Controversy exists among clinicians and caregivers as to whether reduced fluid intake contributes to the suffering of those dying of advanced cancer. This study explored the distribution of proposed "dehydration state" symptoms among inpatient palliative care cancer patients. Fifty-two subjects responded to a seven item self-report questionnaire using visual analogue scales. Associations were determined between the symptom self-reports and the possible predictor variables fluid intake, serum sodium, urea and osmolality. Confounding variables considered were age, oral disease and mouth care regime. Mean symptom ratings (range 0-100 mm) were: thirst 53.8, dry mouth 60.0, bad taste 46.6, nausea 24.0, pleasure to drink 61.6, fatigue 61.8, and pain 33.5. No significant association was determined between symptom ratings and the predictor or confounding variables. Although the symptoms appear to be rated moderately severe, there was no demonstrable association between severity and fluid intake, the key concern of clinicians and families.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:QMM.60446 |
| Date | January 1990 |
| Creators | Burge, Frederick |
| Publisher | McGill University |
| Source Sets | Library and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Coverage | Master of Science (Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics.) |
| Rights | All items in eScholarship@McGill are protected by copyright with all rights reserved unless otherwise indicated. |
| Relation | alephsysno: 001215080, proquestno: AAIMM67593, Theses scanned by UMI/ProQuest. |
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