Managing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in oncology patients

Abstract

Advanced practice nurses (APNs) play a key role in symptom management for cancer patients. Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is one of the most distressing symptoms experienced by cancer patients and often continues to be uncontrolled even with the use of antiemetic medications. Advanced practice nurses can play a role in the integration of natural alternative complementary (NAC) therapies with conventional treatment for symptom management in cancer patients. The purpose of this study was to answer the research questions: 1. Are APNs assessing and treating CINV? 2. Are APNs knowledgeable about NAC therapies for CINV? 3. What specific interventions are APNs using for CINV? 4. Are APNs knowledgeable about acupuncture for CINV? This study used the theory of comfort proposed by Katharine Kolcaba as a framework to assess the interventions nurse practitioners are using to ensure comfort in oncology patients. For nursing, the theory presents a holistic approach to symptom management. The researcher used a descriptive design. The researcher used a convenience sample of 108 APNs in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Data were collected through a questionnaire asking about the preferred interventions for CINV, including acupuncture. The APNs? reasons for using the pharmacological and NAC therapy interventions were also explored. Participants were asked about their interest in acupuncture as an alternative method for managing CINV. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and narrative analysis.