Investigating the nursing process and nursing care Essays

Investigating the nursing process and nursing care Essays Investigating the nursing process and nursing care Essay Investigating the nursing process and nursing care Essay In this essay I will use the nursing process which is an individualised problem-solving approach to nursing care. It involves four stages: assessment (of the patients problems), planning (how to resolve them), implementation (of the plans), and evaluation (of their success). (Oxford Nurses Dictionary, Fifth edition, 2003 New York). I shall be focusing on one aspect of the nursing process, which will be implementation. The implementation phase is when you put your care plan into action. Implementation encompasses all nursing interventions directed at solving the patients problems and meeting health care needs. While you co-ordinate implementation, you also seek help from the patient, the patients family, and other members of the health-care team. (Lippencott, Williams and Wilkins, Medical-Surgical Nursing Made Incredibly Easy, 2004). I have already used the process of planning to work out the solutions to my Patients needs. I referred to the workings of the SMART (Specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time orientated) principle. (Hinchcliff, S, 2004) and the 12 activities of living by Roper, Logan and Tierney (Roper, N et al 2001) in order to help me achieve that. Egan explains that a helping model is like a map that helps you know what to do in your interactions with clients. At any given moment, it also helps you orient yourself, to understand where you are with the client and what kind of intervention would be most useful. (G. Egan, The Skilled Helper: A problem Management Approach to Helping 6th Edition). I have used a pseudonym to comply with my patients confidentiality as stated in the NMC (Nursing and Midwifery council) guidelines (NMC Code of Conduct clause 5. 1 2004). My patients name will be changed to Rachel; she is 35-year-old lady who has been admitted to have a bilateral breast reduction. She has been admitted to a surgical ward within the local trust. Rachel is married with two children who are two and four. She lives with her husband and children in the local area, with her husband being her next of kin. I have focused on one aspect of care that was highlighted from the planning process, which is Rachels post-operative care. The nurse in charge explained the hospitals policies and procedures for when the patient is received back into the ward from recovery. This was to check the airway is patent and the patient is breathing adequately. (Botti, M. and Hunt, J. (2000) The routine of post anesthetic observations. Contemporary Nurse 3(2): 52-57. ) The nurse explained that usually the patient is conscious before leaving the recovery room. Then I was told to record her temperature, pulse, blood pressure and oxygen saturation and compare the results with the patients pre-operative recordings. One of the most significant nursing activities in relation to prevention being the key is to keep observing patient/ client (Kenworthy. N, Snowley. G, C.? Ask christy. Common Foundation Studies in Nursing, third edition 2002). The nurse told me to observe the wound and any drains that may be present. Such as a Redivac or a catheter. I was told that I will need to check, if an intravenous infusion is present, and that I should inform the nurse in charge of her care, so she can check the intravenous infusion is functioning according to medical staff instructions. The nurse explained to me how important it is to read the patients theatre notes to confirm the surgical procedure, which has been carried out and ascertain any instructions from the surgeon or anaesthetist. For example, positioning of the patient, oxygen therapy. I was explained that I will have to ensure that the patient is lying in the most comfortable position possible, and that the limbs are positioned in a manner, which will not endanger muscle and nerve tissue. The nurse informed me, she would administer analgesia as required by the patient and as prescribed by the medical staff on her drug chart, as explained in the NMC guidelines for the administration of medicines london 2004. I was instructed to record blood pressure, pulse, oxygen saturation and respiration rates until they were within normal range and stable. Also to encourage and assist patient with breathing exercises to promote lung expansion, and therefore prevent chest infection. Simple nursing interventions, such as early mobilization and encouraging patients to do leg exercises while in bed, can help to reduce the risk of thrombus formation as well as urinary tract infections, pressure ulcers and constipation. The nurse told me that the policy was also to allow graduated amounts of fluid unless contra-indicated (e. g. the presence of a naso-gastric tube), then gradually introduce solid food if there is no vomiting and if bowel sounds are present. Also to record the amount and time when the