Symptom management of brain tumor patients.
OBJECTIVE
To review the symptoms frequently observed with brain tumors, focusing on the descriptions, causes, treatments, and nursing implications.


METHODS
Research and review articles and textbooks.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients with brain tumors commonly have symptoms caused by the tumor or treatment. Treatment approaches for these symptoms will help the patient cope with those impairments caused by the symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
The nurse can help move the patient toward a good quality of life by being aware of the symptoms and setting a plan to manage the symptoms with a patient and caregiver. Periodic reassessment is required to maintain continuity of care.
Lovely
Mary P
MP
National Brain Tumor Foundation, San Francisco, CA, USA. mary.lovely@sbcglobal.net
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000451:nursing; D016903:Drug Monitoring; D005221:Fatigue / Q000209:etiology* / Q000451:nursing; D006261:Headache / Q000209:etiology* / Q000451:nursing; D006801:Humans; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D009859:Oncology Nursing; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D010348:Patient Care Team; D011788:Quality of Life; D012640:Seizures / Q000209:etiology* / Q000451:nursing
D000927:Anticonvulsants