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How to cite using APA in the Health Sciences

Paraphrasing

Paraphrasing is when you restate the passage or idea from another work into your own words. A paraphrased passage is generally shorter and more condensed than the original. Summarizing is very similar to paraphrasing in that it also involves putting someone else’s ideas into your own words to condense the material (and to show that you understand the source material). A summary includes only the main points and/or ideas in a longer passage or entire work. When paraphrasing, you are not required to provide a page or a paragraph number unless it would be helpful for a reader to know where to find the the referenced passage in a longer work, such as a book.

Paraphrasing is the preferred method when writing in the APA style. 

Examples

Original

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral recognized as a cornerstone in preventing dental caries (cavities). Its efficacy in strengthening tooth enamel and reducing caries development is well-established through decades of scientific research. Fluoride exerts its protective effects through several mechanisms. Firstly, it strengthens tooth enamel by incorporating itself into the hydroxyapatite crystals, the building blocks of enamel. This fortified enamel is more resistant to demineralization by acids produced by plaque bacteria. Secondly, fluoride can promote remineralization of incipient carious lesions by facilitating the re-deposition of lost minerals into the enamel. Thirdly, topical exposure to fluoride inhibits the growth and metabolism of cariogenic bacteria, further reducing acid production and caries risk. Fluoride can be delivered systemically and topically to achieve optimal oral health benefits. Systemic sources include fluoridated public water supplies, which represent the most effective and equitable approach for caries prevention across populations.

Paraphrased

According to Aberth et al. (2017), fluoride remains a vital tool in promoting oral health and preventing dental caries, and its effectiveness in strengthening tooth enamel, promoting remineralization, and inhibiting cariogenic bacteria makes it an essential part of preventive dentistry. 

Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, re-mineralizes early decay, and inhibits cavity-causing bacteria, leading to a significant reduction in caries development (Aberth et al., 2017).


Original

Vitamins play a crucial role in human physiology, but their supplementation remains a debated topic. While multivitamins can address micronutrient deficiencies in individuals with limited dietary choices or malabsorption issues, their routine use in healthy individuals with balanced diets lacks strong evidence for improved health outcomes. Additionally, high-dose supplementation can lead to toxicity in some cases. Therefore, a personalized approach is recommended, with a healthcare professional guiding supplementation based on individual needs and potential risks.

Paraphrased

While some research suggests that vitamins may address nutritional deficiencies in individuals with dietary limitations, it is important that anyone interested in taking vitamins should consult with a healthcare professional first (Tesfaye et al., 2019).

According to Tesfaye et al. (2019), despite the large role that vitamins play in everyday health, there is a potential risk of negative side effects if used without medical guidance.


Original

Critical thinking and assessment are the cornerstones of ICU nurse training. This involves honing skills in:

1) Data interpretation: Analyzing complex physiological data from monitors and labs.

2) Pattern recognition: Identifying subtle changes that may signal patient deterioration.

3) Differential diagnosis: Considering potential causes for a patient's condition.

4) Anticipation and prioritization: Predicting potential complications and formulating appropriate interventions.

5) Continuous reevaluation: Adapting care plans based on ongoing patient assessments.

Paraphrased

Training for intensive care nursing should include a number of critical thinking and assessment skills, including meticulous monitoring, swift assessment of subtle changes, and making high-stakes decisions to optimize patient outcomes in a constantly evolving environment (Luzan & Dumas, 2018).

Luzan & Dumas (2018) list five fundamental critical thinking skills for ICU nurses: data interpretation, pattern recognition, differential diagnosis, anticipation and prioritization, and continuous reevaluation.

Note: The 'original' writing samples above were generated by Google Gemini and formatted by the author. Author and date attributions are fictitious. 

Missing Information?

Don't leave it blank! Find out how to properly indicate that information is missing from one of your reference elements by reading more about missing information.

Acknowledgement

Information on this page was adapted from "Chapter 8: Works Credited in the Text", in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.), as well as the APA webpage, "In-Text Citations"