patient passes urine and when the patient has a first bowel movement. The nurse asked me to ensure patient has adequate periods of rest. I was told to carry out these observations by my mentor. Some of these observations such as record blood pressure, pulse, and oxygen saturation and respiration rates should be carried out every fifteen minutes for an hour, then every half hour for four hours, then after that hourly for a certain period of time. The patients observations should be monitored for twenty-four hours closely. This does not always mean carrying out clinical measurement with special equipment although of course this is carried out a great deal. It means, literally, look at your patient frequently, and get used to how they appear and behave when they are stable and comfortable. Because we are then able to notice even the very slightest changes in the patients condition and these observations can be life saving. When Rachel was brought back to the ward from recovery, I came to meet her in her room. I greeted Rachel and asked her how she was feeling, and whether she was nauseous or in any pain. Pain is what the patient says it is, existing when he says it does. (M. McCaffery, Nursing the patient in pain, 1983) I needed to find this out for her post operative chart. Rachel then replied that she wasnt in any pain and not feeling nauseous. I then asked Rachel if she was comfortable or needed anything, Rachel replied that she was fine but feeling a little tired. Individuals are primarily social beings and a major part of living involves communicating with other people in one way or another (Roper et al applying the model in practice 1996). I then went on to assess her level of consciousness and discovered that Rachel was still slightly drowsy which was not abnormal as she had just returned from theatre. I recorded the results clearly and in such a manner that the text can not be erased. I also recognized that I should not include abbreviations, jargon, meaningless phrases, irrelevant speculation and offensive subjective statements. As stated by the NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council, Guidelines for records and record keeping, London 2005) Then Rachel gave consent for me to conduct her observations I started by taking her blood pressure. Blood pressure is always undertaken on admission so we have a normal range for the individual patient and thereafter if required and according to the patients care plan. This is an important clinical measurement of cardiovascular function and one that denotes critical changes or potential changes in a patients condition. Post operatively, it is important to check and record frequently. Blood pressure is the force extended by the blood as it flows through the blood vessels. It is arterial blood pressure, which is normally recorded. Blood pressure increases with age, weight gain, stress anxiety. Normal range is considered to be from 100/60 to 140/90 mm Hg. The term hypotension is used when the blood pressure is lower than the normal range. The term hypertension is used when the systolic or diastolic blood pressure is elevated above the normal range. The correct size of cuff must be used to ensure accurate recordings. (Mallett, J. and Dougherty, L. (2000) Observations. Manual of Clinical Nursing Procedures Oxford: Blackwell Science. Ch. 28 pp 402-432) After making sure that the bladder inside the cuff was covering at least 80%of the circumference of the upper arm (Nicol. M, Bavin, C, Bedford-Turner. S, Cronin. P, Rawlings-Anderson, Essential Nursing Skills, Second Edition Mosby london. 004). I informed Rachel that the cuff was about to inflate, and asked her if she could keep her arm straight and relax. Rachels blood pressure 120/80 the first number is the systolic pressure taken just after the ventricles contract: the second number is the diastolic pressure, taken when the ventricles relax, (Smart. T, Human Body, Dorling kindersley limited London 2001) During the time whilst taking Rachels blood pressure I decided to t ake her pulse oximetry. This as a sophisticated and painless test. In which a small sensor is placed on the patients finger or earlobe, for measuring the proportion of oxygenated haemoglobin (oxyhaemoglobin) in the patients blood. It works by measuring the amount of specific types of light that are absorbed by body tissue. An Alternative term is called an Oxygen Saturation Test. (2000-2006 HealthCentersOnline, Inc. ) Rachels oxygen level in her blood was 98%, which is within her normal range. I recorded this and her blood pressure results on her observation chart. I then informed Rachel that I was about to take her temperature and received her consent. Checking the temperature regularly is very important because an increased temperature maybe a sign that the patient could have an infection, or may have an allergic reaction to the medication she may have been given. Sites for recording body temperature include the axilla, rectum and ear. For each patient, the site for temperature measurement should be consistent. The normal range of body temperature is between 36Â °C and 37. 