[Theory of unpleasant symptoms: support for the management of symptoms in children and adolescents with cancer].
OBJECTIVE
To present an overview of the clusters of neuropsychological symptoms in children and adolescents with cancer from the perspective of the Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms.


METHODS
A theoretical and reflective study based on international literature and the critical analysis of the authors.


RESULTS
In scientific literature, there is scarcity of international studies and an absence of studies in Brazil regarding the neuropsychological symptom clusters in children and adolescents with cancer. The theory of unpleasant symptoms is consistent because it emphasizes the complexity and interaction of the symptoms, the interrelationship between symptoms, the factors that influence symptoms, and the results and consequences of symptoms, thus supporting the planning of nursing interventions in paediatric oncology.


CONCLUSIONS
It is essential to update knowledge on this subject and discuss the theories that support research and the clinical practice of symptom management in order to better qualify nursing care.
Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil.
Luís Carlos
LC
Lopes-Júnior
Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil.
Emiliana
E
de Omena Bomfim
Departamento de Enfermagem Materno-Infantil e Saúde Pública, Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil.
Lucila Castanheira
LC
Nascimento
Departamento de Enfermagem Materno-Infantil e Saúde Pública, Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil.
Gabriela
G
Pereira-da-Silva
Departamento de Enfermagem Materno-Infantil e Saúde Pública, Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil.
Regina Aparecida Garcia
RA
de Lima
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D055809:Illness Behavior; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology*; D063189:Symptom Assessment