Treatment-Related Symptom Clusters

Objectives

To provide a clinical overview of treatment-related symptom clusters.

Data Sources

Journal articles, research reports, state of the science papers, and clinical practice experience.

Conclusion

Although understanding the etiology and interaction of symptoms may lead to targeted interventions, the nurse must often manage symptoms in which the cause or causes cannot be changed or in which there are multiple overlapping etiologies that lead to complex and challenging clinical presentations. Systematic and ongoing evaluation of symptoms, their treatment-related trajectory, and their response to interventions is essential.

Implications for Nursing Practice

Systematic assessment of symptoms and symptom cluster presence, severity, and distress can guide the practitioner to intervene using evidence-based practice. Individualized care and evaluation of response is needed.

Keywords: Cancer, cancer treatment, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, symptom clusters