Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia
Corso di laurea in infermieristica - Sede di Modena
| Thesis Title | Radiotherapy: prevention, nursing management of side effects and psychological support of the person. Proposal for a brochure. |
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| Name | Santunione Beatrice |
| Supervisor(s) | Monti Cinzia |
| Academic Year | 2016/17 |
| Thesis type | Non research thesis |
Abstract
Radiotherapy is an oncology treatment used to reduce or eliminate cancer cells.
The complications that occur towards the body are manifold and may rise un-dergoing treatment or in a later time, immediate or not.
Depending on the radiated area, several side effects and complications may occur, the onset of which also depends on the person's general condition.
The most common is radiodermatitis, skin reactions caused by X-rays of ioniz-ing radiation.
Beside this physical manifestation, psychological repercussions are often de-bilitating, and have a significant impact on the sexual sphere and quality of life, such as women subjected to pelvic radiotherapy.
The nurse needs to know the patient thoroughly in order to empathize with her, give her the psychological support she needs and respect the privacy at its most, trying at the same time to deepen the more intimate aspects of her oncology treat-ment.
During the information and education process, the nurse can use brochures, which represent a written support to the information provided and allow the person to process them personally, reflecting on any doubts and have the possibility to sub-mit them to the staff during subsequent meetings.