Journal of pain and symptom management
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Observer-based sedation scales have been used to provide a measurable estimate of the comfort of nonalert patients in palliative sedation. However, their usefulness and appropriateness in this setting has not been demonstrated. ⋯ The RASS and KNMG scales stand as the most reliable and valid among the evaluated scales. In addition, the RASS was less time consuming, clearer, and easier to use than the MSAT and VICS. Further research is needed to evaluate the impact of the scales on better symptom control and patient comfort.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Nov 2012
Multicenter StudyAssessment of the psychometric properties of an English version of the cancer dyspnea scale in people with advanced lung cancer.
Dyspnea is a poorly understood subjective sensation. Existing dyspnea measures fail to adequately address its multidimensionality. A Japanese group developed and validated the Cancer Dyspnea Scale (CDS) for assessing dyspnea in patients with advanced lung cancer. ⋯ The CDS-E and r-CDS-E are reliable and valid measures of the sensation and the psychological components of dyspnea, with the shorter version having similar psychometric properties.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Nov 2012
Advancing theory of family conflict at the end of life: a hospice case study.
Although family conflict is a common occurrence for families involved in caregiving for a dying family member, it has not been examined in the hospice context. ⋯ The study findings are discussed in terms of implications for assessment and intervention.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Nov 2012
Review Meta AnalysisThe role of ondansetron in the management of cholestatic or uremic pruritus--a systematic review.
Pruritus associated with hepatic or renal failure can be a troublesome symptom, refractory to treatment and associated with significant physical and emotional distress and a reduction in quality of life for patients already burdened with chronic disease. Serotonin has been implicated as a possible pathological mediator, and, therefore, 5HT(3) antagonists have been suggested as a possible therapeutic intervention. ⋯ Ondansetron was demonstrated to have negligible effect on cholestatic or uremic pruritus on the basis of a limited number of studies.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Nov 2012
Review Meta AnalysisFatigue in hemodialysis patients: a review of current knowledge.
End-stage renal disease is a common chronic illness increasing in incidence and prevalence. Although kidney function is partially replaced through dialysis, patients endure many symptoms of the disease such as fatigue. Many factors have been studied regarding their relationship with fatigue in this population. ⋯ Further work in this area of inquiry would be of benefit and may shed light on the domains of life that are affected by fatigue for hemodialysis patients. It also may help deepen our knowledge regarding correlates that could identify hemodialysis patients who are at increased risk for fatigue.