Providing patient education is an essential aspect of nursing
care. Pediatric oncology nurses must first assess the
pediatric oncology patients’ and families’ levels of understanding
before beginning the education process.
Pediatric oncology patients, and especially their family
members, should understand what TLS is, what its symptoms
are, and the prophylactic measures and treatment
interventions it requires (Held-Warmkessel, 2010).
Because of the complexity of the clinical syndrome and
its treatment, continuous instruction from pediatric oncology
nurses may be required to enhance the family members’
understanding and to allay their anxieties. In
particular, pediatric oncology nurses should tell the families
of patients at risk of developing TLS to avoid foods
that are high in phosphate (including carbonated drinks or
milk and cheese products) and foods high in potassium
(such as bananas, oranges, tomatoes, and chocolate)