Patterns of nausea and vomiting in children: nursing assessment and intervention

Although aggressive treatments for childhood cancer have resulted in an increased cure rate, increased incidence of treatment-related side effects also has occurred. Nausea and vomiting are two common side effects of cancer treatment in children. This clinical review discusses nursing issues related to the treatment of nausea and vomiting in children. Focus is placed on assessment, incidence and etiology of nausea and vomiting, patterns of nausea and vomiting, developmental influences on nursing intervention, innovative nursing strategies, behavioral interventions, specific antiemetic therapy, and home care. A need for further study of nausea and vomiting associated with childhood cancer treatment is identified.