5Â °C. (Anon. (2001) Essential skills: a monthly collectable guide to core clinical procedures. Observation and monitoring. 13. Recording temperature. Nursing Standard 15(38): insert-12. In order to take her temperature I used a Tympanic and inserted the probe into the outer ear, adjacent to but not touching the tympanic membrane. Before I use the Tympanic I had to check a few things to make sure I didnt get an inaccurate reading. Such as wax in the ear, a cracked or dirty lens, and poor fitting in the ear and if the patient has been recently lying on the ear that is used, (Jevon. P, Using a Tympanic thermometer, Nursing Times 2001, 97(9): 43-44) Next I took Rachels respiratory rate, which is thought to be the most sensitive indicatory of a patients physiological well being. This is logical because respiratory rate reflects not only respiratory function as in hypoxia or hypercapnia, but also cardiovascular status as in pulmonary oedema, and metabolic imbalance such as that seen in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). (Kenwood G, Hodgetts T, Castle N. Time to put the R back in TPR. Nursing Times. 2001; 97:32-33. ) Respiration is the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the cells of the body and the environment through rhythmic expansion and deflation of the lungs. Each respiration consists of an inhalation, exhalation and the pause, which follows. (Stevens, S. and Becker, K. L. (1988) How to perform picture-perfect respiratory assessment. Nursing 18(1): 57-63. ) When I assessed Rachels respiration, I had to ensure she was relaxed and unaware of the counting process, I then had to count the respiratory rate and observe the depth and pattern of respiration and count the number of respirations for at least 30 seconds. (Finesilver, C. (1992) Respiratory assessment. RN 55(2): 22-30) I did this by asking Rachel whether I could take her pulse and counted her respirations for 60 seconds. Her respiratory rate was 14. Normal respiratory rates can vary according to age. The accepted normal range for healthy adults is 14 20 per minute. (Torrance, C. and Elley, K. (1997) Practical procedures for nurses. Respiration: technique and observation 2 no. 4. 2. Nursing Times 93(44): insert-Nov. Torrance, C. and Elley,) I recorded the rest of Rachels results on her observation chart and informed the nurse in charge of Rachels care that her observation were in a normal range and showed her the chart just to double check my knowledge of this subject was accurate. The nurse in charge checked the results on the chart and informed me that my decision was correct and her observations were within normal range. In conclusion with the help of nursing models I have used previously. I feel that I have implemented my patients care effectively and efficiently. The Roper, Logan and Tierney model (Roper, N et al 2001) which I used in my patients assessment, helped me break down my patients care to find out what my targets were, in order to treat her care holistically. I then used the SMART principle (Hinchcliff, S, 2004) in the planning of Rachels care. It helped me turn the issues highlighted into more achievable and measurable goals. I feel that if I never used these models then Rachels care would not have been implemented properly.

100 Spanish Words You Should Know

100 Spanish Words You Should Know Obviously, youre not going to be able to say everything you want to say with only 100 Spanish words - although you could do surprisingly well with fewer than 1,000. But if you can learn these 100 words and understand how theyre used, youll be a long way toward being able to communicate freely in Spanish. Definitions below are for quick reference; all the words can be translated in additional ways. Top 100 Spanish Words 1. gracias (thanks)2. ser (be)3. a (to)4. ir (to go)5. estar (to be)6. bueno (good)7. de (of, from)8. su (your, her, his, their)9. hacer (to do, to make)10. amigo (friend)11. por favor (please)12. no (no)13. en (on, in)14. haber (to have as an auxiliary verb)15. tener (to have, to possess)16. un, uno, una (a, one)17. ahora (now)18. y (and)19. que, quà © (that, what)20. por (for, by)21. amar (to love)22. quià ©n (who)23. para (for, to)24. venir (to come)25. porque (because)26. el, la, los, las (the)27. antes (before)28. ms (more)29. bien (well as an adverb)30. aquà ­, allà ­ (here, there)31. querer (to want, to love)32. hola (hello)33. tà º (you)34. poder (to be able)35. gustar (to be pleasing)36. poner (to put)37. casi (almost)38. saber (to know)39. como (like, as)40. donde (where)41. dar (to give)42. pero (but)43. se (itself, herself, himself, themselves)44. mucho (much)45. nuevo (new)46. cuando (when)47. chico, chica (boy, girl)48. entender (to understand)49. si (if)50.  