I was quite shocked to see you use the word "diaper" in "Demeaned, Disparaged, and Dismissed" (Editorial, August 2004). I teach gerontologic nursing to first-year nursing students, and I instruct them never to use that word in connection with older patients. It can be devastating to the self-esteem of the older adult, who deserves a nurse's utmost respect. In order to promote the respect older adults deserve, nurses should inform everyone of the correct terms: "absorbent briefs," "adult briefs," "protective undergarments," or just "briefs."

Evelyn E. Parker, MSN, RN

Great Bend, KS