EFEK PEMBERIAN AROMATERAPI ESSENTIAL OIL CHAMOMILE UNTUK MENGATASI NAUSEA PADA PASIEN CARCINOMA MAMMAE DI RUANG SEMERU RSUD Dr. SAIFUL ANWAR

Background: Nausea is one of the most common side effects experienced by breast cancer patients after undergoing chemotherapy. It can reduce the patient's quality of life and interfere with the continuity of treatment. Non-pharmacological interventions such as chamomile aromatherapy have the potential to serve as safe and easy-to-apply supportive therapies by nurses.
Method: This study employed a descriptive research design using a case study approach on a 49-year-old female patient diagnosed with carcinoma mammae sinistra who experienced moderate nausea (RINVR score of 10) following chemotherapy. The intervention consisted of inhalation of chamomile essential oil once daily at 7:00 PM for three consecutive days. Evaluation was carried out using the Rhodes Index of Nausea, Vomiting, and Retching (RINVR) before and three hours after each intervention.
Results: The RINVR score decreased progressively over the intervention period. On the first day, the score decreased from 10 to 9; on the second day, from 9 to 7; and on the third day, from 7 to 5. The patient reported reduced nausea intensity, improved comfort, increased appetite, and better sleep quality.
Conclusion: Chamomile aromatherapy was proven effective in reducing nausea complaints in breast cancer patients after chemotherapy. This intervention can be considered a part of supportive nursing care and applied in oncology nursing practice.