Management of Dyspnea in a Patient With Lung Cancer
Management of Dyspnea in a Patient With Lung Cancer
Nurses have the opportunity to assess for changes in ease of breathing in their patients and educate them on methods to improve the often distressing symptom of dyspnea while providing psychosocial support (Bredin et al., 1999). With appropriate assessment and early intervention, the quality of life of patients with lung cancer experiencing dyspnea can significantly improve (Wickham, 2002). Gaguski et al. (2010) demonstrated that implementing the use of a standardized dyspnea assessment scale is manageable in the healthcare setting and can help to guide nurses in their evaluation and treatment of dyspnea. Gilman and Banzett (2009) suggested that assessment of dyspnea be completed with vital signs in patients with lung cancer or other respiratory conditions to expedite treatment measures for early dyspnea and, in turn, improve quality of life in patients.
Smoking cessation is beneficial in patients with cancer because smoking is associated with increased pain and dyspnea (Ditre et al., 2011; Videtic et al., 2003). In patients experiencing dyspnea, the nurse can assist with a smoking cessation plan that can be beneficial in decreasing morbidity.
A study by Roberts et al. (1993) ascertained that inconsistencies exist in the knowledge of nurses in caring for patients with dyspnea that can lead to decreased confidence in how to address this symptom. Fears and knowledge deficits among nurses should be addressed and increased educational opportunities provided to better prepare nurses to manage these patients. Many nurses are afraid to involve the palliative care team in patients with refractory dyspnea because of the fear that this is correlated with hospice; however, palliative care teams can provide symptom management options for all patients and can be an invaluable resource for the nurse (Martin, 2011).
Implications for Nursing Practice
Nurses have the opportunity to assess for changes in ease of breathing in their patients and educate them on methods to improve the often distressing symptom of dyspnea while providing psychosocial support (Bredin et al., 1999). With appropriate assessment and early intervention, the quality of life of patients with lung cancer experiencing dyspnea can significantly improve (Wickham, 2002). Gaguski et al. (2010) demonstrated that implementing the use of a standardized dyspnea assessment scale is manageable in the healthcare setting and can help to guide nurses in their evaluation and treatment of dyspnea. Gilman and Banzett (2009) suggested that assessment of dyspnea be completed with vital signs in patients with lung cancer or other respiratory conditions to expedite treatment measures for early dyspnea and, in turn, improve quality of life in patients.
Smoking cessation is beneficial in patients with cancer because smoking is associated with increased pain and dyspnea (Ditre et al., 2011; Videtic et al., 2003). In patients experiencing dyspnea, the nurse can assist with a smoking cessation plan that can be beneficial in decreasing morbidity.
A study by Roberts et al. (1993) ascertained that inconsistencies exist in the knowledge of nurses in caring for patients with dyspnea that can lead to decreased confidence in how to address this symptom. Fears and knowledge deficits among nurses should be addressed and increased educational opportunities provided to better prepare nurses to manage these patients. Many nurses are afraid to involve the palliative care team in patients with refractory dyspnea because of the fear that this is correlated with hospice; however, palliative care teams can provide symptom management options for all patients and can be an invaluable resource for the nurse (Martin, 2011).
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