Date of Completion

2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Keywords

Leukemia, Older Adults, Nutritional Nursing Management, Assessment, Diet Therapy, Chemotherapy, Collaborative Approach

Abstract

Older adults with leukemia are particularly vulnerable to malnutrition due to age-related physiological changes, comorbidities, and treatment-related side effects. In the Philippines, this population faces compounded risks that significantly impact treatment outcomes and quality of life. Nutritional nursing management is a crucial component of care for this age group, yet current practices remain inconsistent, and knowledge gaps persist. This scoping review aimed to explore existing literature on nutritional nursing management by identifying common leukemia types in the older population, challenges nurses face, gaps in care and knowledge, and strategies involving assessment, diet therapy, chemotherapy, and collaboration. This study utilized a scoping review design guided by the PRISMA-ScR framework to explore and synthesize existing literature on nutritional nursing management for older adults with leukemia. The review focused on evidence-based strategies, challenges faced by nurses, and areas requiring further research. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across databases including PubMed, EBSCO, ScienceDirect, Mendeley, and Google Scholar using the PCC framework (Population, Concept, Context). A total of 19 articles were included and met the eligibility criteria for final inclusion, after the initial import of 14252 articles. The review identified several key findings: (1) Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) emerged as the most prevalent types in older adults, (2) nurses often face challenges such as knowledge gaps, emotional burden, and limited institutional support, (3) nutritional assessments like the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and PG-SGA were effective yet underutilized, and lastly, (4) diet therapy, nutritional support during chemotherapy, and multidisciplinary collaboration were common strategies. However, there was a lack of standardized, culturally relevant protocols, particularly within the Philippine context. Nutritional nursing management plays a critical role in improving outcomes for older adults with leukemia. Nurses are central to delivering effective nutritional care for older persons with leukemia, yet systemic and knowledge-based barriers hinder optimal practice. There is an urgent need for standardized guidelines, culturally aligned interventions, and enhanced education and training for nurses to ensure consistent, evidence based and holistic nutritional nursing management in this vulnerable population.

First Advisor

Rodney F. Suarez, RN, MSN, CLSSYB

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