Palliative Care at the End of Life.

OBJECTIVES To describe the process of symptom management in the care of oncology patients with advanced cancer. DATA SOURCES Journal articles, evidence-based reviews, textbooks, and clinical guidelines. CONCLUSION Symptom management is an essential component of oncology nursing practice that improves quality of life for patients and families throughout the cancer trajectory. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE Effective symptom management requires that oncology nurses holistically assess the patient's symptom experience and goals of care, formulate specific symptom diagnoses, and develop, implement, and evaluate the outcomes of an evidence-based plan of care that is individualized and acceptable to the patient.