o ( or)51. feliz (happy)52. todo (all, every)53. mismo (same)54. muy (very)55. nunca (never)56. yo, me (I, me)57. sà ­ (yes)58. grande, gran  (big, great)59. deber (to owe, should)60. usted (you)61. bajo (low, under)62. otro (other)63. salir (to leave)64. hora (hour; see also lesson on telling time)65. desde (from)66. ver (to see)67. malo, mal (bad)68. pensar (to think)69. hasta (until)70. tanto, tan (used in making comparisons)71. entre (between, among)72. durante (during)73. llevar (to wear, to carry)74. siempre (always)75. empezar (to begin)76. à ©l, ella, ellos, ellas (he, she, they)77. leer (to read)78. cosa (thing)79. sacar (to take out, to remove)80. conocer (to know)81. primero (first)82. andar (to walk)83. sobre (over, about)84. echar (to throw)85. sin (without)86. decir (to say)87. trabajar (to work)88. nosotros (we, us)89. tambià ©n (also)90. adià ³s (goodbye)91. comer (to eat)92. triste (sad)93. paà ­s (country)94. escuchar (to listen, to listen to)95. hombre (man)96. mujer (woman)97. le (in direct-object pronoun)98. creer (to believe, to think)99. encontrar (to find)100. beber (to drink) And a Few More Here are some other words that very well could have made the list: 101. hablar (to speak)102. ese, esa (demonstrative that; also see the demonstrative pronouns)103. baà ±o (bathroom)104. despuà ©s (afterwards, later)105. gente (people)106. ciudad (city)106. sentir (to feel)107. llegar (to arrive)108. pequeà ±o (small)109. escribir (to write)110. aà ±o (year)111. menos (minus, except)112. lo (various uses)113. cual (that, which)114. este, esta (this)115. dejar (to leave)116. parte (part)117. nada (nothing)118.  cada (each)119. seguir (to continue, to follow)120. partir (to divide)121. ya (still, already)122. parecer (to seem)

Characters of Dexter and Missie May Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Characters of Dexter and Missie May - Essay Example The characters Dexter and Missie May Banks have been presented with memorable roles in developing the stories in Winter Dreams, and The Gilded Six-Bite respectively to achieve the themes within the stories. Winter Dreams as written by Scott Fitzgerald has been based on the events that affect the leading character Dexter Green as presented by the girl in his life. Although his background fails to meet the standards presented in the story, Dexter depicts the desire to meet satisfaction from material wealth. His definition of a perfect life had been inhabited by wealth, money and comfort in the arms of Judy Jones. Judy becomes the key to reveal Dexter’s potential as she advocates for him to be successful. The leading themes in power, beauty and success are represented through the leading character when Dexter desires the luxurious lifestyle. Dexter’s Character Dexter is hardworking, and we are told of the role that he features to be a caddie in the search for money (Fitzge rald). He had further sough to gain success ad wealth when he had declined his position as a caddie to join the ranks of the wealthy class. Dexter strives to lead a more flourishing lifestyle and he demonstrates the fete through joining the Eastern University. The more enthusiastic Dexter proves to be enterprising and ambitious. This is more evident when he borrows money to invest in the laundry hustle that made him borrow $1,000. Dexter’s ability to seek the determination needed to acquire wealth saw him become a leading entrepreneur at the young age of 27. Dexter presents the image required to reflect him as a hard worker and an individual who requires progress. He rises from his neighborhood in Keeble to become a prominent personality within the community. Dexter toils to rise the ranks into a group that holds more wealth within the society and differentiates from the class that had been created by the failure within the society to offer a counter measure. The winter dream s theme had been created to be based on the expectations needed by the young Dexter who works as a caddie and dreams of playing with the established personalities. He further improves his relationship with Judy after acquiring the wealth required to accord a complete life. However, the satisfaction that he presents in Judy is not fully presented because he loses interest as her beauty fades. He is depicted as an inconsiderate character after leaving her first wife Irene for Judy. Dexter places most effort on the image he relays towards the society as he values the wealth and power that he had worked hard to acquire. â€Å"The Gilded Six-Bite† by Zora Neal Hurston is written to delve on the theme of love betrayal and the desire to reconcile with those that share love. The story set in Eatonville depicts Missie May who is eager to impress her new husband Joe. However, their relationship is threatened by, the new wealthy, personality in Otis Slemmons. Joe brags of the wealth tha t Slemmons holds and acknowledges the power presented in the wealth realized in Slemmons but acknowledges that the power he holds is in his beautiful Missie. These fantasies push Missie to the arms of Slemmons who seizes the opportunity to lay with her in exchange for a gold coin. Although these events lead to tension between the couple, Joe forgives his wife, and they reconcile their differences (Hurston 53). Missie May’

