like one of the possible scenarios, not the only one.   In essence, post-structuralism defines the possibility of many other structures, any of which are neither true or false.   From the examples established by Michel Foucault and Mary McLeod Bethune, one must not be satisfied with what is out there.   There should always be a need to ask important questions and look for other solutions.   The status quo is no longer; the possibilities are endless. References Henderson, G. E., Brown, C. (1997). Glossary of Literary Theory. University of Toronto English Library. Jones, R. (n.d). Post-structuralism. Retrieved November 16, 2007, from www.philosopher.org.uk/poststr.htm. Needham, A. (1995). Foucaltphobia-philosopher Michel Foucault. Whole Earth Review, n.v.,1. Peters, M. (1999). Post-structuralism and education. Retrieved November 16, 2007, from www.ffst.hr/ENCYCLOPAEDIA/poststructuralism.htm. Smith, E. M. (1996). Mary McLeod Bethune’s â€Å"Last Will and Testament:† A Legacy for Race Vindication. The Journal of Negro History, 81 (1/4), 105-122. UXL Encyclopedia of World Biography (2003). UXL Newsmakers (2005).

Attachment Theory Analysis Development And Application Psychology Essay

Attachment Theory Analysis Development And Application Psychology Essay This paper focuses on the concept of attachment theory. We begin with an analysis of what it is and its development and the founders and important people who have applied and developed it. We then present its applications in the modern psychology. Attachment can be defined as the emotional bond that connects one person with another. This theory was first advanced by psychologist John Bowl by and he described it as a lasting psychological connectedness between human beings (Bowlby, 1969). He believed that the initial bond that is formed by children with their parent or caregivers have very important impact upon their entire lives. According to him, the attachment is very fundamental in ensuring that the childs chances of survival are enhanced. The main theme in the theory of attachment revolves around the notion that mothers who are responsive and available to the needs of their children usually establish some sense of security. The infant are therefore ware of the fact that such a bond with a dependable parent or caregiver is important for their security and safety. This gives them a well secured platform to explore the world at large. The main characteristics of attachment Secure base This is when the caregiver or parent provides a dependable and secure base for the child to explore the world. Safe haven This is exhibited when the child feels afraid and threatened. They do therefore turn back to their caregiver to seek comfort Maintenance of proximity This is exhibited when the child makes efforts to be as close to the caregiver or parent as much as possible in order to keep themselves safe. Distress of separation The Ainsworths theory of Strange Situation Mary Ainsworth, a psychologist in 1970s carried out research that expounded immensely on the work of Bowlbys. Her famous theory of Strange Situation revealed that there is a notable effects of attachment on the human behavior. The study which she conducted entailed an observation of children aged between 12 and 18 months who were being watched as they responded to various situations in which they were left alone for a short period of time. The infants were then reunited with their mothers as pointed out by (Ainsworth, 1978). On the basis of the observed responses, Ainsworth came up with three main styles of attachment which were: Secure attachment Ambivalent-insecure attachment Avoidant-insecure attachment However, later on, the work of Main and Solomon (1986) saw the addition of an extra style of attachment referred to as disorganized-insecure attachment. Several other studies have shown that the various attachment styles have a profound influence on the behavior of humans in their later lives. Detailed characteristics of attachments Secure attachment Children who are securely attached do exhibit a lot of distress when they get separated from their caregivers. They do however become happy on the return of their caregiver. It is worth pointing out the fact that these children do feel secure and are able to depend entirely on their parents ar caregivers. Whenever the caregiver or parent leaves, they may feel upset but with the knowledge and hope that their caregiver would soon come back. In case they get frightened by anything, these securely attached children would seek the comfort and protection of their caregivers. They know their parents and caregivers and their ability to provide them with assurance and comfort. Ambivalent attachment The ambivalently attached children normally do become distressed whenever their caregivers leave them. This form of attachment is usually uncommon and is therefore observable in just a small percentage of American children. It has been shown through research that ambivalent children are a product of poor maternal availability. These children however, cannot rely on their parents availability for their needs to be met. Avoidant attachment This form of attachment is characterized with children who try at all costs to avoid their parents or primary caregivers. In case they get offered a chance, they would show no form of preference between their caregivers and new people who are considered total strangers. Research work has indicated that this form of attachment comes about as a result of a neglectful or abusive caregiver. This therefore means that children who get penalized or punished fpor their reliance on their caregivers would soon learn to avoid seeking their help in the future. The problems with attachment There are a myriad of problems that affects attachments. The questions that most people may ask are what happens to infant who do not form some form of secure attachment. Extant literature suggests that in case there is a failure to be part of a secure attachment during infancy, then there is bound to be negative impact on the behavior of the affected individual. This is notable in the early childhood as well as during adulthood. The children who are diagnosed with oppositional-defiant disorder (ODD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or conduct disorder (CD) usually show signs of attachment related problems. This is possibly as a result of : Early abuse Neglect and Trauma. It has been suggested by clinicians that early attachments do have very serious effects on the future relationships .For example, people who are securely attached during their childhood do tend to have positive qualities such as: Good self esteem Strong romantic relationships Ability to disclose oneself to other people. It has been suggested by several theorists that the attachment theory is a special kind of psychological