Running head: EVIDENCED-BASED PRACTICE: ASPIRIN USE IN WOMEN

Evidenced-Based Practice: Aspirin use in Women Audra Brooks Ferris State University

EVIDENCED-BASED PRACTICE: ASPIRIN USE IN WOMEN Abstract When trying to finds ways to decrease mortality in women with cardiovascular disease and cancer, long term use of aspirin may be the key. Nurses are able to set their standards of care from information gathered from research, using evidenced-based practice. This study has shown to decrease the deaths from cardiovascular disease and cancer. By using the information from the study helps nurses plan for the care of individuals with cardiovascular disease and cancer.

EVIDENCED-BASED PRACTICE: ASPIRIN USE IN WOMEN Evidenced-Based Practice: Aspirin use in Women Introduction/Nursing Problem In this article Long-term Aspirin Use and Mortality in Women (2007), authors goal was to determine how taking aspirin on a long-term basis influenced cardiovascular disease and cancer in women. This paper is based upon the importance of using scientific evidence to develop guidelines for nursing care practice (Taylor, Lillis, LeMone, & Lynn, 2011). By

analyzing the best scientific evidence, nurses are able to develop their care based on the evidence from the information gathered. This study could have the potential to help prevent possible deaths in women and is directly link to nursing care. Methods of Study This was a prospective, nested, case controlled study that mailed questionnaires to participants over a 24 year time frame. The authors assessed the relative risk of death according to aspirin use before diagnosis of incident cardiovascular disease or cancer during the corresponding period for each control group (Chan et al., 2007, p. 562). The population used was married female registered nurses between the ages of 30 to 55. They were mailed questionnaires initially, and then the received questionnaires biannually. The goal was to determine if there were any new risk factors, and to any newly diagnose cardiovascular events and cancer (Chan et al., 2007). This study permitted a comprehensive examination of long-term aspirin use, compared to a placebo controlled trial. The study eventually included assessments of diet and medication use. Results of Study The results of this study confirmed that the aspirin use for 1 to 5 years significantly reduced the cardiovascular mortality in women. However, there was no significant reduction of

EIVIDENCED-BASED PRACTICE: ASPIRIN USE IN WOMEN

cancer deaths in the women. The use of low and moderate doses of aspirin has been proven to be more beneficial than higher doses in older participants and those with cardiovascular risks (Chan et al., 2007, p. 562). The study showed a reduction of deaths in women who reported using aspirin on a regular basis, and a reduction of heart disease and strokes. However, the study found only a moderate risk of reduction in cancer. The most notable reduction of cancer was with those individuals with colorectal cancer. Study Limitations There are several limitations to this study. This study was based on the truthfulness of the participants. There was no direct observation of the participants taking the aspirin or not. The use of aspirin was self-selected which adds to the limitation of this study. Another limitation was that the study matched only cases of deaths with non-cases and the fatal outcome of aspirin use. Nursing Care When comparing the age of the women in this study to those who are 60 years and older, nursing care differs significantly. As one ages, the risks for cardiovascular disease and cancer increases. Most younger individuals only require preventative treatments unlike the older counterparts who require actual treatment for cancer and cardiovascular disease. For example, as one ages their chances of having a myocardial infraction increases. This condition would require the nurse to teach about lifestyle changes including diet, exercise and smoking cessation and also the management of the condition itself. Plan of Care A care plan for an individual with cardiovascular disease could have three different nursing diagnosis; they are anxiety related to death, ineffective health maintenance related to

EIVIDENCED-BASED PRACTICE: ASPIRIN USE IN WOMEN

self-care, and acute pain related to myocardial tissue damage. In regards to the nursing diagnosis of acute pain related to myocardial tissue damage one desired outcome would be to, to have pain controlled. Two nursing interventions that may be used to provide individuals with pain control would be to administer analgesic medications and to teach patients about nonpharmacological interventions for pain control, such as relaxation, and application of heat or cold. Conclusion This study has shown the benefits of long term use of aspirin in women. It is directly related to the mortality of women especially when talking about cardiovascular disease. The study showed that there isnt much benefit for cancer reduction until after 10 years of use. Nurses can use the information from this study to educate women on the ways to prevent cardiovascular disease and cancer.

EIVIDENCED-BASED PRACTICE: ASPIRIN USE IN WOMEN References Chan, A. T., Manson, J. E., Feskanich, D., Stampfer, M. J., Colditz, G. A., & Fuchs, C. F. (2007). Long-term Aspirin Use and Mortality in Women. ARCH Internal Medicine, 167, 562-572. Nieswiadomy, R. M. (2012). Communication and Utilization of Nursing Research. In J. Alexander (Ed.), Foundations of nursing research (6th ed. (pp. 259-276). Upper Saddle, NJ: Pearson. Taylor, C. R., Lillis, C., LeMone, P., & Lynn, P. (2011). Introduction to Nursing. In C. Brandon (Ed.), Fundamentals of Nursing (7th ed. (p. 19).