Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation [DIC] Brenda K. Shelton I. Definition: Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is defined as accelerated activation of the coagulation cascade disproportionate to normal feedback mechanisms, which results in…
Venous Access Devices Norrie Rabinowitz-Hirsch MiKaela Olsen I. Definition: Approximately 150 million venous access devices (VAD) are inserted each year in the United States. Five million of these are central…
Psychosocial Issues Karin Taylor Laura Herald Hoofring I. Overview: The emotional responses to a diagnosis of cancer are varied and never static as patients and families make their way through…
Oral Complications Tracy T. Douglas Brenda K. Shelton I. Definition A. Mucositis is also known as stomatitis. 1. A broad term that encompasses functional and degenerative changes in the gastrointestinal…
Nutritional Problems Tara Kellner I. Definition A. Nutritional problems in the cancer patient can result from complications of the disease itself or from its treatment. B. Problems can be mechanical…
Nausea and Vomiting Katherina M. Violette I. Definition: Nausea and vomiting are two of the most common side effects of chemotherapy. They are also among the top concerns and fears…
Neuropathies Susan E. Sartorius-Mergenthaler I. Definition: Neuropathy is a direct or indirect interruption in the nerve pathway resulting in a disruption or disturbance of the specific nerve function. The loss…
