Abstract
Nausea and vomiting are among the most distressing and feared side effects of pediatric oncology patients who are receiving chemotherapy (Hawkins & Grunberg, 2009). In order to enhance quality of life in pediatric oncology patients and prevent physical and psychological consequences of nausea and vomiting, the American Academy of Pediatrics recognizes the importance of controlling physical symptoms in children with cancer (Palliative Care for Children, 2000). Guidelines have been put in place by the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC), which recommend prevention of nausea and vomiting by incorporation of antiemetic therapy and behavioral therapy when the feeling of nausea arises (Dupuis, Roscoe, Olver, Aapro, & Molassiotis, 2016). To effectively assess and control nausea and vomiting in the pediatric oncology population, an easy to understand pictorial scale can be utilized in children and adolescents receiving chemotherapy. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to introduce a pictorial screening tool to prevent, evaluate and treat nausea that leads to vomiting in the pediatric oncology population by utilizing a standardized assessment tool.