Nausea in Numbers: Electronic Medical Record Nausea and Vomiting Assessment for Children With Cancer.

Purpose: Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is a distressing, underrecognized effect of treatment that can occur in up to 80% of patients. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to evaluate the impact of implementation of a standardized nausea assessment tool, the Baxter Animated Retching Faces (BARF) scale, on nursing compliance with nausea assessment and the frequency and severity of patient-reported CINV for children with cancer. Method: The Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle was used to implement this practice change. With stakeholder support and hospital governance council approval, the BARF scale was introduced into the electronic medical record. Nurses were provided education about the assessment tool and were given badge buddy cards to prompt use of the tool, and workstation reminders were created. A root cause analysis was conducted to provide feedback for continuous quality improvement. Results: Retrospective, aggregate electronic medical record data from May 2018 to April 2019 were analyzed for assessment compliance, total number of admissions with vomiting episodes, and average BARF score. Over the 12-month implementation period, run charts demonstrated a shift in nursing practice with increased compliance in documented nausea assessments during the second 6-month period. There was not a significant decrease in patient-reported CINV. Conclusion: The use of standardized nausea assessments based on patient self-reporting can provide useful and consistent feedback for nurses and health care providers. This quality improvement project demonstrated increased compliance with nausea assessment documentation. Further studies are needed to demonstrate that improvements in nausea assessment may reduce the frequency and severity of CINV.

Recent Advances in Antiemetics: New Formulations of 5-HT3 Receptor Antagonists in Adults.

BACKGROUND: Despite the availability of effective antiemetic regimens, patients still experience chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). 5-Hydroxytryptamine 3 (5-HT3) receptor antagonists (RAs) are the mainstay of CINV prevention, and updated antiemetic guidelines include new options. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to highlight advances in CINV management, focusing on new 5-HT3 RA formulations in adults, updated antiemetic guidelines, and the role of nurses. METHODS: MEDLINE searches were conducted for English-language publications for the past 15 years using relevant search terms ("serotonin receptor antagonist," "5-HT3 receptor antagonist," "antiemetic," "chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting") in the abstract or title. Abstracts at relevant major congresses for the past 3 years and additional pivotal publications were included. The most informative, relevant, and current publications were included. RESULTS: 5-Hydroxytryptamine 3 RAs are effective in preventing acute (0-24 hours) CINV but less effective in the delayed phase (24-120 hours) given their short half-lives. Updated antiemetic guidelines include fixed-dose intravenous fosnetupitant and palonosetron (IV NEPA) and granisetron extended-release subcutaneous injection, a recently approved 5-HT3 RA formulation providing slow, controlled release of therapeutic granisetron concentrations for 5 days or longer. Nurses play a pivotal role in implementing updated guideline-recommended antiemetic regimens for highly and some moderately emetogenic chemotherapy regimens, comprising a 4- or 3-drug regimen of 5-HT3 RA, neurokinin-1 RA, and dexamethasone, with/without olanzapine. CONCLUSION: Newer antiemetic combinations and formulations provide flexibility for CINV prevention. Granisetron extended-release subcutaneous injection is a convenient subcutaneous granisetron option. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Nurses play a critical role in understanding and using new antiemetic formulations and updated antiemetic guidelines in their practices.

The perceived impact of legalized cannabis on nursing workload in adult and pediatric emergency department visits: A qualitative exploratory study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate changes in emergency nursing workload related to cannabis ingestion or inhalation by adult and pediatric patients in states and bordering states where recreational cannabis is legal. DESIGN: Qualitative exploratory design using data collected from focus groups. SAMPLE: Twenty-four English-speaking emergency nurses over the age of 18 who provide direct care to patients and work in US emergency departments located in a state, or bordering state, where recreational cannabis use is legal. MEASUREMENTS: Qualitative data were gathered using a semi-structured interview format and analyzed using situational analysis. RESULTS: The legalization of recreational cannabis in some US states is reported as resulting in an increase in patients presenting with cyclic vomiting syndromes, and increased difficulty in managing both associated behaviors and repetitive ED presentations. New presentations also include unintentional intoxication in both pediatric and geriatric populations. An unexpected finding was the displacement of local homeless populations by younger, indigent "cannabis tourists"; social services agencies might consider this while planning for cannabis legalization in their state or territory. CONCLUSIONS: To protect public health and safety, regulatory efforts to standardize the formulation, dosing and labeling of cannabis products would be beneficial along with educational initiatives for both consumers and health care providers.

Exploring Nurses' Understanding of Anticipatory Nausea and Vomiting in Patients With Cancer.

