Profile of patients with brain tumors and the role of nursing care.

Authors :: de Magalhães KC
Vaz JP
Gontijo PA
de Carvalho GT
Christo PP
Simões RT
da Silva KR
Source :: Revista brasileira de enfermagem [Rev Bras Enferm] 2016 Jan-Feb; Vol. 69 (1), pp. 138-43.
Publication Year :: 2016
Abstract: Objective: to describe the profile of 200 patients with central nervous system tumors (CNST), and the role of the nursing care.<br />Method: prospective, quantitative and descriptive analysis of medical records of 200 patients with TSNC.<br />Results: a total of 61% of our patients had benign CNST and 39% had malignant tumors. The extent of patient dependence, according to the Karnofsky Performance Status scale, was significantly greater for patients with malignant CNST (p < .05), indicating that these patients needed more support with their activities of daily living.<br />Conclusion: patients with CNST need specialized care, with specific guidance regarding their disease and aspects of daily living after treatment. Thus, the nurse can function as a key element for the effectiveness of care provided to patients and family members with the aim of enhancing the quality of life of all those affected, directly or indirectly, by the disease.