ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on that patients with advanced cancer, the content is relevant to the care of people with other chronic and terminal conditions. It describes that a single approach cannot manage fatigue. Fatigue is a subjective feeling, and it is difficult to provide a succinct, undisputed definition. However, fatigue includes some or all of: physical symptoms; psychological symptoms; cognitive symptoms. To determine the prevalence of fatigue in palliative-care patients, Stone et al. compared a group of palliative-care patients with a control group of volunteers without cancer. Nurses can discuss the causes of fatigue—in particular the effects and side-effects of treatment, and the impact of stress and depression. Exercise and activity are vital aspects of fatigue management, and these should be encouraged, allowing for the capacity of the patient. Fatigue often receives only fleeting mention in the standard cancer publications available to patients and families. Education can reduce anxiety because it minimises the fear associated with poor or no preparation.
