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Promoting adherence to self-care illness management strategies among patients with heart failure (HF) has been associated with a number of positive health outcomes. Yet, little is known about health outcomes related to self-care in the 'sickest of the sick'-those patients with advanced HF who are approaching the end of life. Clinicians and researchers must determine how self-care interventions are defined in the advanced HF population. For example, what is meant by self-care illness management in patients who are symptomatic with exertion may differ from that of patients who are predominantly symptomatic at rest. Our challenge is to develop the simplest, least burdensome self-care illness management interventions that target the most meaningful outcomes for patients, their families, and the healthcare system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the high co-occurrence of age and hypercholesterolemia, there is a critical need for age-appropriate evidence for achieving normal cholesterol levels. The purpose of the current review was to map recent evidence (i.e., past 5 years) on hypercholesterolemia management in older adults and identify gaps in the evidence. Electronic searches in PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus were conducted. Inclusion criteria were age 65 or older and lipid panel outcome. Exclusion criteria were a mixed age sample and familial hypercholesterolemia. An initial pool of 3,176 unique records resulted in 26 articles that met inclusion criteria. Arksey and O'Malley's scoping study framework was used. Sample sizes ranged from 12 to 1,010 (N = 8,509) adults ages 65 to 96. Evidence supports the use of exercise, diet, and statins in older adults. Laboratory, intervention, and methodological gaps were identified. Much remains to be examined in safely managing older adults with hypercholesterolemia, including determining time to behavior change in nonpharmacological interventions and contextual factors influencing adherence. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 45(3), 31-42.]., (Copyright 2019, SLACK Incorporated.)

Over the past ten years there has been a significant rise in the number of people who present to emergency departments with Lyme disease. Although some patients remain asymptomatic many present with a rash around a previous tick bite and others may present with a range of debilitating symptoms that can be problematic if left untreated. Due to the growing prevalence of Lyme disease in the UK and the US this article gives an overview of the vector-borne condition and provides emergency nurses with information about the pathophysiology, prevention, presenting signs and symptoms and management., Competing Interests: None declared, (© 2018 RCN Publishing Company Ltd. All rights reserved. Not to be copied, transmitted or recorded in any way, in whole or part, without prior permission of the publishers.)

Evidence-based practice (EBP) continues to gain global attention. In the Latin American country of Panama, nursing practice has largely been guided by oral tradition and clinical experience rather than the use of best evidence. The authors used a conference-based approach in a joint effort between the University of South Florida and the University of Panama to introduce EBP to nursing leaders in Panama to bring change to the nursing curricula and, ultimately, change in nursing practice. J Contin Educ Nurs. 2017;48(11):512-516., (Copyright 2017, SLACK Incorporated.)

Zika virus, a mosquito-borne vector, is an emerging population health threat, and is linked to fetal microcephaly, pregnancy loss and neurologic symptoms like Guillain-Barré syndrome. Global travel and migration increase the risk of transmission significantly, and growing numbers of cases are expected internationally. This article describes transmission of the virus, early and late clinical manifestations, and emergency and supportive care. It also recommends interventions for prevention.