9B: Cancer Complications Flashcards
What are three common complications from cancer?
- Pain
- Fatigue
- Skin issues
What are the causes of pain from cancer?
Pressure on nerves or displacement of nerves by tumors or cancer cells, metastasis to bone and organs, treatment
How do you treat pain from cancer?
Steroids if there is inflammation, opioids, massage, US, TENS - MD clearance
What causes fatigue with cancer?
Production of cytokines that trigger body’s response, abnormalities in adenosine or serotonin, side effects from treatment
How should you educate a pt who is experiencing fatigue from cancer?
What it does not mean that the disease is progressing
How will lymphedema develop with cancer?
Slow, progressive. Most commonly unilateral in UE
What does lymphedema put the pt at risk for?
Higher risk for DVT or infection
How can you assist with lymphedema management?
Massage, compression, AROM
What are the effects of scar tissue development?
Restrict motion, pain, edema, open wound issues
How do you treat the development of scar tissue?
Massage, ROM, stretching, may require surgical release
Why do hematologic cancers lead to immunosuppression?
Causes cytopenias which leads to a decreased immune response, also due to chemo
Why does chemo and other cancer meds lead to immunosuppression?
Kills WBCs and other leukocytes
What are the side effects of chemo?
Fatigue, hair loss, nausea, diarrhea, headache, aches
What are five cognitive impairments from cancer?
- Short term memory loss
- Word finding difficulties
- Problems with organization
- Multi-step tasks
- Slower processing speed
What emotional changes are associated with cancer?
Due to hormonal changes, more emotional, sad, depressed, anxious
