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Symptom management: loss of concentration
1School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109-0482, USA.
Objective:
To review the loss of the ability to concentrate in individuals with cancer, the risk factors, and nursing approaches to support and improve attentional functioning.
Data Sources:
Published articles and books pertaining to concentration, central nervous system toxicity, attentional fatigue, and cognitive dysfunction.
Conclusions:
Multiple factors related to cancer, its treatment, and the demands of a life-threatening illness increase the risk for loss of concentration and attentional fatigue.
Implications For Nursing Practice:
Nurses can assess potential loss of concentration by observation and objective and subjective measures. Attention can be conserved by reducing environmental demands and applying attention-restoring strategies.