Seminars in oncology nursing
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To provide an overview of the impact of smoking after a diagnosis of lung cancer, discuss the relationship between smoking cessation and improved outcomes, present information about tobacco-dependence treatments, reimbursement for these treatments, and resources available for patients and health care professionals. ⋯ Oncology nursing action is essential in the identification of and intervention with patients who struggle with tobacco dependence after diagnosis.
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To review the current state of evidence for the nursing treatment of cancer-related dyspnea. ⋯ Nurses must be cognizant of the level of evidence or the lack of scientific evidence supporting treatment strategies used. Keeping abreast of the developments in the area of dyspnea management is imperative as research adds to the current body of evidence. Nurses are uniquely positioned to add to the body of evidence through collaboration with nurse researchers.
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To review common cutaneous effects and dermatologic or cutaneous toxicities related to the administration of chemotherapy. These range from mostly cosmetic, such as hyperpigmentation or alopecia, to dose-limiting toxicities such as palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia or hand-foot syndrome. ⋯ As more patients receive chemotherapy, dermatologic effects are becoming more common. Oncology nurses must be skilled in managing these side effects.
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To identify risk factors for pressure ulcers that may place the patient with cancer at higher risk. The role of nursing to provide pressure ulcer preventive measures will be discussed. ⋯ Nurses are at the forefront of predicting patients at risk for pressure ulcers and working with the multidisciplinary team to implement a pressure ulcer preventive program. There remains a dearth of research related to pressure ulcers and cancer. Research in this area is strongly suggested.
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To review the development of targeted therapies and the biology of relevant therapeutic targets. To analyze the relevance of targeted agents as part of current clinical practice. ⋯ Nurses involved in the care of patients with cancer can benefit from an increased understanding of targeted therapies, including their mechanisms of action, their efficacy profile, as well as prophylaxis and management of adverse events and administration procedures.