Special nursing considerations

Abstract

Caring for a critically ill patient with cancer requires another dimension of care when compared with caring for patients in a general ICU. The oncology critical care staff deals with an acute event and with the multidimensional aspects of care of a patient with a cancer diagnosis. Goals of care include a reduction in the number and severity of disease- and treatment-related adverse sequelae. Effective management requires a multidisciplinary approach to care. Skilled and knowledgeable care and communication among all members of the team are essential to prevent, minimize, and treat these symptoms and to achieve optimal patient outcomes.