Perceptions of Nutrition Support in Pediatric Oncology Patients and Parents
This study provides health care professionals an initial opportunity to understand perceptions of EN and PN, which may provide a foundation for a multi-institutional study and enhance patient and family education. (Source: Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing)
Source: Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing - March 18, 2013 Category: Nursing Authors: Montgomery, K., Belongia, M., Haddigan Mulberry, M., Schulta, C., Phillips, S., Simpson, P. M., Nugent, M. L. Tags: Articles Source Type: research

Development of an Evidence-Based Clinical Guideline for Age-Appropriate Screening, Prevention, and Management of Bone Abnormalities in Children Post-Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant
Musculoskeletal complaints, pain, and weakness are common among children post–hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). Bone abnormalities include decreased bone mineral density and avascular necrosis, both affecting ambulation and quality of life for survivors. Several risk factors for both disorders among adults have been described along with suggested interventions. However, similar recommendations for screening and management of bone abnormalities among children and adolescents post-HSCT are not clearly defined. A review of the literature using PubMed, CINAHL, National Guideline Clearinghouse, and Cochrane Colle...
Source: Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing - March 18, 2013 Category: Nursing Authors: McDonald, L., Luke, J., Jude, V., Chan, K., Cuellar, N. Tags: Articles Source Type: research

Managing Hypersensitivity to Asparaginase in Pediatrics, Adolescents, and Young Adults
Hypersensitivity reactions to chemotherapeutic drugs have been documented for numerous cancer therapies. Clinical hypersensitivity to Escherichia coli asparaginase has been reported to range from 0% to 75%. Throughout the United States, nurses assume frontline responsibility for the assessment of asparaginase-related hypersensitivity reactions. It is essential that nurses educate themselves on the signs and symptoms of asparaginase-related hypersensitivity reactions as well as current supportive care approaches. The purpose of this review is to summarize acute lymphoblastic leukemia and the role of asparaginase and the pat...
Source: Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing - March 18, 2013 Category: Nursing Authors: Shinnick, S. E., Browning, M. L., Koontz, S. E. Tags: Articles Source Type: research

Single-Parent Caregivers of Children with Cancer: Factors Assisting With Caregiving Strains
Conclusions: Participants reported their need for more social-emotional, practical, and financial support to assist them with their caregiving duties. We recommend that hospitals provide education to describe (a) supports available to families and (b) parental caregiver needs to families’ support networks. Further research is needed to identify limitations of the current public benefit schemes for caregivers. (Source: Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing)
Source: Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing - January 31, 2013 Category: Nursing Authors: Rosenberg-Yunger, Z. R. S., Granek, L., Sung, L., Klaassen, R., Dix, D., Cairney, J., Klassen, A. F. Tags: Articles Source Type: research

Understanding Pediatric Palliative Care: What It Is and What It Should Be
Advancing pediatric palliative care is desperately needed to support the physical, emotional, cultural, spiritual, and psychosocial needs of children and families who live with life-threatening illnesses. Although educational resources and standards of practice related to this topic have been developed, dissemination and implementation of programs have been slow to progress. The purpose of this case study is to present the lived experiences of an adolescent with leukemia and his family to illustrate how health care providers may benefit from receiving enhanced palliative and end-of-life care education. (Source: Journal of ...
Source: Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing - January 31, 2013 Category: Nursing Authors: O'Shea, E. R., Bennett Kanarek, R. Tags: Articles Source Type: research

Assessment of Voluntary Exercise Behavior and Active Video Gaming Among Adolescent and Young Adult Patients During Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
This pilot study sought to examine the exercise behavior and preferences among adolescent and young adult (AYA) hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients. Eighteen patients aged 19 to 25 years were recruited to engage in unsupervised exercise activities lasting at least 60 minutes/week during hospitalization for HSCT. Enrolled patients had access to standard exercise activities (walking, resistance training, and basketball) and active video gaming equipment. Physical function (6-Minute Walk Test and Timed-Up-and-Go test) and quality of life (Behavioral, Affective, and Somatic Experiences Scale) were assessed at ...
Source: Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing - January 31, 2013 Category: Nursing Authors: Rosipal, N. C., Mingle, L., Smith, J., Morris, G. S. Tags: Articles Source Type: research

A Self-Care Retreat for Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurses
Pediatric hematology oncology nurses face a variety of stressors while working in this specialty field. Through hematology oncology staff group discussions, nurses identified a myriad physical and emotional stressors they experienced, and expressed concern regarding possible burnout. They described facing stressors related to experiencing loss, grief, moral and ethical dilemmas, and administering complex treatment regimens. To address these concerns, a hematology oncology nursing supportive care committee envisioned and implemented 3 off-site self-care retreats. The committee’s primary purpose was to create a therape...
Source: Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing - January 31, 2013 Category: Nursing Authors: Altounji, D., Morgan, H., Grover, M., Daldumyan, S., Secola, R. Tags: Articles Source Type: research

Clinical Practice Implications of Immunizations After Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant: A Literature Review
The number of pediatric bone marrow transplants is increasing for malignant and nonmalignant diseases. The number of survivors is also increasing, and their long-term health and protection from infection is increasingly important. To prevent infections, it is standard practice to re-immunize pediatric patients after bone marrow transplant (BMT) using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention immunization guidelines; however, surveys in the United States and other parts of the world indicate that many BMT patients do not receive all the recommended immunizations. A literature review was conducted to identify research b...
Source: Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing - January 31, 2013 Category: Nursing Authors: Luke, J. L., McDonald, L., Jude, V., Chan, K. W., Cuellar, N. G. Tags: Articles Source Type: research