Symptom clusters and physical function for patients receiving chemotherapy.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the literature on symptom clusters and the impact of co-occurring symptoms on the physical function of patients with cancer during treatment.


METHODS
Research and review articles.


CONCLUSIONS
Unmanaged symptoms occur in what are often called symptom clusters. A focus on known and frequently present co-occurring symptoms, such as pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbance, might be the most efficient and effective way to manage specific symptoms and improve patient functioning.


CONCLUSIONS
Nurses should select assessments that identify multiple symptoms and define their co-occurrence.
Given
Barbara A
BA
College of Nursing, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA. Barb.Given@hc.msu.edu
Given
Charles W
CW
Sikorskii
Alla
A
Hadar
Nira
N
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology*
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents