Oncology Nursing Secrets - Questions and Answers About Caring for Patients with Cancer (Paperback)

This study of oncology nursing presents a holistic view of cancer care, from inpatient to outpatient care, and from hospice and palliative care to "survivorship" and end-of-life decisions. Chapters on specific cancers contain "Quick facts" - a table presenting key information such as incidence, risk factors and symptoms. A summary of staging and treatment information is also presented. A section on symptom management presents comprehensive information on nausea and vomiting (with up-to-date tables on antiemetic drugs), constipation, diarrhoea, and nutritional support. A chapter on pain management provides coverage of specific classes of drugs, their indications, management of breakthrough pain, and suggestions such as a recipe for cayenne candy for oral mucositis. An equianalgesic chart shows how to convert medication dosages from one route to another, and from one drug to another with morphine as the prototype opioid. A list of resources for nurses and patients is included where appropriate, including telephone numbers and Internet addresses. In addition a "humour" chapter includes humour resources available to nurses and patients. The chapter on pain management lists key resources and organizations available to assist with pain management. A chapter on caring for the person with cancer addresses the psychological and emotional components of cancer, discussing such matters as religion and spirituality, helpful hints, humour, common ethical dilemmas and storytelling (real-life stories written by nurses about their patients).