Nausea and vomiting in end-of-life care: managing this debilitating symptom in the community.

Abstract

Nausea and vomiting (N&V) are common, debilitating and distressing symptoms for patients with advanced cancer, precipitating admission to hospital for intravenous antiemetic and re-hydration (Glare et al, 2011). The causes of N&V in end-of-life care (EOLC) are multifaceted, with appropriate therapy guided by thorough assessment (Walsh et al, 2017; Watson et al, 2019). Cyclizine and levomepromazine can, depending on aetiology, be cited as effective antiemetic agents for patients with advanced cancer (Ingleton and Larkin, 2015; Watson et al, 2019). Conversely, careful consideration of the use of dexamethasone for the management of N&V in EOLC should be taken, due to known side effects (Ferrel and Paice, 2019). This case study will use a systematic approach to critically appraise the management of N&V, experienced by a community patient receiving EOLC from the district nurses.

• Authors: Rebecca Baldwin
• Journal: British journal of community nursing (Br J Community Nurs) Vol. 27 Issue 4 Pg. 180-186 (Apr 02 2022) ISSN: 1462-4753 [Print] England
• PMID: 35353587 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antiemetics

Topics

• Antiemetics (therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Nausea (drug therapy)
• Neoplasms (complications, drug therapy)
• Terminal Care
• Vomiting (drug therapy)