The relative influence of self-interest and values on policy preferences was assessed experimentally in a national survey that posed questions about three contemporary political issues-Social Security reform, the home mortgage interest tax deduction, and health care benefits for domestic partners. For each issue, respondents were randomly assigned to one of three priming conditions that influenced the frame of reference for their policy evaluations. The results show that people are more likely to recognize their own self-interest, and to act upon it, when their stakes in the policy are clear or when they have been primed to think about the personal costs and benefits of the policy. This relationship is somewhat weakened but not eliminated when sociotropic considerations are primed. People with a smaller stake in an issue are less likely to choose on the basis of self-interest and more likely to be influenced by their values and symbolic predispositions, especially when exposed to information that cues sociotropic concerns, group identifications, or value orientations.

Chemotherapy-induced alopecia has an adverse effect on body image. Novel interventions are needed to assist women in coping with this consequence of treatment.

The researchers studied a defined skin care protocol using a cleanser with aloe vera and a cleansing lotion, followed by application of either a moisture barrier with silicone or skin protectant with zinc oxide and menthol, undertaken at two different frequencies. Data revealed the incidence of moderate IAD was decreased in the experimental group (receiving the skin protocol every 6 hours and p.r.n.).

The need for highly skilled and knowledgeable critical care nurses continues to evolve today and will in the future. Demands in critical care medicine for nurses with advanced degrees (master's in nursing: clinical nurse specialist; or doctorate in nursing: doctorate of philosophy in nursing or doctor of nursing practice) working in intensive care units or progressive care units can help meet these challenges. Nurses with certification and advanced degrees in nursing can be employed to work in 1 or combined roles such as nurse leaders and nurse researcher or intermittently fulfill roles as bedside nurses. These nurses working in critical care units have the ability to provide expertise that extends to staff, families, as well as patients. In addition, they are positioned to conduct relevant clinical research for evidence-based best practices. Evidence-based practice promotes excellence in nursing care and cost containment. Data on numbers of critical care beds in the United States increased 17% between 2000 and 2010.

Tooth brushing with toothpaste and applying CHG 0.12% solution may be an effective oral care protocol to reduce the VAP rate in patients in PCUs with tracheostomies who are being mechanically ventilated.