Dealing with Oncology Emergencies

Abstract

Oncologic emergencies are often classified as a group of metabolic abnormalities correlated with the diagnosis of cancer or the initiation of chemotherapy for treatment. Oncologic emergencies can occur at any time throughout the course of a malignancy, from the presenting sign to end-stage disease. Therefore, every health care provider should be aware of the signs and symptoms of oncologic urgencies and emergencies and initial management. Every clinician and nurses must understand oncologic emergencies and urgencies, because early diagnosis, appropriate treatment and consultation are critically important to preservation of function, quality of life, improve prognosis reestablishment of vital function and sometimes even preservation of life. Thus, it is possible for an effective quality nursing care, through prevention of clinical complications and providing comfort to patients and their families.