Nursing interventions in the management of patients with cancer-associated thrombosis.

OBJECTIVES

To provide oncology nurses with an overview of the clinical trial evidence and to help them apply the data to patient management to optimize care and ensure the best possible outcomes.

DATA SOURCES

Primary and tertiary literature and the authors' clinical experience.

CONCLUSION

Nursing interventions for patients with cancer-associated thrombosis involve such key areas as the need for careful and continuing risk assessment, close monitoring of laboratory values, evaluation of patients as candidates for outpatient management, patient and caregiver education, and monitoring of patient compliance.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Oncology nurses provide critical oversight and coordination in the treatment and prevention of venous thromboembolism. These interventions are essential to reducing venous thromboembolism-associated morbidity and mortality.