SYMPTOM CLUSTERING AND NURSING IN END-STAGE CANCER PATIENTS WITH PALLIATIVE CARE

Modern cancer treatments have complicated the care of a cancer patient. This may mean living for many years with a range of physical and psychological symptoms that limit life to some patients. There is strong evidence that early care of palliative care in patient care may provide a better quality of life, as well as longer survival for patients receiving this care. Nurses need to be knowledgeable in evaluating and managing complex symptom clusters. Nurses should use an evidence-based approach to symptom cluster management, identify symptom clusters, educate and care for patients, and coordinate treatment recommendations using strategies that may be useful against symptoms. The synergy of palliative care and oncology nursing enables optimal symptom management, clarification of the realistic purposes of care and therapy, and providing maximum quality of life for patients and families.