The application of functional health pattern for pediatric patients with Osteosarcoma: A case study

Abstract

Osteosarcoma is the most common malignant bone tumor in adolescents and leads to bone pain. This disease can spread to other parts of bones. When getting through the lungs, the disease can cause death in most of these pediatric patients. The treatment involves surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or combination therapy. These cures may lead to patients' loss of limbs, affecting self-image. This resulted in both physical and mental problems. To reduce suffering from the symptoms and the adverse effects of treatment, nurses play an important role in providing care for these children; to maintain body structures and functions, prevent complications, and promote physical rehabilitation. This article illustrates nursing care for pediatric patients with Osteosarcoma by applying Gordon's 11 Functional Health Patterns. The content comprises Osteosarcoma, Gordon's 11 Functional Health Pattern, guidelines for the application of Functional Health Pattern in nursing care for pediatric patients with Osteosarcoma, and case study; in order for nurses to be able to assess health status of pediatric patients with Osteosarcoma, and provide the appropriate nursing care; which in turns, enhances good quality of life for both patients and caregivers.