PURPOSE: To explore nurses' self-reported understanding of anticipatory nausea and vomiting (ANV) in patients with cancer. PARTICIPANTS & SETTING: 12 oncology RNs were recruited from University Hospital Limerick in Ireland. METHODOLOGIC APPROACH: Data were collected via semistructured interviews and analyzed using a qualitative content analysis approach with a focus on the manifest content. FINDINGS: The following themes were identified. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Although oncology nurses may understand the importance of assessing and treating patients on an individual basis throughout the course of treatment, formal ANV assessments are warranted to ensure the implementation of best practice. The findings of the current study can guide oncology nurses' approach to the assessment and management of ANV.

Clinical Guidelines for Management of Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Cancer Patients: The Japanese Society of Palliative Medicine Recommendations.

Background: Gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, bowel obstruction, ascites, constipation, and anorexia, are common and often refractory in advanced cancer patients. The palliation of gastrointestinal symptoms is important in improving the quality of life of cancer patients, as well as that of their families and caregivers. Currently published clinical guidelines for the management of gastrointestinal symptoms in cancer patients do not comprehensively cover the topics or are not based on a formal process for the development of clinical guidelines. Methods: The Japanese Society for Palliative Medicine (JSPM) developed comprehensive clinical guidelines for the management of gastrointestinal symptoms in cancer patients after a formal guideline development process. Results: This article summarizes the recommendations along with their rationale and a short summary of the development process of the JSPM gastrointestinal symptom management guidelines. We established 31 recommendations, all of which are based on the best available evidence and agreement of expert taskforce members. Discussion: Future clinical studies and continuous guideline updates are required to improve gastrointestinal symptom management in cancer patients.

Jordanian oncology nurses' knowledge of managing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.

BACKGROUND: health practitioners, especially oncology nurses, play an important role in assessing and managing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). Oncology nurses need adequate knowledge and skills to optimally assess and manage CINV in oncology settings. AIM: the study intended to assess Jordanian oncology nurses' knowledge of assessing and managing CINV. METHODS: a cross-sectional design was used to survey 229 oncology nurses working in oncology units in three hospitals. FINDINGS: most participants were female (62.9%). The age rage was 21-55 years, with a mean age of 29.9 years (SD=6.2). The mean overall knowledge score was low at 4.7 (SD=3.5) (95% CI=4.40-5.01). Poor knowledge of CINV assessment and management were noted. CONCLUSION: oncology nurses' knowledge about the assessment and management of CINV is inadequate, and improvements in knowledge are needed. An educational intervention is recommended, which needs to be tested to ensure that it is both effective and feasible to provide.

[Enteral nutrition during prone positioning in mechanically ventilated patients]. / Nutrizione enterale continua durante la postura prona in pazienti in ventilazione invasiva.

. Enteral nutrition during prone positioning in mechanically ventilated patients. INTRODUCTION: The Enteral Nutrition (EN) tends to be stopped during prone positioning to prevent the risk of acid reflux and vomiting. AIMS: To compare the gastric residual volume during continuous enteral nutrition in patients in prone and supine position. METHODS: Observational restrospective study on Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome patients, mechanically ventilated, with continuous enteral nutrition implemented according to the same protocol, in prone and supine position. RESULTS: The 25 patients included had a mean age of 51.13±15.93 (range: 16-80) years. Gastic residual volume was checked on 656 occasions (408 in supine and 248 in prone position). Mean infusion rate was 63.3±18.5 ml/h: 62.1±18.9 ml/h in supine and 66.2±16.5 ml/h in prone position. The mean overall gastric residual volume was 24.4±54.2 ml: 20.6±18.9 ml in supime and 23.6±50.0 ml in prone posizion. In 4 occasions (2 in prone and 2 in supine position9, the gastric residual volume was > 300ml; EN was interrupted on 1 occasion with a gastric residual volume >500ml. CONCLUSIONS: No clinically relevant differences of gastric residual volume were observed in prone and supine position. A protocol for the management of gastric residual volume allows a safe and effective administration of EN also in patients positioned for several hours in prone position.

Implementation of clinical decision support in young children with acute gastroenteritis: a randomized controlled trial at the emergency department.

Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) is one of the most frequent reasons for young children to visit emergency departments (EDs). We aimed to evaluate (1) feasibility of a nurse-guided clinical decision support system for rehydration treatment in children with AGE and (2) the impact on diagnostics, treatment, and costs compared with usual care by attending physician. A randomized controlled trial was performed in 222 children, aged 1 month to 5 years at the ED of the Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's hospital in The Netherlands ( 2010-2012). Outcome included (1) feasibility, measured by compliance of the nurses, and (2) length of stay (LOS) at the ED, the number of diagnostic tests, treatment, follow-up, and costs. Due to failure of post-ED weight measurement, we could not evaluate weight difference as measure for dehydration. Patient characteristics were comparable between the intervention (N = 113) and the usual care group (N = 109). Implementation of the clinical decision support system proved a high compliance rate. The standardized use of oral ORS (oral rehydration solution) significantly increased from 52 to 65%(RR2.2, 95%CI 1.09-4.31 p < 0.05). We observed no differences in other outcome measures. CONCLUSION: Implementation of nurse-guided clinical decision support system on rehydration treatment in children with AGE showed high compliance and increase standardized use of ORS, without differences in other outcome measures. What is Known: • Acute gastroenteritis is one of the most frequently encountered problems in pediatric emergency departments. • Guidelines advocate standardized oral treatment in children with mild to moderate dehydration, but appear to be applied infrequently in clinical practice. What is New: • Implementation of a nurse-guided clinical decision support system on treatment of AGE in young children showed good feasibility, resulting in a more standardized ORS use in children with mild to moderate dehydration, compared to usual care. • Given the challenges to perform research in emergency care setting, the ED should be experienced and adequately equipped, especially during peak times.

Effects of Home Nursing Intervention on the Quality of Life of Patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma after Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: The effects of home nursing intervention on the quality of life in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) after radiotherapy and chemotherapy are unclear. According to the characteristics of nursing home patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma, we should continuously improve the nursing plan and improve the quality of life of patients at home. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We selected 180 patients at home with NPC after radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The patients were randomly divided into experimental and control groups (90 patients each). The experimental group featured intervention with an NPC home nursing plan, while the control group was given routine discharge and outpatient review. Nursing intervention for patients was mainly achieved by regular telephone follow-up and home visits. We use the quality of life scale (QOL-C30), anxiety scale (SAS) and depression scale (SDS) to evaluate these patients before intervention, and during follow-up at 1 month and 3 months after the intervention. RESULTS: Overall health and quality of life were significantly different between the groups (p<0.05), Emotional function score was significantly higher after intervention (p<0.05), as were cognitive function and social function scores after 3 months of intervention (p<0.05). Scores of fatigue, nausea and vomiting, pain, appetite and constipation were also significantly different between the two groups (p<0.05). Rates of anxiety and depression after 3 months of intervention were 11.1%, 22.2% and 34.4%, 53.3%, the differences being significant (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: NPC home nursing plan could effectively improve overall quality of life, cognitive function, social function (after 3 months) of patients, but improvement regarding body function is not suggested. Fatigue, nausea and vomiting, pain, appetite, constipation were clearly improved. We should further pursue a personalized, comprehensive measurements for nursing interventions and try to improve the quality of life of NPC patients at home.

A nurse-led evidence-based practice project to monitor and improve the management of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.

Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is a common and severe symptom experienced by patients undergoing cancer treatment during the acute or delayed period. Individual characteristics can compound risk for CINV. Identification of risk factors for CINV and structured, nurse-led telephone follow-up are effective, evidence-based methods to support patients undergoing cancer treatment. The authors successfully implemented a structured, nurse-led CINV intervention to improve assessment, follow-up, and support for 30 patients undergoing chemotherapy within an adult ambulatory oncology clinic.

The influence of oxidative stress on symptom occurrence, severity, and distress during childhood leukemia treatment.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To explore the symptom trajectory during the first 16 months of childhood leukemia treatment and any associations with the oxidative stress pathway measured by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentration of oxidized phosphatidylcholine (PC), the predominant glycerophospholipid in the brain and cell membranes. DESIGN: Prospective, longitudinal design. SETTING: Two cancer centers in the southwestern United States. SAMPLE: 36 children (aged 3-14 years) newly diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. METHODS: Symptoms were measured using the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale at six specific time points during treatment. Biochemical changes in oxidative stress were measured by oxidized PC in the CSF. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES: Childhood cancer symptoms, oxidized PC. FINDINGS: Significant differences were found in the number of symptoms experienced during the three phases of treatment. Symptom trajectory changes and influence of the oxidative stress pathway on symptom experiences were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Symptoms experienced during treatment for childhood leukemia are associated with increased oxidative stress. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Children with leukemia experience symptoms throughout treatment. Physiologic measures indicate the influence of oxidative stress on symptoms.

Red flag causes of vomiting in infants.

Vomiting is a common presentation in infants and is mostly due to a benign cause. Although vomiting is usually considered to be gastrointestinal in origin, it can be due to dysfunction of other organ systems, some of which may be life threatening. Community practitioners are often the first health professionals to come across these infants. They should assess these infants keeping in mind the 'red flags'. Suspicion of a serious disorder should be followed by prompt referral to a medical professional. This article aims to highlight the commonly encountered causes of vomiting in infants and provides some suggestions to be followed by community practitioners while dealing with an infant presenting with vomiting.

