NAUSEA AND VOMITING IN CHILDREN WITH CANCER UNDERGOING CHEMOTHERAPY

Agathi Kalogeropoulou, John Koutelekos, Evangelos Dousis

Thursday, October 1, 2020

Publication year:

2020

Authors:

• Kalogeropoulou Agathi, RN, MSc(c), MSc in “Clinical Pediatrics and Nursing-Research”
• Koutelekos John, PhD, Assisstant Professor, Department of Nursing A',Technological Educational Institute of Athens
• Dousis Evangelos, Assistant Professor, Department of Nursing, University of West Attika

Keywords index:

• care management
• patient
• vomiting
• nausea
• cancer
• chemotherapy
• children
• nursing

Pages: 293-307

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.4540441

Abstract:

Introduction: Cancer is the second leading cause of death in children. Its treatment include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation therapy, alone or in combination. One of the most well-known symptoms of chemotherapy in children is nausea and vomiting, which negatively affect their health and the progress of treatment. Several nursing interventions have been supported to prevent and treat them. The aim of the study was to explore and summarize nursing interventions for the nursing management of nausea and vomiting in children with cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Material-method: Review of the literature conducted by searching articles in international bibliographic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase & Cochrane Library, Google Scholar) from 1983-2020. Criteria for the introduction of an article in the study of Greek or English language, to be absolutely relevant to the aim, to be published in a valid scientific journal. Results: Interventions for the management of nausea and vomiting in children with cancer receiving chemotherapy include administration of drugs (5-HT3 receptor antagonists, corticosteroids, NK1 receptor antagonists) and drug administration plus alternative methods (acupuncture, massage, accupressure, music). Conclusions: Despite the excessive amount of interventions for the management of nausea and vomiting in children with cancer receiving chemotherapy, these symptoms continue to be a challenge for nurses. The indications for the implementation of most interventions are not strong and need further investigation.