Cancer nursing
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The focus of this article is on the meanings attributed by nurses who worked with patients receiving a cancer diagnosis within acute care settings in Ireland. ⋯ Lack of information and involvement affects the nurse's ability to be authentically present for the recipient and results in a fracture to the nurse-patient relationship. Understanding the experiences of nurses from acute care settings where the cancer diagnosis is often given will inform and enable the nurse working in oncology settings to engage patients in a more meaningful and focused way.
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Few studies have examined changes in siblings after the death of a brother or sister, particularly from mother, father, and sibling perspectives within the first year after death. ⋯ Our findings offer guidance to improve aftercare for bereaved siblings and their families. Additional research is needed to further delineate the needs of bereaved siblings and to develop strategies to promote adaptation to loss.
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Sexual function has been ignored because survival issues associated with cancer treatment commonly take precedence over sexual issues. Sexual dysfunction remains a recognized complication after cancer treatment despite improvement in survival rates for patients with rectal cancer. ⋯ Health promotion programs for long-term survivors should include a consistent assessment of sexual function before and after an operation, and patients should receive clinical sexual counseling.
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This study describes an exploration of the lived experience of 13 British women with cancer of the vulva who underwent surgical treatment. A review of the literature highlighted a paucity of knowledge as many studies were conducted during the 1980s and 1990s and investigated sexual functioning only. ⋯ Although many women may expect to be cured of their vulval cancer, the invisible nature of the condition and the resulting lack of understanding and support may continue for a considerable period, as every aspect of their everyday life and in their relationships may be affected. The challenge now is to raise awareness of this condition and provide greater informational and emotional support for these women.
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Heparin solution is routinely used to maintain the patency of infusion devices. Literature supports the alternative use of normal saline solution for flushing and locking intravenous infusion devices especially for pediatric patients. There is uncertainty regarding safety and efficacy of this policy for intermittent locking of implanted ports. ⋯ Switching from heparinized solution to normal saline for catheter intermittent lock of ports seems a safe procedure.