theory that gives a description as well as explanation to be used as a theoretical framework necessary for discussing the various types of affectionate relationships that do exist between individuals. This theory which got its origin from John Bowlby in 1969 has continued to be influential as a logical framework to be utilized in the explanation of interpersonal relationships as pointed out by (Hazan, Shaver, 1987). Bowlbys theory was heavily influenced by the work of Harry Harlow. Harlow is the one who made a discovery that infant monkeys that got separated from their caregivers (mothers) ended up clinging to objects that were as fluffy as their mothers as opposed to the wire-coated food sispensers.This was a strong indication that the infants had a strong need to be nurtured as poited out by Harlow Suomi (1970).It was the belief of Bowlby that the attachment style of an individual is developed in their childhood and gets heavy influence by the infants relationship with the primary caregiver. His other belief was that an individual style of attachment is durable and has a strong influence on the way the person would relate to others through our their life time (Bowlby, 1969).There are however some theorist who challenge this notion. Secure attachment style This is the very first attachment style. Individuals who are securely attached have very low self esteem coupled with low avoidance. They however have positive attitudes towards themselves and towards the rest of the people. In order to promote secure attachment in children, it is important for the primary caregivers to be dependable, supportive and provide a safe haven as pointed out by Bartholomew Horowitz (1991). Ainsworths strange situation study revealed that securely attached children are characterized by several behaviors such as protestation of their caregivers departure while having the ability to begin being in happy mood only to welcome the departed caregiver and be reassured once again of their comfort as outlined by Tracy Ainsworth (1981). There are other benefits that come with being securely attached. These include the ability to form very close and intimate relationships with very little ease while being comfortable with the autonomy. Secure adults usually feel like they are worthless and have expectations that other persons will be accepting while being responsive at the same time as outlined by (Hazan Shaver, 1987). The diminishing attachment style This form of attachment is characterized by individuals who have low anxiety coupled with a rather high avoidance. Therefore, they do have a positive attitude towards their existence. They however do have a high avoidance of others. This form of attachment is observable in children and is formed whenever an infants bid to gain comfort are rejected and their primary care givers are hesitant and generally reluctant to allow body contact between them. This makes them to pick up their young ones in very abrupt manner. There is also an element of controlling behavior with very limited emotional response as indicated by (Hazan Shaver, 1987). An observation by Ainsworth shown that children who are dismissing had a characteristic of not being distressed by the departure of their caregivers and they were also not too much bothered by their return. This observation was reported by (Tracy Ainsworth, 1981). In adults It is also a general fact that adults who belong to the category of the dismissing individuals do feel a certain sense of worthiness. They however possess a very negative disposition towards other individuals. They do have a self protection mechanism that involves the avoidance of very close relationships and the maintenance of a general sense of independence coupled with invulnerability. The preoccupied (Fearful avoidant attachment styles) This third attachment style is referred to as the preoccupied style. These persons do experience a very high level of anxiety coupled with low avoidance. Therefore they get preoccupied and do feel on a constant basis, a sense of unlovabililty along with that of unworthiness that is combined with an affirmative evaluation of others. The preoccupied style is usually formed whenever a primary care giver is inconsistent in their manner of parenting. This is marked with being loving while being responsive. This is however true only when they are able to manage but not in their response to the childs signals as pointed out by Cassidy (2000). In adults Several adults have been shown to be exhibiting this style and they are known to be in a constant quest to be accepted by others through the gaining of acceptance of other individuals in the community. Fearful avoidant style This is the last type of avoidance styles It comprises of highly negative individuals.They do have: High anxiety High avoidance They also feel the following: Unworthy Unlovable They view people negatively and regard them as either rejecting or untrustworthy. Due to this, they usually avoid very close relationship and try to avoid being rejected at all costs. This group is made up of individuals who have been abused and neglected as pointed out by (Bartholomew Horowitz, 1991). The durability of the attachment styles The durability in this case refers to the state of stability of the attachment styles. This has however been a subject of too much controversy and debate. The attachment theory postulates that after repeated experiences during an individuals childhood, they do while in infancy, develop a string of knowledge structures a concept that can also be referred to as an inner working model that acts as a representative of the various several interactions that the infant had while they were with their primary care giver. The infant then learns of the fact that whenever their primary caregivers get responsive then they have an opportunity of counting on them as well as others should need be. On the other hand, in case the primary care givers are cold, unresponsive and inconsistent, then the child would soon learn to ignore or rather neglect their role in his or her life in regards to gaining comfort. . This model has for a long time been thought of as being persistent throughout the life of an individual and can be considered to act for them as some sort of a guide as illustrated by Fraley, (2002). In order to support this model, we bring out the fact that adults generally do tend to be more attentive to situations that bring out their experiences and to information that is in congruence with their worldly expectations. This is called the confirmation bias In order to illustrate this, we look at the study that was conducted by Simpson, Rholes, Nelligan in 1992 that portrayed that people who have avoidant working models with a general view of others as being unreliable did also vies social scenarios as being ambiguous. A study