Theory of unpleasant symptoms: support for the management of symptoms in children and adolescents with cancer

Abstract

It is essential to update knowledge on this subject and discuss the theories that support research and the clinical practice of symptom management in order to better qualify nursing care.

Non-pharmacological interventions to manage fatigue and psychological stress in children and adolescents with cancer: an integrative review

“…Undoubtedly, the type of diagnosis and treatment can influence the fatigue and stress levels of children and adolescents with cancer (Lopes‐Júnior et al . ,b; Noia et al . ).…”

Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms: Critical Analysis

“…In this context, the theory provides a framework capable of delineating the extent of the meaning of symptoms at a level of abstraction like that of nursing diagnoses and interventions. 3 The Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms presents three main elements: the symptoms that the patient is experiencing; the factors that influence them, both in their nature and in their evolution; and the consequences of that experience. Experienced symptoms are the central focus of the model, conceived as indicators of change in the health status of the individual, which often occur multiple times and concomitantly, and although they are different from each other, present four common dimensions: intensity, time, suffering and quality.…”

Avaliação de orientações geradas por sistema computacional a acompanhantes de pacientes pediátricos submetidos à quimioterapia

“…The most frequent adverse effects and toxicities are nausea, vomiting, weight loss, alopecia, haematomas, epistaxis, mucositis and diarrhoea (5) . In children, these effects alter their everyday lives and transform a healthy and productive child into a sick incapacitated child (6) due to the limitations imposed by the disease and complications of treatment that reach the patient and the child's family (7)(8) .…”

“…According to studies, the activities of nurses with the companions of children receiving chemotherapy (7)(8) are the provision of guidelines, teaching and informing about the required care, such as (6)(7)(8)(9)(10) bathing, hygiene, diet (8) , clothing, oral and skin hydration, and physical limitations of the child related to fatigue and skin protection (5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11) .…”

“…Research shows the support that the SADC can provide at the time of individual recommendations for each patient or companion, according to the prescribed treatment (2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12) . For health workers, it can help them choose and guide the care they provide, and ensure the continuity of care and treatment, both in the hospital and in the home (12)(13) .…”