Saliva composition and upper gastrointestinal symptoms in chronic kidney disease.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate self-reported upper gastric symptoms experienced by patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and compare associations between uraemic symptoms and saliva composition. METHODS: In a cross-sectional observational study, 30 patients with Stages 4 and 5 CKD were selected from a tertiary hospital renal outpatient clinic. Subjects answered a questionnaire to assess upper gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. A saliva sample was collected to determine biochemical composition. Possible associations between saliva composition and uraemic upper GI symptoms were assessed. RESULTS: Only 3 (10%) patients reported no upper GI symptoms whilst 19 (63%) complained of a dry mouth, 16 (56%) had a change in taste, 9 (30%) had nausea, 7 (23%) vomited and 7 (23%) dry retched. Lower saliva bicarbonate concentration related to both dry mouth (p < 0.003) and dry retching (p < 0.01). An elevated level of saliva calcium was also implicated in a dry mouth sensation (p < 0.01). Nausea was associated with higher saliva sodium levels (p < 0.03) and a higher saliva sodium/potassium ratio (p < 0.02). CONCLUSION: Altered saliva composition in patients with Stages 4 and 5 CKD may be associated with uraemic upper GI symptoms. In particular, lower saliva concentrations of bicarbonate are associated with dry mouth and retching. Higher saliva calcium levels are also related to a dry mouth whilst higher saliva sodium levels and a greater sodium/potassium ratio are associated with nausea. Further studies investigating strategies to improve uraemic symptoms via changes in saliva are required.

Severe fatigue during the palliative treatment phase of cancer: an exploratory study.

BACKGROUND: Because of a rise in incidence and more effective treatments, the prevalence of patients with metastatic cancer is increasing fast. When palliative treatment is aimed at maintaining or improving patients' quality of life, knowledge about severe fatigue is clinically relevant because of its debilitating effect, but at present this information is lacking. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the prevalence of severe fatigue in patients with various incurable cancers and whether severe fatigue increased with further treatment lines and differed between various cancers and treatment modalities. In addition, a relationship between severe fatigue and other symptoms was examined. METHODS: Patients were asked to fill in the Checklist Individual Strength, European Organization of Research and Treatment of Cancer-Quality of Life Questionnaire C30, and the McGill Pain Questionnaire during palliative anticancer treatment, and hemoglobin levels were collected. RESULTS: Of all participating patients (n = 137), 47% were severely fatigued. Patients who received first line of treatment were significantly less often severely fatigued (40%) compared with patients who received further lines (60%). Significantly more severe fatigue was observed when patients had more pain, dyspnea, appetite loss, nausea, vomiting, and constipation. CONCLUSIONS: During the phase of palliative anticancer treatment, fatigue was the most common symptom, nearly half of the patients had severe fatigue increasing with further treatment lines. Various treatment-related symptoms were related to more severe fatigue. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: As severe fatigue is significantly related to other symptoms of cancer and its treatment, the screening and treatment of these cancer-related symptoms should be more stringent, as they might negatively influence each other.

Self-management of chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting: a cross-sectional survey of Chinese cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) remain prevalent among cancer patients despite pharmacological advances in CINV therapy. Patients can initiate nonpharmacologic strategies, which potentially play an important role as adjuncts to pharmacological agents in alleviating CINV. Some studies have explored nausea and vomiting self-management (NVSM) behaviors among patients in Western settings; however, little is known about the NVSM behaviors of patients in China. OBJECTIVES: This study examines NVSM behaviors of Chinese cancer patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a specialist cancer hospital in southeast China. RESULTS: A sample of 255 cancer patients was recruited. A mean of 8.56 (±3.15) NVSM behaviors was reported. Most NVSM behaviors were rated as moderately effective and were implemented with moderate self-efficacy. Higher distress levels, better functional status, previous similar symptom experiences, receiving chemotherapy as an inpatient, and greater support from multiple levels were related to greater engagement in NVSM; higher self-efficacy levels pertaining to NVSM behaviors were associated with reports of more relief from specific NVSM behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: A range of NVSM strategies was initiated by Chinese cancer patients and provided some relief. A range of individual, health status, and environmental factors influenced engagement with and relief from NVSM behaviors. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: To enhance Chinese patients' NVSM, patients should be supported to engage in behaviors including taking antiemetics, modifying their diet, using psychological strategies, and creating a pleasant environment. The findings highlight the importance of enhancing patients' self-efficacy in NVSM, alleviating symptom distress, and improving social support to achieve better outcomes.