conducted by Roisman, Collins, Sroufe, Egeland (2005) in order to explore if an infants style of attachment could be predictive of their adult hood indicated that: A secure mind state in regard to one;s romantic relationship and better of (high quality) romantic relationship is usually a result of a secured attachment relationship that took place in infancy. In yet another study by Torgersen, Grova, Sommerstand, (2007) whose research relied on the test results of hypothesis that purported that attachment in most adults is heavily influenced by certain genetic factors. This was done through a comparison of both monozygotic as well as dizygotic twins attachment styles. Their result is was that both the environment and the genes have a profound influence on attachment Recent theories Several recent theories dispute this notion. They do propose however that the durability of a certain style is a functions of the stability of an individuals environment. This can be illustrated with a consideration of the experiences of new relationships and formation of new attachments both of which can bring about positive influence on an individuals working model. It is worth noting that the attachment theory is very crucial in the explanation of an individuals interpersonal relationship in a lifetime. The four proposed attachments styles: Secure Preoccupied Dismissing and Fearful avoidant Are all crucial in the explanation of an individuals interpersonal relationship. It is important to note that the durability of attachment has been questioned and more research is going on this. Applications to social phenomena Attachment theory in raising children Attachment is the link that forms between the person taking care of an infant and the infant itself from when it is between eight to nine months of age, giving the child security emotionally. Bonding starts from when a child is being given food, and goes on to participating in pseudo-dialogue and then it is followed by the child taking part in more active roles of proto dialogue, as shown by Kaye (1982), other ideas such as inter-subjectivity and scaffolding have been looked into by psychologists. As an infant continues growing, their attention towards the person taking care of them increases. John Bowlby (1958, 1980) founder of the attachment theory was involved in extensive analysis on the emotional link between infants and adults and he had a strong belief that the early relationships greatly determined the emotional and behavioral growth of a child. An earlier study done by Bowlby in 1944 found out that children who had an unstable upbringing where more likely to become juvenile derelicts. His work is often free to criticism and has been improved on with further research. Other following research has measured different levels of security and insecurity in children from early times by use of the method known as Strange Situation Test. Other explorations have also shown different types of the difficult habits and how a child may relate with the person taking care of them actively. Bowlbys theory was founded on ideas from ethology studies and earlier works. The psychodynamic theory as put by Sigmund Freund was very pertinent during the 50s following the Second World War when women were taking up caring for households and playing motherhood roles as men were going back to employment post war. Sigmund believed that every child ought to have a relationship with one caregiver monotropism and that separating from this person would bring about the proximity promoting behaviors in the attachment order. The caregiver coming would cause the behaviors of, clinging, making noise and crying to come to an end. The protected grounds of the affectionate links present between the parent and infant representation becomes part and parcel of the inner working model. These therefore become the heart and the base of all close relationship during continuation of the childs life all through to adulthood. The interference of a mother and childs relationship through lack of emotion, se paration and bereavement to the bonding process. Bowlbys theory of maternal deprivation (1951, 1953) was supported by Konrad Lorenz imprinting study on the young ones of animals done in 1966. He believed that the childs caregiver should impress as a constant figure, and that lack of maternal links between mother and child could be dangerous to the childs health mentally and could cause delinquency. His opinions on long term organizational care were that if a child was placed in a foster home before reaching two years and six months social, emotional and cognitive development may not be delayed but his other works show there has been varying types of parting in youth with serious behavioral issues. Attachment behavior as looked into by Mary Ainsworth works (1985) Ainsworth Bell, (1974) Ainsworth et al (1978) becomes the base for all potential connections and this develops up to two years from the time the child is born. She also agreed with Bowlby on the opinion that the process of attachment bonding occurs at the age of two years. Roughly when the infant is about 7 months old when they get to be watchful of strangers and unknown environments. This continues until the child attains two years of age. The process Ainsworth (1969) investigated to determine if a child was securely or insecurely connected was the strange situation paradigm. This involved a series of short separations and reunions. The childs parent and a person unknown to the child took part in the study with a child aged one year, there were eight series in total and Ainsworths measurement on secure and insecure connection was founded on the reunion scene of how the child reacted in such a situation. Evaluation was carried out using four different variables. The results showed that there were three main varying styles of adjusting. Type A was the anxious and avoidant. The Type B secure while the Type C was the anxious and ambivalent. Most children showed secure attachment; one fifth of them showed anxious/avoidant and one tenth showed anxious/amb ivalent. Main and Solomon (1990) introduced yet another variable, D Type: which in recent times was disorganized to match the behaviors of children in risky environments. The strange situation paradigm, has been faulted by Judy Dunn (1982, 1983), she believed that children from varying backgrounds like institutional care and those living with their families may bring different meanings to the test and the childs environment. The method and results of the experiment are doubted even by Judy Dunn herself. In another study carried out by Richman in 1982 et al it showed that different dangerous factors of disturbed behavior can be evident from the time a child is three years old. Some of the factors known to influence a childs emotional development are the mothers