2-B-2,3,4: Blood Work & Interventions Flashcards

1
Q

What does a CBC (complete blood count) assess?

A

It assesses the amount of red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets.

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2
Q

What does BUN (blood urea nitrogen) evaluate?

A

It evaluates kidney and liver function.

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3
Q

What does creatinine measure in the blood?

A

It measures the amount of creatinine in the blood, which evaluates kidney function.

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4
Q

What does high levels of creatinine indicate?

A

It indicates that the kidneys are not filtering properly.

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5
Q

What can alter blood counts?

A

Other health issues or if the kidneys and/or liver are not functioning properly.

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6
Q

How can chemotherapy and radiation therapy affect blood values?

A

They can cause changes in blood values, such as myelosuppression.

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7
Q

What is myelosuppression?

A

It is a decrease in white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets caused by chemotherapy.

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8
Q

What occurs when more than 25 percent of bone marrow is within the radiation treatment field?

A

Bone marrow depression occurs.

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9
Q

Where is most bone marrow located?

A

Most bone marrow is located in the pelvis.

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10
Q

Where else is bone marrow commonly found?

A

It is commonly located in the vertebrae and long bones of the extremities.

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11
Q

What is a common dietary-related issue for patients receiving radiation therapy?

A

Weight loss is a common problem.

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12
Q

What does weight loss signify in patients?

A

It signifies tissue loss.

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13
Q

What is anorexia in the context of cancer patients?

A

It is the loss of appetite that leads to weight loss.

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14
Q

What condition can anorexia lead to?

A

It can lead to cancer cachexia.

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15
Q

What is cachexia?

A

Cachexia is malnutrition and wasting due to an illness.

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16
Q

What are common symptoms associated with cachexia?

A

Common symptoms include early satiety, electrolyte imbalance, and water imbalance.

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17
Q

What is a potential consequence of radiation therapy and chemotherapy?

A

They can cause certain digestive issues.

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18
Q

What symptoms might patients experience if receiving radiation therapy to the head, neck, or chest?

A

Patients may experience a sore throat.

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19
Q

What difficulties might arise from soreness in the mouth due to radiation therapy?

A

It can cause difficulty chewing and swallowing.

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20
Q

How can a sore and irritated mouth or throat affect a patient’s health?

A

It can lead to difficulties with eating and therefore weight loss.

21
Q

What complications can arise from radiation therapy to the thorax?

A

It can cause esophagitis and dysphagia.

22
Q

When can patients notice complications from thoracic radiation therapy?

A

These complications can be noticed within the first three weeks of treatment.

23
Q

What symptoms might patients experience from radiation therapy to the abdominal region?

A

Patients may experience diarrhea, nausea, and/or vomiting.

24
Q

What can diarrhea lead to in patients undergoing radiation therapy?

A

It can cause poor appetite, dehydration, weakness, and/or weight loss.

25
Q

What factors influence dietary-related side effects during radiation therapy?

A

They differ depending on radiation dose, treatment site, and use of chemotherapy.

26
Q

Who should evaluate a patient’s nutritional status during treatment?

A

Nurses and nutrition specialists should evaluate the patient’s nutritional status.

27
Q

When should baseline data on a patient’s nutritional status be obtained?

A

Baseline data should be obtained on the first physical examination.

28
Q

What dietary education should patients receive early in their treatment?

A

Patients should receive dietary education from a specialist to prevent or minimize effects.

29
Q

What type of diets are encouraged for patients undergoing radiation therapy?

A

High-calorie and high-protein diets are encouraged.

30
Q

When should radiation therapists refer patients to a nurse or nutritional specialist?

A

If changes in weight are noticed, especially if the patient loses 5% of their body weight in one month or 10% in six months.

31
Q

How often should a patient’s weight be checked during treatment?

A

The patient’s weight should be checked weekly.

32
Q

What is hyperalimentation?

A

Hyperalimentation is nutrients given through IV for patients who are weak and malnourished.

33
Q

What difficulties might patients receiving radiation treatment to the head experience?

A

They are likely to experience difficulty swallowing.

34
Q

What might some patients need if they cannot swallow properly?

A

Some patients may need a PEG (percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy) tube.

35
Q

What can patients who do not get a PEG tube need to tolerate eating meals?

A

They may need a prescription mouth rinse.

36
Q

What changes might patients experience in addition to difficulty swallowing?

A

They may experience a change in taste and saliva levels.

37
Q

How long can it take for patients to notice improvements in their taste?

A

It can take six months or longer.

38
Q

What dietary recommendations are there for managing a sore mouth?

A

Patients should eat soft, bland foods that are cold or at room temperature.

39
Q

How should a patient manage a sore throat?

A

The patient should eat soft, bland foods that are semi-solid and easy to swallow.

40
Q

What dietary approach may help a patient avoid discomfort with a sore throat?

A

Eating smaller, more frequent meals may help the patient avoid discomfort.

41
Q

How should a patient manage nausea?

A

The patient should eat several small meals that are bland and dry, and drink beverages that have calories and nutrients and provide hydration.

42
Q

What should a patient do to manage diarrhea?

A

The patient should drink fluids and eat foods with sodium and potassium, and avoid foods that are high in fiber.

43
Q

What may be required to manage nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea caused by radiation therapy?

A

Prescription medications may be required to manage these symptoms best.

44
Q

What evaluations do patients undergo prior to starting radiation treatments?

A

Patients have a physical exam and are evaluated on height, weight, body mass index (BMI), muscle tone, skin, appearance, and performance status.

45
Q

How often are patients monitored during treatment visits?

A

Patients are typically monitored by a nurse and doctor once per week.

46
Q

What assessments are made during treatment visits?

A

The patient’s weight and vital signs are taken, and they are assessed for any signs or symptoms resulting from radiation therapy.

47
Q

What specific signs or symptoms are patients examined for during treatment visits?

A

Patients are examined for skin erythema, pain, esophagitis, and asked if they are feeling tired, weak, or nauseated.

48
Q

Where is all information documented during treatment visits?

A

All information is documented in the patient’s chart.