Timely diagnosis of myeloma relies on laboratories performing the correct tests and flagging abnormal results to clinicians. In 2017, the UK National External Quality Assessment Service (UK NEQAS) and Myeloma UK collaborated on a questionnaire which was sent to UK laboratories to assess their practice in relation to diagnosis and monitoring of patients with myeloma.
General references for the nurse guide series, and those specific to each guide, are provided for here for further reading.
Myeloma patients have a greater risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE). This guide covers the symptoms of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, and the assessment, prevention, treatment and nursing management involved.
Steroids are drugs which mimic certain natural hormones in the body. They regulate metabolic, immunologic, cardiovascular, and homeostatic function.
Peripheral neuropathy is a side effect that can negatively impact patients’ activities and quality of life. This guide describes the symptoms, assessment, treatment and nursing management involved.
A common side effect of stem cell transplantation, mucositis can be painful and debilitating. This guide covers the symptoms that can occur, how mucositis is assessed and managed, and strategies to prevent or reduce its impact.
Bone marrow function is affected by myeloma and is a common side effect of many treatments. This guide outlines the symptoms, assessment, treatment and nursing management of myelosuppression in myeloma.
The kidneys are commonly affected by myeloma with potentially serious complications. This guide describes why kidney disease occurs, the assessment and monitoring of renal function, and the treatment and nursing management involved.
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and constipation are common side effects experienced by myeloma patients. This guide has information on the symptoms, assessment, treatment and nursing management involved.
Most patients with myeloma experience fatigue, particularly when on treatment. This guide has information on the causes of fatigue, how it is assessed and treated, and the nursing management involved.
