Promoting symptom control in palliative care.

OBJECTIVES

To describe management of common physical problems that occur in patients with advanced cancer.

DATA SOURCES

Research and review articles, book chapters, and published guidelines.

CONCLUSIONS

Effective symptom control for patients with advanced cancer requires the coordinated efforts of a multidisciplinary team. Excellent palliation can be achieved in patients suffering from pain, as well as from gastrointestinal, respiratory, or dermatologic disorders.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Nursing is the cornerstone of effective palliative care. Through accurate assessments and expertise in delivering pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatments, nurses ensure optimal palliation of physical symptoms.