Managing treatment-induced emesis: a nursing perspective. |
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Authors: | M I Fitch |
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Affiliation: | Toronto-Bayview Regional Cancer Centre, Canada. |
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Abstract: | Patients with cancer undergoing treatment with chemotherapy or radiation therapy may experience a range of treatment-related side effects. One of the most common and most distressing side effects is treatment-induced emesis. The severity of the symptom is great enough to cause some patients to refuse treatments, delay appointments or discontinue therapy entirely. Experiencing treatment-induced nausea and vomiting can create a spectrum of issues for patients and their families and seriously influence their quality of life. Managing nausea and vomiting induced by cancer therapy is of critical importance. A team approach, inclusive of the patient, can be most effective. Nurses play a pivotal role in assessing patterns of nausea and vomiting and the usefulness of anti-emetic therapy, evaluating and updating treatment/care plans and helping the patient and family to cope with the disease and its treatment. |
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