2-B-2,3,4: Blood Work & Interventions Flashcards
What does a CBC (complete blood count) assess?
It assesses the amount of red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets.
What does BUN (blood urea nitrogen) evaluate?
It evaluates kidney and liver function.
What does creatinine measure in the blood?
It measures the amount of creatinine in the blood, which evaluates kidney function.
What does high levels of creatinine indicate?
It indicates that the kidneys are not filtering properly.
What can alter blood counts?
Other health issues or if the kidneys and/or liver are not functioning properly.
How can chemotherapy and radiation therapy affect blood values?
They can cause changes in blood values, such as myelosuppression.
What is myelosuppression?
It is a decrease in white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets caused by chemotherapy.
What occurs when more than 25 percent of bone marrow is within the radiation treatment field?
Bone marrow depression occurs.
Where is most bone marrow located?
Most bone marrow is located in the pelvis.
Where else is bone marrow commonly found?
It is commonly located in the vertebrae and long bones of the extremities.
What is a common dietary-related issue for patients receiving radiation therapy?
Weight loss is a common problem.
What does weight loss signify in patients?
It signifies tissue loss.
What is anorexia in the context of cancer patients?
It is the loss of appetite that leads to weight loss.
What condition can anorexia lead to?
It can lead to cancer cachexia.
What is cachexia?
Cachexia is malnutrition and wasting due to an illness.
What are common symptoms associated with cachexia?
Common symptoms include early satiety, electrolyte imbalance, and water imbalance.
What is a potential consequence of radiation therapy and chemotherapy?
They can cause certain digestive issues.
What symptoms might patients experience if receiving radiation therapy to the head, neck, or chest?
Patients may experience a sore throat.
What difficulties might arise from soreness in the mouth due to radiation therapy?
It can cause difficulty chewing and swallowing.
How can a sore and irritated mouth or throat affect a patient’s health?
It can lead to difficulties with eating and therefore weight loss.
What complications can arise from radiation therapy to the thorax?
It can cause esophagitis and dysphagia.
When can patients notice complications from thoracic radiation therapy?
These complications can be noticed within the first three weeks of treatment.
What symptoms might patients experience from radiation therapy to the abdominal region?
Patients may experience diarrhea, nausea, and/or vomiting.
What can diarrhea lead to in patients undergoing radiation therapy?
It can cause poor appetite, dehydration, weakness, and/or weight loss.
What factors influence dietary-related side effects during radiation therapy?
They differ depending on radiation dose, treatment site, and use of chemotherapy.
Who should evaluate a patient’s nutritional status during treatment?
Nurses and nutrition specialists should evaluate the patient’s nutritional status.
When should baseline data on a patient’s nutritional status be obtained?
Baseline data should be obtained on the first physical examination.
What dietary education should patients receive early in their treatment?
Patients should receive dietary education from a specialist to prevent or minimize effects.
What type of diets are encouraged for patients undergoing radiation therapy?
High-calorie and high-protein diets are encouraged.
When should radiation therapists refer patients to a nurse or nutritional specialist?
If changes in weight are noticed, especially if the patient loses 5% of their body weight in one month or 10% in six months.
How often should a patient’s weight be checked during treatment?
The patient’s weight should be checked weekly.
What is hyperalimentation?
Hyperalimentation is nutrients given through IV for patients who are weak and malnourished.
What difficulties might patients receiving radiation treatment to the head experience?
They are likely to experience difficulty swallowing.
What might some patients need if they cannot swallow properly?
Some patients may need a PEG (percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy) tube.
What can patients who do not get a PEG tube need to tolerate eating meals?
They may need a prescription mouth rinse.
What changes might patients experience in addition to difficulty swallowing?
They may experience a change in taste and saliva levels.
How long can it take for patients to notice improvements in their taste?
It can take six months or longer.
What dietary recommendations are there for managing a sore mouth?
Patients should eat soft, bland foods that are cold or at room temperature.
How should a patient manage a sore throat?
The patient should eat soft, bland foods that are semi-solid and easy to swallow.
What dietary approach may help a patient avoid discomfort with a sore throat?
Eating smaller, more frequent meals may help the patient avoid discomfort.
How should a patient manage nausea?
The patient should eat several small meals that are bland and dry, and drink beverages that have calories and nutrients and provide hydration.
What should a patient do to manage diarrhea?
The patient should drink fluids and eat foods with sodium and potassium, and avoid foods that are high in fiber.
What may be required to manage nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea caused by radiation therapy?
Prescription medications may be required to manage these symptoms best.
What evaluations do patients undergo prior to starting radiation treatments?
Patients have a physical exam and are evaluated on height, weight, body mass index (BMI), muscle tone, skin, appearance, and performance status.
How often are patients monitored during treatment visits?
Patients are typically monitored by a nurse and doctor once per week.
What assessments are made during treatment visits?
The patient’s weight and vital signs are taken, and they are assessed for any signs or symptoms resulting from radiation therapy.
What specific signs or symptoms are patients examined for during treatment visits?
Patients are examined for skin erythema, pain, esophagitis, and asked if they are feeling tired, weak, or nauseated.
Where is all information documented during treatment visits?
All information is documented in the patient’s chart.
