ELLA DEMIAN

Course: NUR 168 Integrative Theories & Practices

This group presentation explored complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) approaches for chronic pain management. The project covered chronic pain pathophysiology, evidence-based CAM modalities including acupuncture, massage therapy, yoga, chiropractic care, and mindfulness/meditation, along with safety considerations, ethical and legal principles, and financial considerations.

Key topics included the importance of integrating CAM into nursing care plans, reducing opioid reliance through non-pharmacologic approaches, building therapeutic relationships by being open to patient CAM use, and supporting culturally sensitive, patient-centered care.

The presentation concluded with a case study applying CAM interventions to a patient with chronic low back pain, demonstrating practical clinical application of integrative therapies.

Institution: Mount Saint Mary's University

Comprehensive group project on preeclampsia covering the full clinical picture: pathophysiology of poor placental development leading to endothelial damage, diagnostic criteria (hypertension after 20 weeks with proteinuria or organ dysfunction), and differentiation from gestational and chronic hypertension.

The project included detailed coverage of risk factors, lab work interpretation (CBC, CMP, LDH, urine protein), fetal surveillance methods (NST, BPP, Doppler studies), and medical management including labetalol, hydralazine, nifedipine, and magnesium sulfate with calcium gluconate as antidote.

A complete nursing interventions section covered priorities such as seizure prevention, BP stabilization, fetal monitoring, and fluid balance management. The project culminated in a detailed SBAR communication scenario for a severe preeclampsia case with possible HELLP syndrome development.

Patient education brochure designed for families and caregivers, covering the symptoms, transmission, and home care management of Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease (HFMD) in pediatric populations. The brochure focuses on accessible health literacy and practical guidance for parents.

Course: Nursing Fundamentals — Group 5

Group case study centered on a 77-year-old female patient with a complex medical history including COPD, tobacco abuse, pleural effusion, TIA, DVT, and bilateral coronary artery stenosis. After a fall and right hip fracture led to hemiarthroplasty, the patient developed necrotizing fasciitis following exposure to Candida auris and Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci, ultimately requiring a full right leg amputation at the hip.

The presentation examines activity and exercise as a core human need across this patient's rehabilitation arc — assessing mobility limitations, activity tolerance, and risk for further deconditioning, and proposing individualized nursing interventions to support safe movement, prevent complications of immobility, and promote functional independence.

Co-authored with Melanie Aguilera, Gabriela Ceja, Marla Jurado, Kate Kohorst, Charlotte Muscroft, and Panos Shahbazian.

Mount Saint Mary's University — Accelerated BSN Program

Group capstone poster examining gaps in Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection (CLABSI) prevention on UCLA Santa Monica's 4NW Hematology/Oncology unit. Surveyed staff revealed that only 50% correctly identified proper central line cleaning practices, and 40% reported only "often" completing CHG baths and line care during a shift, with end-of-shift workflow being the most difficult time to complete care.

Proposed evidence-based interventions include targeted staff education on dressing changes and hub disinfection, a standardized "Scrub the Hub" protocol with maintenance bundles, scripting for handling patient refusals, and scheduled CHG bath times. Staff approval ratings ranged from 66.7% to 100% across the proposed interventions.

Co-authored with Ava Banducci, Alma Barba, Migel Eugenio Luis Dino, Nadine Garcia, Monica Le, Bea Nunez, Josie Smith, and Denice Zacarias.