Employee law and relations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Employee law and relations - Essay Example The term substantial effect indicates that the disability is not minor or insignificant but constitutes a barrier to perform function in a normal manner. The significant part of the Act is to consider the effect of an impairment rather than the impairment itself. For example, an employer should consider the effects of back pain, migrain, asthma and dyslexia of an employee rather than considering the sickness. However, certain conditions like multiple sclerosis, cancer and HIV is directly considered as disabilities. The Disability Discrimination Act and its amendments requires employers to avoid harassment, victimisation and the three forms of discrimination at work place and ensure fair treatment for disabled individuals. The three forms of unlawful discrimination includes disability linked discrimination, direct discrimination and the failure to provide reasonable adjustment. The failure of the employer to provide reasonable adjustment is not justifiable if the failure was committed with knowledge of a person's disability. Employers can attempt to identify the disability of people and study its effects on the employee and extent resonable adjustment according to the requirement. The The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 requires employers to provide necessary reasonable adjustments to ensure equal opportunities for disabled individuals to continue work and apply for work. Employers can practice reasonable adjustments for disabled employees depending on the disability and associated requirement. Some of the reasonable adjustments that can be made at workplace are changes to workplace layout and improving the accessibility for disable individuals, assigning a part of the disabled person's duties to a temporary employee, changes to work hours - flexible working hours, starting late or ending earlier, job sharing, etc, additional leave for rehabilitation, treatment or assessment, special training for disabled individuals and their subordinates, provision of adaptable equipment and furnitures like desk, chair, vehicles and computer, modification of instructions in Braille or larger font and assisting communication for the visual as well as hearing disabled by appoin ting a reader. Changes to work arrangement can also result in alternative work or work profile which can be adopted as a reasonable adjustment of last resort. A disabled individual seeking reasonable adjustment should reveal the condition to the employer with adequate data that proves the disability. They have a right to confidentiality and the employer is required to hold the information confidentially unless there is explicit permission from the employee to disclose the details to a third party. This is supported by the Data Protection Act 1998 (What counts as a disability in law' 2008). Though Disability Discrimination Act has laid rules to be followed by the employer in providing reasonable adjustment, there are limitations to this additional service. Reasonable adjustment is not mandatory if it cause unjustifiable hardship to the employer. Further, the employer can avail funds for reasonable adjustment from the Workplace Modification scheme to restructure workplace setting or equipment and to adapt to the requirement of disabled

Dumb Ways to Die Essay Example for Free

Dumb Ways to Die Essay The social marketing ad campaign we chose to analyze is called, â€Å"Dumb Ways to Die,† created by the McCann Melbourne advertising agency for Metro Trains. The concept behind this ad was to raise awareness around train and railway safety. With the use of its clever and catchy theme song and animated characters demonstrating the numerous examples of, â€Å"Dumb Ways to Die,† the campaign has become a viral sensation. From its release date, of almost a year ago until now â€Å"DWTD† has had over 61+ million views on YouTube, has an interactive website dedicated solely to the campaign, an app available for Apple and Android devices as well as several parody versions of the video. When we first stumbled upon this ad it was confusing as to what the exact message was up until the very end. After conducting some light research we found that Metro Trains main concern when creating this ad was to target at-risk young people who used their trains and railways and McCann did just that. They created an ad that is fun, likeable and worth watching and showcased it in the heart of any young person’s life, the internet. McCann knew they had to get creative if they wanted to grasp the young people’s attention. However, we do not believe that this ad is effective in the way that McCann and Metro Trains had hoped it would be. Although the idea of the ad is catchy and memorable, train safety is not the first thing that comes to mind when we think of it. We believe McCann has a great idea and concept with â€Å"DWTD† but the execution is slightly flawed.

