DNP Projects

The Impact of a Nurse-Led Exercise Activity for Cancer-Related Fatigue in Patients With Leukemia

Laura Galunas

cancer-related fatigue, exercise therapy, symptom management
CJON 2022, 26(3), 257-260. DOI: 10.1188/22.CJON.257-260

Many patients with leukemia experience cancer-related fatigue (CRF). However, when patients are admitted for treatment with chemotherapy, clinicians often overlook CRF and interventions that can help to manage it. The purpose of this four-week intervention was to determine whether a nurse-led exercise activity would reduce CRF and increase physical activity compared to current practice. The results suggest that nurse-led exercise programs can immediately decrease CRF and increase activity in admitted patients with leukemia receiving chemotherapy. Including patients in nurse-led exercise activities can support active participation in their own care during and after hospitalization.

AT A GLANCE

  • CRF is treatable provided the patient is routinely screened using the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory.
  • Oncology nurses can independently implement an intervention to help improve CRF.
  • As patient activity increased, patient-reported CRF decreased.
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