Nursing assessment and patient management.

OBJECTIVES

To review contemporary knowledge and recent research in the nursing assessment and management of patients receiving radiation therapy.

DATA SOURCES: Published scientific papers, review articles, book chapters, and clinical practice.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the enormous advances in treatment technology, dose-limiting acute and late effects of radiation therapy have not been eliminated. Astute assessment and early interventions can have a positive impact on the quality of life of the patient receiving radiation therapy.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Oncology nurses need to be well-informed about treatment advances and be able to integrate research findings into clinical practice. The increased use of concurrent or sequential combined modality therapy requires nurses to broaden their skills of assessment and management.