Motivation and critical thinking are fundamental for the development of adequate learning. The purpose of the present study was to assess the motivation for learning and critical thinking among nursing students before and after self-directed simulation-based training using the MAES© methodology. A cross-sectional and descriptive quantitative study was conducted with a sample of third-year nursing students. The instruments utilized were the Spanish-adapted version of the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ-44), and the Critical Thinking for Nursing Professionals Questionnaire (CuPCPE). The students improved their levels both of motivation components, (such as self-efficacy, strategy use, self-regulation) and critical thinking components (such as personal characteristics, intellectual and cognitive abilities, interpersonal abilities and self-management, and technical abilities). These improvements could be a result of the intrinsic characteristics of the MAES© methodology (as a team-based, self-directed, collaborative and peer-to-peer learning method).

(1) Objective. We aimed to demonstrate that the use of the ultrasound-guided technique facilitates peripheral venous cannulation as compared to the standard technique in patients with difficult access at emergency services. (2) Method. A case–control study, randomized research. Variables were collected from a population with non-palpable or not visible veins, classified into size risk groups for 6 months. In the comparative analysis, the patients were divided into two groups: the cases group was composed of patients to whom the peripheral venous cannulation was performed with the ultrasound-guided technique (UST), while the control was composed of patients with whom the standard technique (ST) was performed. The ultrasound LOGIQ P5 750VA from General Electric Healthcare, with an 11 mHz linear probe, was utilized, along with peripheral venous catheters model Insyte^TM Autoguard^TM with gauges of 14G to 26G. (3) Results. Seventy-two cases. The use of the ultrasound decreased the time (618.34s ST, 126s UST) and the number of punctures (2.92 ST, 1.23 UST); about 25% of the patients did not have complications with the UST, as compared to 8% with the ST. The use of the ultrasound decreased the pain experienced by 1.44 points in the visual analog scale, as compared to 0.11 points with the ST. The rate of success of the first try with the UST was 76%, as compared to 16% of the ST. The gauge of the catheter increased with the UST, with successful cannulations obtained with 20G (56%) and 18G (41%) gauges. (4) Conclusions. The use of ultrasound facilitates venous cannulation according to the variables of the study. The ultrasound visualization of the vessels is associated with the selection of the catheter gauge. There was no relation between the complications and the depth of the blood vessels.

Introducción: debido a la sobreexpresión de genes localizados en el cromosoma 21, las personas con síndrome de Down (SD) presentan una predisposición genética al envejecimiento prematuro y al desarrollo de la enfermedad de Alzheimer. La CAMCOG -DS es un instrumento validado para la valoración cognitiva en personas con SD; sin embargo, su acceso desde el Sistema Nacional de Salud es limitado. Objetivo: analizar la correlación entre las escalas de apoyo utilizadas para el diagnóstico de demencia o alteraciones cognitivas en personas con SD. Metodología: estudio observacional, transversal y correlacional. La muestra, previamente evaluada mediante la escala CAMCOG-DS, fue valorada con las escalas SPMSQ y MEC. Posteriormente, se analizó la correlación entre los resultados obtenidos mediante el programa JASP. Resultados: no se hallaron evidencias estadísticamente significativas que permitieran correlacionar los resultados de la escala MEC con los de la escala SPMSQ en la evaluación de personas con SD. Tampoco se obtuvo significación estadística al correlacionar los resultados de las escalas CAMCOG -DS y SPMSQ. No obstante, sí se observó significación estadística en la correlación entre los resultados de la CAMCOG-DS y la MEC. Conclusiones: con las características y el diseño del presente estudio, no se obtuvieron evidencias estadísticamente significativas que permitan establecer unarelación entre los resultados de las escalas CAMCOG -DS, SPMSQ de Pfeiffer y MEC de Lobo en la muestra evaluada. Sin embargo, la correlación leve observada entre la CAMCOG -DS y la MEC abre posibles líneas futuras de investigación orientadas a proporcionar herramientas útiles para el profesional sanitario.