Nursing care for patients with oncological wounds

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the relevance of nursing care in the care of cancer wounds in patients under palliative care. Method: This is an integrative literature review carried out in October 2020, with articles published in the LILACS, MEDLINE and SCIELO databases in Portuguese, English and Spanish using the descriptors: Oncology Nursing; Cutaneous Ulcer; Wounds and Injuries; Oncology; Nursing Evaluation; Nursing care; Neoplastic Invasiveness; Neoplasms and Therapeutics. Results: The results obtained according to the analysis of the published articles indicate that among the 11 studies eligible for interpretation, only 10 fit for the research, in view of the agreement with the theme and objective of the study. Nursing care with oncological wounds minimizes signs and symptoms, promoting quality of life, since these wounds have a negative impact on the patient's self-image and self-acceptance in their health status. Social isolation and feelings of sadness, helplessness and humiliation accompany the patient affected by them, mainly due to the discomfort, pain and characteristic odor. Conclusion: The need for professional preparation during monitoring and assistance to these patients is understood, as technical and scientific knowledge through training is crucial. Being the nurse, the professional who deals with hygiene, skin and skin wounds daily, he must pay attention to the characteristics of the wound, assessing it and guiding patients and their families on the necessary care with it.