mental state, marital stability and the parents attitudes to the child. The childs active part must also be taken into consideration when giving advice on bringing up children as is shown in Sameroffs 1991 transactional model, as children interact with their environments, while the caregiver develops the childs behavior and how they will relate in future. In Ainsworth and Bowlbys view in which they both agree relationships are universal it can said that different peoples and cultures have different degrees on to what degree or amount of time an infant should be left alone, Japanese, the Chinese and the Israeli results showed Type C in a research done across cultures by one Marinus van Ijzendoorn and Peter Kroonenberg in 1988. Problems could also be with the ethological view of drawing comparisons between children and the young ones of animals as they could be controlled by an instinct. Bowlby considered only the effect on the child by the caregiver yet other factors could affect this such as the child moods. A mother whose child has a thorny mood could prefer to work and leave their child in a day facility which in turn could have a negative effect on the mother being unable to leave the child behind with other people. The mothers patience and the look of the goodness of fit. Researchers Chess and Thomas (1984) suggested that attachme nt could impact on the behavior and a reflection on the attachment link between the child and the primary caregiver (mother). Bowbly and Ainsworth worked together in the development of secure links as per the sensitive mothering of a child in its first year but it could have an impact on the mother as argued by Woollet and Pheonix in 1991, where if she has to abandon all her earlier work and duties possibly leading to frustrations. A workable alternative is to share the responsibility of parenting but this notion would appear to be contrast to the opinion of Ainsworth and Bowlby. The showing of the movie A Two-Year-Old Goes to Hospital, by James Robertson in 1952 showed the stress and pains of a child separated from the mother during a long stay in hospital. During this period mothers were advised not to pay regular visits to their children while in hospital. According to Ainsworth and Bowlby ,the abrupt and premature separation of the child could have terribly affected its emotional wellbeing and the bonding process. Separation and providing alternative means for taking care of the child have been researched on more recently. Day care was among the topics researched into by Bowlby and his belief was that that if a child started nursery schooling before attaining three years of age, it would also cause irreparable damage to the child. However, recent studies done during the 70s and 80s have shown varying opinions and this was proved in a research carried out by Laurence Steinberg and Jan Belsky in 1978 and in yet another study done by Clarke-Stewart and Fein (1983). A much later study done by Belsky (1988), had different views as mothers who worked for more than 20 hours a week showed a higher level of insecure attachment as compared to his earlier study which found absolutely no problems with taking children for day care, Clarke-Stewart opposed this data. Other crucial factors that needed to be taken into consideration according to Belsky were the difference in the surroundings, the children in the day care facility, the staff at the day care and the quality of the day care. Appendix A: Figure 1: Attachment models source (http://www.personalityresearch.org/attachment.html)

Disadvantages To Primary Nursing Environment Nursing Essay

Disadvantages To Primary Nursing Environment Nursing Essay Primary Nursing is a concept that emphasises on patient centred care. This model of care delivery will help Mr Grant to take control of and be responsible for his health. It also provides continuity of care by having only one nurse providing complete care for Mr Grant. Effective coordination between members of the health care team such as physiotherapy, social worker and the primary nurse will help towards achieving a rapid recovery for Mr Grant. The primary nurse is able to see the progression of Mr Grant health compared to other nurses who occasionally care for him. Primary nursing empowers the primary nurse who knows Mr Grant better to decide how to provide care and educate Mr Grant on the steps to recovery. However the nurse may also lack skills to provide holistic care for a patient with complex needs. Tingle (1992) claims that some nurses can find it hard to develop a close relationship with patients. Another major problem associated with practising primary nursing is psycholo gical distress; the nurse may feel isolated particularly when their patient is dying. The nurse also sometimes might push themselves too hard causing them to be overstressed and fatigue increasing the risk of negligence (Melchoir et al.1999, p.89-90). Client Assessment Discuss the importance of performing and documenting a thorough nursing assessment at the commencement of your care of John. (150-200 words) A thorough nursing assessment at the commencement of care enables the nurse to identify actual and potential problems of Mr Grant (Fawcett Rhynas 2012). Nursing assessment provides a baseline so that the nurse can identify changes in Mr Grants condition and alerts the nurse to deviation from normal expected values (Fawcett Rhynas 2012). According to Funnell, Koutoukidis and Lawrence (2009), the information gathered during the nursing assessment will help the nurse to guide a plan of care for Mr Grant and address the patients specific needs. Mr Grant has a slightly high blood pressure, high respiratory rate and shortness of breath which are signs and symptoms of respiratory distress and hypoxia therefore he should be monitored closely to avoid deterioration of his health status (Funnell, Koutoukidis Lawrence 2009). Due to his restless behaviour and confused state, Mr Grant is at risk of a potential fall as he is trying to get out of bed. Moreover, Mr Grant has an indwelling cathete r and a chest tube drainage which could be possibly dislodged when trying to get out of bed. Complex Nursing Care John has an arterial line insitu. Discuss the reasons for insertion, nursing management of the device and potential problems a client may experience. (150-200 words) According to Kaur (2006), an arterial line insitu will monitor Mr Grants blood pressure directly, continuously, and accurately. Mr Grants oxygenation and ventilation can be assessed by measuring arterial blood gas through the arterial line insitu (Perry Potter, 2010). Measurement of the arterial blood gas provides valuable information in assessing and managing Mr Grants respiratory and metabolic disturbances (Perry Potter, 2010). Automatic blood pressure monitoring can cause severe bruising