title: Myelodysplastic syndromes: a review for nurses.
abstract: The Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) are a group of hematologic disorders that resemble hematologic malignancies but are often treated much differently. These syndromes result from a clonal disorder of certain stem cells in the bone marrow. Treatment can range from simple supportive care to new and innovative approaches such as immunotherapy. In general, treatment is dictated by the severity of the presenting disease. Oncology nurses, because of their familiarity with the manifestations of cancer, are particularly qualified to intervene for the patient and family experiencing MDS. Nursing interventions, based on a firm understanding of the underlying disease, include patients and family education. In addition, emotional support and symptom management are important nursing roles.
authors.affiliation: Uniontown Hospital, PA.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cain
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hood-Barnes
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Spangler
mesh_terms: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001803:Blood Transfusion; D016026:Bone Marrow Transplantation; D003115:Colony-Stimulating Factors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009190:Myelodysplastic Syndromes / Q000451:nursing / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D011379:Prognosis; D013256:Steroids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014212:Tretinoin / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D003115:Colony-Stimulating Factors; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D013256:Steroids; D014212:Tretinoin