Planning nursing care for a patient diagnosed with testicular cancer by using International Classification for Nursing Practice (ICNP®)

Abstract

Testicular cancer is the most common malignancy in young men and its prevalence is increasing all over the world. The diagnosis of such a life-threatening disease at a relatively young age may have a considerable devastating impact on numerous spheres of everyday functioning. Although testicular cancer treatment is highly effective, in some cases only symptomatic treatment is possible, an integral part of which is specialist nursing care. This study aimed to present the possibility of using the terminology of the International Classification for Nursing Practice (ICNP®) in planning nursing care for a hospice patient suffering from advanced testicular cancer. An analysis of medical records allowed for developing a patient's case and then formulating a plan of nursing care considering diagnoses concerning biopsychosocial functioning and nursing intervention. Moreover, the study highlights typical problems of patients in the period of dying as well as the role of a nurse in hospice care.