title: Caring for children and adolescents with osteosarcoma: a nursing perspective.
abstract: The nurse plays a vital role in caring for patients with osteosarcoma. From the very outset when the disease is explained to the patient and his/her family, the nurse provides comfort and support, as well as enhances and explains the information provided by the physician. All aspects of medical care are addressed, and he/she is frequently the first line of communication when the patient telephones and requests information or wishes to report a problem to the physician. He/She arranges and coordinates appointments to suit the patient's medical, and often social needs to provide comprehensive care with attention to detail. This communication will provide a perspective of the role assumed by the nurse in his/her effort to ensure total care of the patient and the family.
authors.affiliation: Solid Tumor Service, Children's Cancer Hospital, The University of Texas M. D., Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA. peggyharding@sbcglobal.net
authors.forename: Margaret
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pearson
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001859:Bone Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing*; D002648:Child; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D006801:Humans; D044623:Nutrition Therapy; D012516:Osteosarcoma / Q000451:nursing*; D010148:Intractable Pain / Q000451:nursing; D013280:Stomatitis / Q000451:nursing