What is a primary role of the oncology nurse in end-of-life care?

The primary role of the oncology nurse in end-of-life care centers around providing compassionate support and managing symptoms. This involves addressing not only the physical symptoms associated with the illness but also the emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs of the patient and their family. End-of-life care often focuses on comfort and quality of life rather than curative measures, and oncology nurses play a crucial role in facilitating this transition.

In this setting, the nurse helps patients navigate the complexities of their experience, including pain management, emotional support, and communicating the patient's wishes regarding their care. This support often includes educating families about what to expect as the patient's condition progresses and helping them to cope with the impending loss.

The other options reflect practices that may not align with the primary focus of end-of-life care. Administering chemotherapy at this stage would typically not be appropriate, as the goal shifts from aggressive treatment to enhancing quality of life. Encouraging aggressive treatments may conflict with the patient's wishes for comfort and peace, and while documentation is vital in nursing, it does not define the nurse's primary role in this specific context. Thus, providing compassionate support and symptom management is at the heart of an oncology nurse's responsibilities in end-of-life care.