Abstract
Objectives: To examine symptom clusters in oncology patients; to determine if these symptom clusters might share a common biologic mechanism; and to describe potential biologic mechanisms that warrant investigation. Data Sources: Synthesis of the theoretical and research papers on symptom clusters. Conclusion: Definitive conclusions about whether there is a biologic basis for the clustering of symptoms cannot be determined at this time. The animal model of sickness behavior holds promise as a potential biologic mechanism for clustering symptoms. Implications for Nursing Practice: Until more definitive studies of symptom clusters are performed, clinicians need to monitor patients for the co-occurrence of multiple symptoms and develop appropriate management plans.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 99-105 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Seminars in Oncology Nursing |
Volume | 23 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - May 2007 |
Keywords
- Symptom clusters
- cluster analysis
- mechanisms
- symptom assessment
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Oncology(nursing)