Emerging Technologies Essays -- Digital Gadgets, Personal Information

During the 21st century the world has witnessed massive developments in technology. Almost every person is familiar with the use of digital gadgets for communication, socialization and data storage among other services (Freedman 02). The inventions of electronic devices that can be used to store, send, receive and access any information are results of advancements in technology. These developments belong to the information and communications category. Many people in today’s world make the mistake of thinking that the technological advancements that are happening right now are the only technologic advancements evolving in the world. However when it comes down to it, people have been experiencing technological advancements as early as the Neolithic period, impacting almost every aspect of life. These ancient technologies have come to be overtaken by time, as there are new ones which seem to be more efficient in accomplishing similar tasks. Emerging technologies can be said to be innovations and advancements that can be witnessed in different sectors of technology (Zelkowitz 6). Most up-coming technologies have brought synchronization of the previous developments, making them work together in achieving a similar goal. A good example of this is how video, data and telephonic technologies have now been made to work together in achieving the same goal of effective communication (Zelkowitz 12). All of these technologies used to exist completely by them self, but not anymore. Scientists developed different social services that connect people together in a form of social media. Examples of these applications include; Twitter; Facebook, Vine, and Instagram among many others. As much as these new technologies have brought efficiency and a... ...ormation, and we cannot just do away with emerging technologies just because of critics. We need to accept that everything has its share of merits and demerits, and move on. All we need is looking for means of preserving our cultures and history as well as basic education whether there are emerging technologies or not. Works cited Freedman, C. D. The Extension of the Criminal Law to Protecting Confidential Commercial Information: Comments on the Issues and the Cyber-Context. (August 01, 2013). International Review of Law, Computers & Technology, 13, 2, 147-162. http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13600869955116#.UdhxNezkU1I Gopnik, Adam. â€Å"The Information: A Critic at Large.† The New Yorker 14 Feb. 2011: 124+. ProQuest. Web. 31 October 2011. Zelkowitz, Marvin V..Vol.73 Advances in Technology: Emerging Technologies. Amsterdam [u.a.: Elsevier, 2013. Print.

Europe’s Interaction with Africa, Asia Essay

In the mid-15th century, European nations started sending merchants, explorers, colonizers and missionaries to various parts of the world. Historians often referred to this phenomenon as the Age of Discovery, an era in which unknown seas were traversed, new lands and peoples were discovered and an astounding new phase in global encounters was initiated (Sanders, Morillo and Nelson 3). The Age of Discovery played an important role in the political and economic development of Western Europe. Some of its key legacies included colonization, the development of large-scale horticultural industries and the spread of Christianity. The Age of Discovery, however, is usually portrayed as exclusively European and historically unique. It must be made clear that such a description is misleading and incomplete. Exploration and expansion are not historical novelties, and neither are they uniquely European. Furthermore, they have other motivations, attitudes and cross-cultural perceptions apart from the desire to discover other lands (Sanders, Morillo and Nelson 3). Muslim and Chinese explorers and traders have been traveling across Asia, Arabia and Africa centuries before Christopher Columbus set out from Spain in 1492. The journeys of Ibn Battuta in the mid-14th century, for instance, took him through the vast extent of the Islamic world. Zheng He, a fleet admiral who lived during the Ming Dynasty, sailed as far as the coast of east Africa in the mid-15th century (Sanders, Morillo and Nelson 3). Tunisian philosopher and historian Ibn Khaldun traveled as far as Spain in the 14th century (Ahmed 102). But European and non-European explorers differed in terms of the motives behind their respective journeys. Non-European explorers traveled primarily to create extensive religious and trade networks. Muslims were partially bound by religion and commerce as a form of compensation for the near-absence of political unity in the Islamic world. Despite ethnic and regional differences, their adherence to Islamic