Evaluation of symptoms in patients hospitalized in intensive care unit

SUMMARYThe aim of the study was to assess the symptoms of cancer patients during mechanical ventilation, who were being treated at the intensive care following major surgical intervention, and to determine the care needs of the cancer patients in intensive care units. The study adopted a descriptive design. The sample was comprised of 60 cancer patients who were mechanically ventilated for 1-2 hour(s), who were not being sedated, who were conscious and who were willing to participate into the study. A total 8 nurses, who provided direct care to the patient sample, were included in to study. The study was conducted at one private hospital in Istanbul. In addition to patients? reports, the nurse sample rated their perceptions about their patients? symptoms. The study was done between April and July 2011. The data were gathered using Patient Information Form and Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale. Mean age of the sample was 62.28 ± 15.02 (range: 27 - 86), 60% (n = 36) were males, and 66.7% (n = 40) were married. More than fifteen percent of the sample (16.7%) were diagnosed with pancreas cancer, 13.3% (n=8) colorectal cancer, and 13.3% (n=8) stomach cancer, 26.7% (n=16) underwent chemotherapy. Sample was predominantly diagnosed with stage II cancer (41.7%) or stage III cancer (40%). Patients? mean scores of Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale were 55.17 ± 26.16 (range: 10 -112). Nurses? assessments scores of Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale were 55.48 ± 27.13 (range: 7 ? 120). Study found no statistical differences between scores of patients? symptom assessments and nurses? assessments regarding patients? symptoms, except Pain symptom (p > 0.05). Patients had higher pain scores than nurses? perceptions regarding pain in patients (Z = - 2.311, p = 0.021). Study showed that systematic and close symptom assessments in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy should be an integral part of the nursing reports, and it is very important for nurses working at oncology units to assess patients? symptoms related to the cancer itself or treatment.Keywords: Intensive care, symptom assessment, ventilator.