for patient taking anticoagulant, arterial monitoring can be used to monitor Mr Grants blood pressure (Kaur 2006). At the beginning of each shift, the nurse has to check the patients BP, from the opposite arm to avoid interrupting the arterial pressure readings, using a sphygmomanometer for comparison (Kaur 2006). Aseptic technique should be maintained when handling the arterial line. The nurse has to check that all the connections are tight and that the pressure bag is at 300 mm Hg at all times t o keep the system patent (Kaur 2006). Only flushing solution should be injected or infused in the arterial line, if there is an air bubble in the line the air bubble should be withdrawn with a syringe before flushing to prevent air embolism as explained by Perry and Potter (2010) . The insertion site should be monitored for bleeding and signs and symptoms of infection, including erythema, warmth, tenderness, oedema, and purulent discharge (Kaur 2006). Arterial line insitu is invasive, this type of BP monitoring raises Mr Grants risk of a bloodstream infection and haemorrhage, which can occur very quickly if the line becomes disconnected (Kaur 2006). An arterial line also limits the patients mobility. Monitoring the patient closely could avoid potential problems such as haemorrhage from accidental catheter disconnection or loose connections, thrombus formation, air embolism, local obstruction with resultant ischemia, and infection (Kaur 2006). At night, John becomes tired. He is treated with CPAP while he sleeps. Discuss this mode of ventilation. In your answer, you must include the reasons for use on a fatigued patient, how it works at cellular level, and the nursing management of a patient on CPAP ventilation.(150-200 words) Continuous positive airway pressure is a self ventilating form of positive and expiratory pressure (Woodrow P, 2012). The continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) keeps the terminal airways, alveoli, partially inflated, reducing the risk for actelectasis (Perry Potter, 2010). During exhalation, the continuous positive airway pressure machine continues to blow air to keep the airway open and also pushes the exhale air and carbon dioxide out through holes in the mask (Perry Potter, 2010). The application of a continuous flow of gas to the airway creates a positive pressure which makes it easier for Mr Grant to breathe in. The positive pressure maintained at the end of expiration by the positive end expiratory pressure valve prevents alveolar collapse and improves lung compliance (Perry Potter, 2010). The patient does require as much effort is to inflate the alveoli. Hence reduces respiratory effort or work of breathing, and oxygen consumption and helps to reduce work of breathing in respiratory fatigued patients (Marshall Pittard 1998). The nurse needs to continuously assess the patient as there is always the potential for their condition to deteriorate. CPAP has the potential to cause gastric distension by forcing air down the oesophagus which may lead to vomiting and puts the patient at significant risk for aspiration. According to Marshall Pittard (1998) continuous monitoring of the patients respiratory status and arterial blood gases is important for the early detection of worsening respiratory failure. Respiratory assessment should include monitoring the patients rate, depth, quality and pattern of respiration as well as inspection, palpation, percussion and auscultation of the chest (Marshall Pittard 1998). Regular assessment of blood pressure, heart rate, peripheral perfusion and urine output will provide the nurse with important information about the adequacy of circulation and assessment of patients haemodynamic status (National Heart Lung and Blood Institute 2011). The nurse should provide full explanation of the circuit and constant reassurance; this can significantly reduce anxiety and improve patient compliance with the therapy. Patient education is fundamental to the success of CPAP (National Heart Lung and Blood Institute 2011) John has an intercostal catheter insitu. What is the purpose of an inter-costal catheter and why is it on underwater seal drainage? Discuss the nursing assessment and management of this device during client treatment. (150-200 words) Mr Grant has sustained severe trauma to the chest in the MCA, which could have caused a collection of air in the pleural space and an accumulation of blood and fluid in the pleural cavity. Intercostal Catheter Insitu is used for chest trauma to remove air and fluid (Perry Potter, 2010). Perry Potter (2010) explains that the underwater seal drainage device acts as a one-way drainage device allowing drainage out of the pleural space, but preventing air from entering or re-entering the pleural space when the patient breathes in. An underwater seal drainage bottle can give some visual clues about the progress of a pneumothorax which indicates decrease of bubbling and swinging in the underwater seal drainage bottle (Briggs 2010). The nurse should monitor the appearance of the drainage and document this at least once a shift. The chest tube drainage appearance and output may need to be documented more frequently than once a shift in cases where the patient has a large amount of drainage or if the nurse suspects that Mr Grant is having an unexpected amount of drainage (Sullivan 2008). Briggs (2010) outlines that all chest tubes should be routinely monitored for the presence of an air leak should be documented in the patient record and reported during hand over. Regular pain assessments are required to maintain adequate analgesic relief from the discomfort and pain caused by chest drains (Crisp Taylor 2009). The chest drain should always he kept blow the level of the patients chest to prevent back flow of fluid in to the pleural space. If the drain needs to be raised above the patients chest, when moving the patient in bed, the tube can be kinked to prevent back flow (Sullivan 2008). Chest dressings should be assessed every day for oozing and signs of inflammation and changed if oozing is present. Inflammation should be monitored and if worsening a swab should be sent for analysis as stated by Sullivan (2008). The drain tubing should never be secured to the patients b edding or clothing, as sudden movements by the patient could cause the drain to become dislodged, allowing air to enter the pleural cavity (Crisp Taylor 2009). It is also important to encourage the patient to mobilise; this can be in the form of deep breathing for bed-bound patients, or short walks and raising arms in the more active patient (Perry Potter, 2010). The movement will help with fluid and air drainage. Evidence based practice When administering S/C heparin, some nurses swab the area with an alcohol swab before injecting and some nurses do not. What Evidence of Best Practice (EBP) can you find that supports or does not support swabbing skin with alcohol preparation before a subcutaneous injection. In your answer, you must include journal references. (150-200 words) According to Cocoman and Murray (2007), swabbing the injection site with a saturated 70% alcohol swab for 30 seconds and allowing to dry for 30 seconds is essential in order to reduce the number of pathogens. However, recent evidence demonstrated that in instances where the skin was not disinfected before injection, no single case of local or systemic infection was observed. Research supports that skin preparation before injection should be administered when giving injections to particular patients as stated by Gittens and Bunnell (2009). These include older patients, those who are ill, or those who are immunocompromised, as it has been shown that certain groups in society are at greater risk of developing infection (Gittens Bunnell 2009). Certain bacteria on the skin have a low potential to cause infection if the immunity of the patient is not impaired or compromised as researched by Gittens Bunnell (2009). In conclusion, my research on evidence based practice on swabbing the skin shows that the use of alcohol swabs is not necessary before a subcutaneous injection. However to ensure the site is not contaminated, it is extremely important to adhere to thorough hand hygiene. If using an alcohol preparation, it is important to wait thirty seconds to reduce the incidence of stinging and inoculation of bacteria at the site. Critical Thinking John has been prescribed six medications. Discuss the reasons he may have been prescribed these medications based on his presenting complaint. Should John be prescribed a sedation for his restless behaviour? Why/why not? (150-200 words) Metoclopramide According to Tiziani (2010, p.208-209), Mr Grant was prescribed metoclopramide control nausea and vomiting. To reduce the side effects of nausea and vomiting as most of the medications that have been prescribed for him will cause this adverse reaction. Metoclopramide will also help with aspiration due to the CPAP. Ceftriaxone Mr Grant is coughing up green sputum which indicates an infection in the lungs. Ceftriaxone is used as a broad spectrum antibiotic to treat respiratory tract infection which Mr Grant might have (Tiziani 2010, p. 100) Paracetamol Mr Grant has sustained two fractures to the right ankle and right clavicle which will cause severe pain. Hence paracetamol has been prescribed for pain relief (Tiziani 2010, p. 11). This medication will also help to reduce the high temperature of Mr Grant. Phenytoin Mr Grant incurred a head injury in the motor vehicle accident. Phenytoin is used after severe head trauma and prevents the spread of seizure activity across the motor cortex (Tiziani, p. 222). Irbersartan Tiziani (2010, p. 265) states that this medication is prescribed for patients with mild to moderate blood pressure. In this scenario, Irbersartan is used to treat Mr Grants high blood pressure of 159/90 and he also had an unstable blood pressure in ICU. Clexane This medication will help to dissolve clots formed as a result of damage to the head, chest and abdomen in the impact of the motor vehicle accident. Since he is having a lot of respiratory problem it could also indicate a possibility of pulmonary embolism and this is why clexane has been prescribed. Yes, John should be prescribed a sedation to help him settle down. CPAP is very invasive and therefore this will help him to have a restless sleep. A sedation will help to decrease his respiratory rate. Reflective Thinking Johns path to recovery will be a process of physical and emotional challenges. Discuss the physical and emotional needs that John may need when being discharged from hospital. (150-200 words) When discharged from hospital, Mr Grant recovery will be challenged by physical and emotional needs. Mr Grant lost his wife in the car accident and he was under the influence of alcohol. This might severely impact his self esteem as he might hold himself responsible for the car accident. Moreover, grief might have a potential impact on Mr Grants physical social, cognitive, emotional behavioural and spiritual aspects of his everyday life. Mr Grant has sustained multiple injuries and this will severely impact on his ability to do run his everyday life. This can cause emotional and psychological distress as he was an active person. The primary nurse has to work in collaboration with the social worker, occupational therapist, physiotherapist and psychiatrist to develop a discharge plan which will address the physical and emotional needs of Mr Grant. Mr Grant was driving under the influence of alcohol when he had the motor vehicle accident, referring Mr Grant to clinicians with specialist s skills in alcohol and follow up monitoring and care coordination will be help towards his recovery. Involve the church community to support him with his spiritual needs and also include the family in the discharge planning. Mission/ Value Statements Healthcare facilities define their mission statement/values/philosophy. This statement underpins their code of practice. Select a statement/mission/philosophy of one Australian hospital and discuss how their code of practice may be reflective of John and his familys personal and social belief system. (150-200 words) As Mr Grant was actively involved in the Local Catholic church and regularly attended mass. I chose St Vincent Private values and care statement as it is a catholic hospital and it will be beneficial for Mr Grant due to his religious faith. St Vincent Private (2012) values are Compassion, Justice, Integrity and excellence. Compassion is a vital aspect of good nursing care. It involves the nurse developing a rapport with Mr Grant and providing holistic care. St Vincent values that, nurses showing compassion plays a major role in providing dignified care to patients. Compassionate care will enable Mr Grant to remain independent and retain his dignity. St Vincent hospital aim to make sure that nurses are available to render care and that Mr Grant is aware that quality care is available to them. Care will be given according to Mr Grants needs. Integrity is about being truthful to the patient and about the care he is receiving. It is also about providing the right care according to Mr Gra nts personal and social belief. Excellence is dedicated to provide outstanding care and customer service to Mr Grant and his family. St Vincent embodies the drive to perfect their competencies and enhance the quality, timeliness, and cost-effectiveness of their care. Being in a catholic hospital Mr Grant will be able to receive pastoral care and attend mass regularly depending on his health condition. Mr Grant lost his wife in the car accident and confession can help him to deal with grief.

