摘要:

Rupture of a carotid artery is the most serious and dreaded complication that nurses caring for head and neck cancer patients will face. This event, said to complicate 3–4% of all major head and neck procedures, has an extremely high mortality rate.4,6,9Loss of the protective layer, the adventitia, surrounding the artery precedes a rupture. Awareness of the factors that lead to this breakdown is the first step in preventing a blowout. However, because there are no warning signs that can be used to predict exactly when a rupture will occur, preparation is another essential aspect of patient care. Educating staff to act swiftly and precisely in such a crisis will help to ensure a more positive outcome.

ISSN:0162-220X    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1986

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Colorectal cancer represents an increasingly important health care problem in the United States, as well as in other developed countries of the world.7,24Although great progress has been made to decrease the mortality from other types of cancer, no significant alteration has occurred in mortality rates for colorectal cancer in the past 50 years.5,7This is because no widespread screening modalities have been implemented and most patients present to their practitioners when symptoms occur, thus reducing the 5-year survival rate to around 44%.20This is tragic, indeed, as the 5-year survival rate is approximately 75% when colorectal cancer is diagnosed and treated in its asymptomatic stage.20This paper, which reflects an international review of the literature and the authors' experience, discusses the etiology of colorectal cancer, as well as individuals at increased risk for the development of the disease, and systematically examines screening for fecal occult blood. Nurses can exert a major role in altering the statistics of colorectal cancer by assisting in the development and implementation of effective programs for its early detection and prompt treatment.

ISSN:0162-220X    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1986

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

The occurrence of depression and alteration in lifestyle in five patients with leukemia or lymphoma receiving chemotherapy regimens that included high-dose glucocorticosteroids was studied over a period of 6 months. According to the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, all five patients taking their steroids in daily divided doses became depressed within 2–5 days after abruptly discontinuing the drug. These symptoms resulted in a marked change in lifestyle for all patients. When the steroid doses were taken on a daily every-morning schedule or tapered before discontinuance, only one of the five patients reported symptoms of depression and a marked change in lifestyle. Consistent nursing interventions provided throughout the 6 months included emotional support, education, and realistic goal-setting. Despite the small population size, these findings suggest that the occurrence of depressive symptoms and alterations in lifestyle may be related to high-dose glucocorticosteroid scheduling, which demands recognition and further study in order to help the cancer patient maintain a positive self-esteem and activities of daily living.

ISSN:0162-220X    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1986

数据来源: OVID

ISSN:0162-220X    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1986

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Helping individuals to cope effectively with the many problems inherent in the cancer situation is a major challenge for those working in the oncology setting. Although by no means a cure-all, music, because of its many qualities, has numerous applications as an intervention for the coping process. Almost everyone relates to and enjoys music, whether participating in its creation by singing or playing an instrument, or by simply listening to it. Long recognized as a non-threatening form of communication, the “universal language” of music is capable of breaking down cultural, educational, linguistic, or emotional barriers. By eliciting feelings, thoughts, and memories, it can open lines of communication and serve as an outlet for emotions. Additionally, its use can be effective in treating physiologic problems, such as pain and insomnia. This article will acquaint the reader with the concept of music therapy, theoretical explanations for its effectiveness, areas of application in the oncology setting with corresponding case studies or research, and the role of the nurse in facilitating this intervention.

ISSN:0162-220X    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1986

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

The purpose of this exploratory descriptive study was to describe dimensions of the dying trajectory as perceived by the primary caregiver of an adult who died of cancer. Fourteen individuals who were the primary caregiver of a terminally ill person in the home were interviewed within 12 months of the patient's death. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. Findings show that for the majority of caregivers, their expected duration of the dying trajectory approached the actual duration. The trajectory was generally perceived as passing more slowly for the patient than for the caregiver. Subjects identified critical events or concerns for them during the course of the trajectory. These were categorized into two major categories (stressful and joyful) and 17 subcategories. The content areas in which the largest percent of subjects named at least one event were physical difficulty in providing care, difficulty in watching the patient's physical symptoms, closeness between caregiver and patient, and family coming together to visit or offer support. The physical and emotional intensity of each reported critical event was measured using a six-point scale. The findings suggest that the dying trajectory is more emotionally intense than physically intense for both caregiver and patient.

ISSN:0162-220X    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1986

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

AbstractAlterations in the taste preference of cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy and/or combination chemotherapy were prospectively studied for 5 months. The change of appreciation for certain foods and the primary tastes was investigated in 28 women with endometrial or cervical cancer, 52 men with cancer of the bladder or prostate, and 28 lymphoma patients. The patients were asked by means of a questionnaire to express their appreciation of the four primary tastes and a list of food items. Considering all patients,there was a significant decrease in the appreciation for bitter. Consistency of taste appreciation differed significantlybetween the three groupswith respect to the salty taste. Significant changes were noted for the appreciation of coffee, yoghurt, buttermilk, fried and boiled chicken, and boiled fish. It is concluded that taste appreciations often change during cancer therapy, and the nutritional advice should be adapted to these highly individual changes.

ISSN:0162-220X    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1986

数据来源: OVID

ISSN:0162-220X    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1986

数据来源: OVID

ISSN:0162-220X    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1986

数据来源: OVID