The management of nausea and vomiting in advanced cancer

Nausea and vomiting represent a significant problem in patients with advanced cancer, which not only affects their quality of life but also the lives of informal carers. The application of nursing assessment tools, underpinned by a thorough knowledge regarding the physiology and aetiology of nausea and vomiting in this group of patients enables nurses to plan and provide effective interventions, in collaboration with other members of the multidisciplinary team. This article describes the physiological basis of nausea and vomiting. Epidemiological data informs the subsequent discussion, which focuses on assessment in terms of identifying the problem and its cause(s), setting goals with the patient and his/her carers, planning appropriate nursing intervention to support medical interventions and evaluating clinical outcomes. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for nausea and vomiting are discussed.