laws and values provided them with a sense of unity and shared identity. The establishment of long-distance trading networks, meanwhile, allowed Muslim producers and consumers from different regions to communicate with one another, as well as with peoples of different religions (Sanders, Morillo and Nelson 4). Muslim traders therefore organized camel caravans to the frontiers of India and across the Sahara in Africa. They likewise established equally profitable trade routes by sea across the Indian Ocean. By the late 15th century, the commercial activity in most of the regions surrounding the Indian Ocean was almost under their control. Furthermore, certain localities in the Islamic world were gaining recognition for their excellence in specific industries. Persia, for example, was renowned in the 14th century for its exquisite glassware, jewelry and pottery (Sanders, Morillo and Nelson 4). Extensive trade and industry, in turn, provided the Islamic world with urbanized and cosmopolitan societies. Sophisticated commercial centers such as Cairo, Damascus, Baghdad, Timbuktu and Zanzibar attracted residents from distant regions that eventually converted to Islam. These new converts subsequently spread Islam and elements of Islamic culture to their respective homelands. The Delhi Sultanate of India and the West African kingdom of Mali are some examples of regions that were not originally Islamic but were later Islamized (Sanders, Morillo and Nelson 4). In sharp contrast, the motive behind most European explorations was the pseudo-revival of the Reconquista (the struggle of the Spanish and Portuguese Christians to expel the Moors from their respective countries). In the 14th and 15th centuries, anti-Moor sentiment was still strong in Spain and Portugal – it was during these periods that Spanish and Portuguese Christians successfully expelled the Moors from Iberia. But this victory soon left many knights idle and looking for new adventures. Many knights thus joined overseas expeditions, viewing these as new opportunities to vanquish the hated Moors (Sanders, Morillo and Nelson 5). Certain economic conditions in Europe during the 14th and 15th centuries were also responsible for the xenophobic attitude that many European explorers had during the Age of Discovery. In these eras, most European economies were still small, largely agrarian and geared towards meeting local needs. Muslim merchants and middlemen were the sole sources of spices and other luxury goods. In addition, Europe was politically fragmented – the continent’s monarchs wasted scarce resources and manpower in the numerous wars and conflicts that they waged against each other. Lastly, the Black Death (bubonic plague) killed millions and further weakened economies, adding to the pervasive atmosphere of dread and xenophobia (Sanders, Morillo and Nelson 5). Given the insular, backward and unsophisticated nature of Europe in the 14th and 15th centuries, it was no longer surprising that the expeditions from the continent had mostly detrimental effects. Many explorers viewed the natives that they encountered in foreign lands as â€Å"barbarians† that must be â€Å"civilized† by being subjugated to them. By the 16th and 17th centuries, therefore, many countries in Asia, Africa and the Americas ended up being the colonies of Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Britain and France (Sanders, Morillo and Nelson 5). In addition, the transatlantic slave trade occurred from the 16th to the 19th centuries. Mainstream historians had indeed painted a misleading and incomplete picture of the Age of Discovery. By claiming that the Age of Discovery was an exclusively European and historically unique phenomenon, they are implying that it was an event that was born out of Europe’s benevolent desire to discover other lands. But the truth is that the Age of Discovery should not be glorified. Exploration and expansion have already been taking place long before it happened – proof that the inhabitants of the regions outside of Europe are not savages. The Age of Discovery occurred at a time when Europe was still insular, backward and unsophisticated. Thus, many of the continent’s explorers exhibited a fearful and xenophobic attitude when it came to dealing with people not of their own race. This paranoia, in turn, led to the colonization of several nations in Africa, Asia and the Americas. In addition, slavery became a centuries-old practice. Works Cited Ahmed, Akbar S. Discovering Islam: Making Sense of Muslim History and Society. New York: Routledge, 1989. Sanders, Thomas, Stephen Morillo, and Samuel H. Nelson. Encounters in World History: Sources and Themes from the Global Past, Volume II: From 1500. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2005.