Authors

  1. Toren, Elfi RN
  2. Frugoli, Mary Kay RN
  3. Caprio, Priscilla RN

Article Content

A closer look at fallopian tubes

I'd like to add a comment to "Ovarian Cancer: Listen for the Disease that Whispers" (November 2010).* Recent research has shown that most ovarian cancers arise in the fallopian tubes.1 The strong implication of this finding is that when women are having surgical procedures such as hysterectomy and tubal ligation, the fallopian tubes must also be removed.2

 

-ELFI TOREN, RN

 

North Vancouver, B.C.

 
 

1. Salvador S, Gilks B, Kobel M, Huntsman D, Rosen B, Miller D. The fallopian tube: primary site of most pelvic high-grade serous carcinomas. Int J Gynecol Cancer. 2009;19(1):58-64. [Context Link]

 

2. BC Cancer Agency. Ovarian cancer researchers request practice change to protect against ovarian cancer (deaths could be reduced 50 percent over 20 years). http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/ABCCA/NewsCentre/2010-News-Releases/Ovarian+cancer+res. [Context Link]

Time for tough love

 

In "Domestic Abuse: Role Boundary Violation," (Advice p.r.n., November 2010),* a nurse confides to her friend, also a nurse, that her husband is abusive and then asks her to keep this information secret. I wonder whether the victim in this scenario isn't desperately crying out for help from someone she perceives to be stronger and more able to intervene.

 

I sympathize with the nurse who's supposed to keep the secret but think she's enabling her friend, perhaps unknowingly. She needs to think about how she'd feel if her friend were severely injured or killed by her spouse. The friend's role here should be one of tough love because someone needs to act to prevent a tragedy.

 

-MARY KAY FRUGOLI, RN

 

Tucson, Ariz.

Going to the dogs

 

I'm writing about "Unleashing Animal-Assisted Therapy" (Inspiring Change, October 2010).* Although this study focused on the benefits of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) in the antepartum population, the information provided can benefit all patient populations. My hospital has just tapped AAT within the last few months, and Hannah, our new canine "employee," brings joy to the staff and patients. I've seen my patients' BP and heart rate decrease when Hannah is in the room.

 

I'm a veteran of the U.S. Navy, and I have a friend who's a veteran. Because he suffers from severe posttraumatic stress disorder, the Wounded Warrior Program issued him a K-9 companion. His relationship with this dog has had a profound impact in his life. I'm confident that AAT programs can aid in the recovery of many types of patients.

 

-PRISCILLA CAPRIO, RN

 

Jacksonville, N.C.

 

* Individual subscribers can also access these articles free online at http://www.nursing2011.com. [Context Link]