Cancer nursing
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Cancer is the leading cause of nonaccidental morbidity and mortality among young adults (YAs) in the United States. Stem cell transplantation (SCT), a treatment modality for a variety of YA malignancies, often requires prolonged hospitalization and immune-compromising treatment regimens. Stem cell transplantation may isolate YAs physically and emotionally, contributing to uncertainty about treatment processes, outcomes, and long-term sequelae. Studies in this population suggest that uncertainty can contribute to difficulty accomplishing basic developmental tasks. Few studies have examined the experiences of YAs in active cancer treatment, particularly those undergoing SCT. ⋯ This study provides a foundation for addressing the psychosocial needs of YAs hospitalized for SCT, paying particular attention to the development of specific interventions.
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Standardized pain-intensity measurement across different tools would enable practitioners to have confidence in clinical decision making for pain management. ⋯ Use of 1 or more pain screening tools that have validated diagnostic accuracy and consistency will help classify pain effectively and subsequently promote optimal pain control in multiethnic groups of cancer patients.
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Pain, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, taste change, appetite loss, and mouth sores are associated with radiotherapy (RT). Knowledge of individual symptom patterns (ISPs) and differences among patients during RT can provide vital information for evaluation and delivery of patient-tailored care. ⋯ Identifying ISPs provided information about symptom variations among patients with oropharyngeal and laryngeal cancer, which can influence symptom management strategies used by providers. Study techniques used can be useful for nurses when managing patients' symptoms. In the future, information using real-time data visualized as patterns could be used to manage multiple symptoms experienced by patients during treatment.