Nurse Key

Pain Suzanne Amato Nesbit I. Definition: Pain is a multidimensional experience characterized by physiologic and psychological components. It is a complex phenomenon that involves both perception of a stimulus and…

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…

Delirium Karin Taylor Laura Herald Hoofring I. Definition: A clinical syndrome that affects the functioning of the brain in which there are disturbances of consciousness with reduced ability to focus,…

Constipation and Diarrhea Katherina Violette I. Overview of Disorders of Intestinal Motility A. Abnormalities of intestinal motility can involve the processes of absorption, secretion, or peristalsis. 1. Normal bowel absorption…

Bone Marrow Suppression Kathy A. Shane Brenda Shelton I. Definition A. Bone marrow suppression is one of the most common problems experienced by patients with cancer. B. Bone marrow suppression…