Seminars in oncology nursing
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To review important issues that address respect for patient autonomy, beneficnce, non-maleficence, and justice, which are included in communication surrounding the determination of decision-making capacity, informed consent, breaking bad news, and creating shared goals of care. ⋯ Advance care planning provides an important opportunity for respecting patient autonomy and may be helpful when discussing care options surrounding resuscitation, withholding or withdrawal of treatment, or the determination of medical futility.
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To discuss pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic approaches available to manage pain. ⋯ Nurses need to assess pain daily and follow patients closely until mucositis resolves. Management targeted to specific dimensions of pain can improve the effectiveness of pain control.
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To provide an overview of scientifically based smoking cessation interventions for delivery to all tobacco-dependent users. ⋯ Nurses serve a critical role in tobacco-dependence treatment. Innovative interventions for cessation, such as quit lines, telephone counseling, web-based information, and computerized cessation materials are now available.
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To provide an update on the impact of new information about the molecular biology of chronic leukemia and new treatment modalities available to patients. ⋯ With increasing treatment options and longer survival, patients with chronic myelogenous or chronic lymphocytic leukemia need increased education, support, and assistance with symptom management. Nurses caring for these patients must remain knowledgeable about new treatments and their management.
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To review the implications of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) blockade and become familiar with the clinical experience in colorectal carcinoma to date. ⋯ With many targeted biological agents undergoing evaluation, it is important that nurses become familiar with early clinical experience to understand their role in the treatment of cancer.