Biomedical subjects

C Chernecky

Publications and source records attributed to C Chernecky.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2000

Anemia.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To review the current knowledge of anemia associated with cancer management and nursing interventions. DATA SOURCES: Published theory, research, and clinical practice sources. DATA SYNTHESIS: Anemia often is overlooked as a priority associated with quality patient care. The diagnosis of cancer and associated treatments magnify the incidence of anemia among the cancer population. Untreated anemia negatively affects the success of radiation therapy, activities of daily living, quality of life, and morbidity and mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Identifying the underlying cause(s) of anemia in patients with cancer is critical to positive care outcomes and requires early nursing assessment and interventions. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Nurses play a critical role in maintaining and improving well-being and quality of life of patients at risk for anemia by understanding erythropoiesis, pathophysiology, nursing assessment (including laboratory data assessment), and nursing interventions related to anemia.

Anemia↗

PubMed2000

Pulmonary toxicities of cancer therapy.

Toxicity of the pulmonary region in persons with cancer can have singular or multidimensional causes. The seven distinct pulmonary toxicities are embolism, edema, pleural effusion, fibrosis, alveolitis, bronchiolitis obliterans, and radiation-induced pneumonitis. Although difficult to diagnose, all of these toxicities can be minimized by early assessment and immediate interventions. Astute nursing assessments and comprehensive treatment can make a difference in quality and quantity of life.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

PubMed1999

Temporal differences in coping, mood, and stress with chemotherapy.

This longitudinal study examined relations among mood, coping, perceived stress, and side effects from chemotherapy in 50 individuals with stages III and IV adenocarcinoma of the lung over four consecutive combination chemotherapy courses. Results indicated that perceived stress was moderately high only at the time of pretreatment, and four coping strategies were used: seeking social support, planful problem solving, self-control, and positive reappraisal. No relations existed between coping strategies and side effects from chemotherapy, coping and perceived stress, mood and side effects, and perceived stress and side effects. Seven side effects occurred: leukopenia, decreased activity, nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue, constipation, and taste changes. In summary, receiving chemotherapy is stressful at the time of pretreatment, so nursing interventions need to be concentrated at that point.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Satisfaction versus dissatisfaction with venous access devices in outpatient oncology: a pilot study.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To examine outpatient oncology satisfaction/dissatisfaction with venous access devices (VADs), identify positive and negative experiences, and determine their overall effect on quality of life. DESIGN: Descriptive. SETTING: Outpatient oncology clinic in the United States. SAMPLE: Convenience sample of 24 patients who had a VAD and were receiving outpatient chemotherapy treatments. METHODS: Consecutive patients meeting study criteria were invited to complete a two-page questionnaire during their clinic visit. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES: VAD, satisfaction, dissatisfaction, quality of life. FINDINGS: Patients were extremely happy with VADs. The top three benefits were (a) decreased pain compared to venipuncture, (b) the need for fewer needlesticks, and (c) quicker blood draws for laboratory analysis. Negative experiences were infrequent, but 29% of subjects cited monthly heparinization, sleep disturbances, and site soreness following chemotherapy treatments. Overall, 92% stated that the VAD had improved their quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Chemotherapy outpatients were extremely happy with their VAD, found many benefits, and stated that it improved their quality of life. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Nurses need to support the use of VADs early with patients receiving multiple chemotherapy treatments on an outpatient basis. Research and education need to continue regarding heparinization and discuss interventions to reduce site soreness and sleep disturbances.

Adult↗