Fatigue and weakness in cancer patients: the symptoms experience.
OBJECTIVE
To distinguish between fatigue and weakness and review symptom management for both and to suggest directions for research and practice.


METHODS
Articles and book chapters pertaining to fatigue and weakness.


CONCLUSIONS
Fatigue and weakness are important but long-neglected symptoms, and comparatively little effort has been invested in developing techniques to mitigate these symptoms. Research is needed to differentiate between these concepts, to determine the relation between fatigue and weakness, to delineate their causes, and to develop interventions aimed at the prevention and treatment of these symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
Early assessment of risk factors, mobility and sensory problems, and usual level of activity will help identify those patients who may benefit from nursing interventions or referrals for occupational or physical therapy. It is important to repeatedly evaluate these symptoms in relation to treatment, situational changes, interventions used to manage other symptoms, and tumor progression. Developing clinical guidelines and intervention strategies will contribute greatly to the functional independence and the quality of life of patients.
Nail
L M
LM
College of Nursing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City 84112, USA.
Winningham
M L
ML
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D005221:Fatigue / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing; D006801:Humans; D018908:Muscle Weakness / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D009788:Occupational Therapy; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D011788:Quality of Life; D012307:Risk Factors