Northern vs Southern States, Education :: essays research papers

It seems important to understand the similarities of the colonial regions in order to comprehend the implications they had. By comparing the Middle Colonies and New England, and by contrasting the future North to the South, it becomes relatively easy to draw patterns. In 1760, the population in New England counts 16,000 Africans, 29,000 for the Middle Colonies whereas the South populates 205,000 Africans. Slavery is then mainly concentrated in the South, involving more agrarian activities and land farmers. Life expectancy in New England and the Middle Colonies were higher while death rates were superior in the South. The cities mainly initiated in New England and then followed by the Middle Colonies. South colonies had smaller towns, more fields. Nevertheless, cities involve more social problems such as crime and vice. The rural exodus of poor people to the cities explains the reason Revolutionary crisis started in the cities. New England and the Middle Colonies (to a smaller degree) symbolized the industrial power where industries such as metal manufacturing, lumbering, mining and fishing were predominant in these regions. For the most part, they were white workers (artisans, crafters, silver working) and the trades would take place between the colonies. To the contrary of these two regions, the South would focus more on massive slaves work to grow tobacco and rice that they would sell to England. As we can notice, the two trading systems have different markets. New England and the Middle colonies would trade more internally, helping merchants with the Act of Navigation, whereas the South targets England as a market for more commercial trades. Concerning religion and education, New England primary had universities based on a religious belief (i.e., Harvard and Yale) but progressively went to a religious liberalism. The Middle Colonies were famous for their

John Bates Clark :: essays research papers

John Bates Clark John Bates Clark was an American economist who lived from 1847-1938. He played an important role in the development of marginal productivity, and had a great influence on the development of economic thought in the United States. Clark was educated at Amherst College and at the University of Heidelberg in Germany. He taught at Carlton College in Northfield, Minnesota from 1875 to 1881. He then moved on to teach at Smith College, Amherst, Johns Hopkins and Columbia from which he retired in 1923. In formulating the Neoclassical theory of the firm, John Bates Clark took over the classical categories of land, labor, and capital and simplified them in two ways, this simplification was the theory of marginal productivity. First, he assumed that all labor is homogenous, which meant that one labor hour is a perfect substitute for any other labor hour, but when marginal productivity was decreasing, the industry found it more profitable to replace labor with machinery. Clark believed that to make a sound economy wages had to be equal to the marginal productivity of labor. This was also beneficial to both the industry and the labor. Secondly, Clark ignored the distinction between land and capital, grouping together both kinds of non-human inputs under the general term "capital," which he then assumed that the broadened "capital" is homogenous. John took this Neoclassical approach one step further than others in applying it to the business firm and the maximization of profits. One of the results was a theory of the distribution which demonstrated that market outcomes were just. Clark also believed that technological change would lead to an increase in the standard of living which he felt was one of the chief goals of any economic system. He felt that with this technological change, labor would be more productive and lead to higher profits for industry. When the labor would see that industry was making higher profits, they would demand its share of the profits for their hard work. The labor's higher wages and the industries' higher profits would increase incomes and better the social living for everyone. Among Clark's works are The Philosophy of Wealth (1886), The Distribution of Wealth (1899), and Essentials of Economic Theory (1907).

Army: Sociology and Team Leader

By Groves, Ian, L The importance of being on time and communication With leadership on the first level This paper will tell you why it is imperative to be timely and also to keep good communication with your leadership mainly at the first level. This paper is a result to not showing up on time to a formation, and failing to let someone know what was going on. So now this paper will explain the importance of the ways someone could prevent it from happening to them. Being late makes people look bad and reflects upon the people in charge of them.Leaders are in charge of making sure the people they are in charge of are doing the right thing at all times and keeping them squared away. It is very important and imperative that one be on time to formations, briefs and anything else they are scheduled to do that day because if someone misses a brief or meeting they could miss very important information, every mission has a starting point and if your higher-ups tell you that is when they want to get stuff started. If you’re late that could mean doing push-ups Also, if you’re too late for duty you’re considered AWOL (absent without leave).Usually one should try to be early because being early, is always better than being late, it also reflects positively on you as a person, on your team leader and anyone in charge of them because you are a reflection of your team leader and anything he teaches you. It makes you and them look and seem squared away and on their game and not a lazy unmotivated scum bag. So if you want to impress your upper chain of command it would be a good idea to be at least on time if not early. You’ll look good and impress people hopefully the right people.This paper will also tell you the importance and imperativeness of keeping good communication between you and your team leader at the first line level. â€Å"The purpose of communication is to create new or better awareness. Effective communication implies the clear expres sion of vision and values in order to more easily achieve your goals†, keeping a good communication with your team leader is kind of like being on time to a formation, you could miss important information that your team leader puts out, it could be vital information like when to show up for a formation or brief.All you had to do was contact your team leader before the formation time and tell him/her you were running late and none of this would have happened. You would still get in trouble for being late, but not to such a degree. Communication with leadership and being on time also goes further, even all the way to army values. â€Å"Army Values† is not merely a phrase for how members of the Army should act; they are who we are. We emulate the seven Army Values because they are the standard for behavior, not only in the Army, but in any ordered society†.Communication and loyalty is being faithful to your team leader and telling him what is going on. Trust and comm unication is like your team leader trusting you to communicate with him and you trusting that your team leader will communicate and get you all the information you need. On an important mission it is your duty to get important information to your team leader so that you can get a mission accomplished with as little or no casualties as possible. Respect and communication is having enough respect for your team leader to tell him what is going on because he wants to know what is going on and not telling him would be disrespectful.Well I feel I have got my point across with communication and the army values, there is timeliness and how it involves the army values, It is your duty to be on time because it could mean bad outcomes, imagine you were moving some medical supplies to people who needed it and you were too late. it could mean losing lives. Integrity and timeliness is having the integrity to tell your team leader if you’re running late and taking responsibility for being l ate. in this paper I have told you the importance of being on time and communication even at the lowest level.By telling you this information It should have helped in persuading you to be timely and communicate with others. in this paper there are quotes that have been cited for credibility. This is the importance of time management and communication mainly on the first line level. Communication is very important. Time management is very important. Always do the right thing Sources and citing’s . â€Å"The purpose of communication is to create new or better awareness. Effective communication implies the clear expression of vision and values in order to more easily achieve your goals† Pagonis, William G. lieutenant general â€Å"The Importance of Communication. †Ã‚  The Importance of Communication. Blackhawk Consulting Group, n. d. Web. 15 Sept. 2012. . . â€Å"Army Values† is not merely a phrase for how members of the Army should act; they are who we are. We emulate the seven Army Values because they are the standard for behavior, not only in the Army, but in any ordered society†. â€Å"TRADOC News Service. †Ã‚  TRADOC News Service. N. p. , 23 Mar. 2006. Web. 15 Sept. 2012 .

Cultural identity Essay

According to Bloch, the ultrasocial and communicative nature of the human species makes the desire for a unique sense of belonging a deep-seated need. Identification with a particular community, whether it is a distinct cultural identity or a subculture of socio-political beliefs helps fulfill this need. This is not to say the desire for cultural identity rests on the same psychological drive or libidinal charge that powers fashion or gestation. It is important to distinguish that need from these desires, as cultures are not mere surface properties distinguished only by flavor and aesthetics, instead they arise naturally from the unique properties of the geography that spawn them. Archaeologist Paul Bidwell notes that the success of many empires such as those of the Roman Empire quite possibly has more to do with their ability to accommodate diverging cultures. Areas which were successfully Romanized such as southern Britannia were won over by inviting the ruling classes to dinner, while Celtic chiefs disinterested in Roman culture were never successfully incorporated into the pre-modern proto-melting pot that was the Roman Empire. In essence, Bidwell asserts that the Roman Empire’s assimilation policy rested entirely on a principle of minimizing the amount of intervention necessary to secure imperial interests such as the food supply provided by Egyptian agriculture, limiting their actions entirely to structured forms of co-optation: legislation, taxes and the requisitioning of goods. Bloch concurs, noting that when an empire begins to disrupt the social fabric of a culture, that trouble begins. This is not unlike the present state of the â€Å"accidental empire† of the United States, which as a melting pot (or salad bowl, depending on who you ask) is remarkably tolerant of other cultures to the extent that it does not threaten the status quo. Globalization permits the fulfillment of the desire for individual cultural belonging by making all sorts of cultural identities permissible by amplifying their importance in relation to an American past that had previously been subject to the hegemony of European culture. Because cultural diversity is now more relevant to the economic and political concerns of the United States, they are now considered more relevant to individuals by making the range of identity expression more permissible. If the United States is the Roman Empire, then it has now begun to realize that it is no longer practical to keep the cultures of Celts and Egyptians at arm’s length. For example, European culture’s relationship with the United States resembles that of the relationship between Greek culture to the Roman Empire, while many other cultures stand in for the Celts which are largely held up as valuable assets to be accommodated into a global economy that has been enabled by digital telecommunications technologies. Jerry Mander argues that whatever criticisms can be leveled against free trade agreements and other means by which nation states and transnational corporations exert commercial and political hegemony, these acts are merely external homogenization processes, and as such, a truly efficient and successful homogenization of culture relies on the ever expanding range of communication technologies such as TV and the Internet. Global telecommunications are in essence, internal homogenization forces that â€Å"speak directly into the minds of people everywhere, imprinting them with a unified pattern of thought, a unified set of imagery and ideas, a single framework of understanding for how life should be lived, thus carrying the homogenization and commodification mandate directly inside the brain. † For example, Todd Gitlin argues that the increasing influence of Hollywood on the international film market have essentially rewritten the parameters by which filmmakers produce their films, effectively washing away the paradigms of filmmaking that are unique to various cultures as well as reengineering local tastes. Gitlin does not suggest that differences in cultural content have been eradicated, but rather, the models and designs of American entertainment have become the most far-flung, successful and consequential. However, Soraj Hongladarom does defend the idea that digital telecommunications do not necessarily erode notions of local culture, presenting an example in which one thrives in spite of globalizing effects of such. In an examination of Thai based newsgroup culture, he notes that the Internet replicates the heterogeneity of local cultures using it, rather than subsuming them into one homogenous whole. Hongladarom thus concludes that what the Internet does, is create an â€Å"umbrella culture† under which disparate cultures can communicate: â€Å"Thai attitudes toward the CMC technologies, especially the Internet, seem to show that the technologies only serve as a means that makes communication possible, communication which would take place anyway in some other form if not on the Internet †¦ Cyberspace mirrors real space, and vice versa. † Works Cited Bidwell, Paul. Roman Forts in Britain. Wiltshire: English Heritage, 2007. Gitlin, Todd. Media Unlimited: How the Torrent of Images and Sounds Overwhelms Our Lives. New York: Henry Holy and Company, 2002. Hongladarom, Soraj. â€Å"Global Culture, Local Cultures and the Internet: The Thai Example. †C. Ess and F. Sudweeks (eds). Proceedings Cultural Attitudes Towards Communication and Technology ’98, University of Sydney, Australia, 231-245. Retrieved May 6, 2008 at: http://www. it. murdoch. edu. au/~sudweeks/catac98/pdf/19_hongladarom. pdf Mander, Jerry. â€Å"The Homogenization of Global Consciousness: Media, Telecommunications and Culture. † Lapis Magazine. Retrieved on May 6, 2006 from: http://www. lapismagazine. org/index. php? option=com_content&task=view&id=120&Itemid=2