adult 1: cancer + treatment

Question 1

What is cancer?

Answer 1

Cancer is uncontrolled and unregulated cell growth.

Question 2

What is Stage 0 in cancer staging?

Answer 2

Stage 0 represents cancer in situ, where cancer cells are localized and show no tendency to metastasize.

Question 3

What is Stage 1 in cancer staging?

Answer 3

Stage 1 refers to tumor growth limited to the originating tissue.

Question 4

What is Stage 2 in cancer staging?

Answer 4

Stage 2 indicates limited local spread of the tumor.

Question 5

What is Stage 3 in cancer staging?

Answer 5

Stage 3 indicates extensive local and regional spread of the tumor.

Question 6

What is Stage 4 in cancer staging?

Answer 6

Stage 4 refers to metastasis, where cancer has spread to distant parts of the body.

Question 7

What are the 4 most common sites of cancer metastasis?

Answer 7

The brain, lungs, liver, and bone.

Question 8

What is the TNM Classification System?

Answer 8

The TNM Classification System is used to describe the extent of cancer in terms of the primary tumor (T), regional lymph nodes (N), and distant metastases (M).

Question 9

What does T0 in the TNM classification mean?

Answer 9

T0 indicates no primary tumor, often used for liquid cancers.

Question 10

What does Tis in the TNM classification mean?

Answer 10

Tis refers to carcinoma in situ, where cancer cells are present but have not spread.

Question 11

What do T1-4 represent in the TNM classification?

Answer 11

T1-4 represent ascending degrees of increase in tumor size and invasiveness.

Question 12

What does Tx in the TNM classification mean?

Answer 12

Tx indicates that the tumor cannot be measured or found.

Question 13

What does N0 in the TNM classification mean?

Answer 13

N0 indicates no regional lymph node involvement.

Question 14

What do N1-4 represent in the TNM classification?

Answer 14

N1-4 represent ascending degrees of regional lymph node involvement.

Question 15

What does Nx in the TNM classification mean?

Answer 15

Nx indicates that regional lymph nodes cannot be assessed.

Question 16

What does M0 in the TNM classification mean?

Answer 16

M0 indicates no distant metastases.

Question 17

What do M1-4 represent in the TNM classification?

Answer 17

M1-4 represent ascending degrees of metastases.

Question 18

What does Mx in the TNM classification mean?

Answer 18

Mx indicates that distant metastases cannot be determined.

Question 19

What are the goals of cancer treatment?

Answer 19

The goals of cancer treatment are: 1) Cure (removing the source), 2) Control (keeping cancer contained), 3) Palliation (keeping the patient comfortable).

Question 20

Can palliative care be received alongside cancer treatment?

Answer 20

Yes, palliative care can be received at any stage of the disease and alongside treatment.

Question 21

What is hospice care?

Answer 21

Hospice care is provided for patients with a prognosis of less than 6 months to live and cannot occur alongside curative treatment.

Question 22

What does palliative care aim to do?

Answer 22

Palliative care provides support to the family before, during, and after death. It does not hasten or postpone death.

Question 23

What is the goal of surgery in cancer treatment?

Answer 23

The goal of surgery is to remove the tumor or reduce the risk of cancer development (e.g., cancer in situ, BRCA mastectomy).

Question 24

What is debulking surgery in cancer treatment?

Answer 24

Debulking surgery removes as much of the tumor as possible when it cannot be completely removed.

Question 25

What are supportive or palliative surgical interventions?

Answer 25

These are measures done to relieve symptoms, like inserting a PEG tube or central venous access device (chemotherapy port).

Question 26

What is radiation therapy's main function?

Answer 26

Radiation therapy destroys cancer cells by causing them to die or preventing them from dividing, with minimal exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.

Question 27

What is external beam radiation?

Answer 27

External beam radiation uses a beam of electrons that penetrates the body and directly targets the tumor.

Question 28

What is internal brachytherapy?

Answer 28

Internal brachytherapy involves placing radioactive seeds inside or near the tumor to deliver targeted radiation.

Question 29

How is the radiation dose determined?

Answer 29

The radiation dose depends on the sensitivity of the tumor, its size, and the surrounding normal tissues.

Question 30

What is the first nursing intervention in radiation therapy?

Answer 30

Ensure precise client positioning with immobilization devices.

Question 31

What are other nursing interventions during radiation therapy?

Answer 31

Assess the skin for dryness, blisters, breaks, erythema, and wet desquamation. Educate on avoiding prolonged sun exposure.

Question 32

What precautions are needed for radioactive patients?

Answer 32

Limit visitors to 30 minutes per day, and ensure visitors are at least 6 feet away from the source.

Question 33

What is chemotherapy?

Answer 33

Chemotherapy involves IV medications designed to damage cancer cell DNA and block cell mitosis to cure or increase survival rates.

Question 34

How is chemotherapy dosage determined?

Answer 34

The chemotherapy dose is based on the patient’s body surface area, weight, organ function, and previous responses to chemotherapy.

Question 35

What are some common side effects of chemotherapy?

Answer 35

Side effects include bone marrow suppression, anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, neutropenia, alopecia, anorexia, N/V, mucositis, and "chemo brain."

Question 36

What is a nursing intervention for chemotherapy-related anemia?

Answer 36

Administer erythropoietin to promote RBC creation.

Question 37

How can alopecia caused by chemotherapy be managed?

Answer 37

Apply a cold cap to the client’s scalp to prevent hair loss.

Question 38

What is a nursing intervention for chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting?

Answer 38

Administer antiemetics before chemotherapy and as needed.

Question 39

What is important for maintaining the chemotherapy port?

Answer 39

Change the chemotherapy port dressing as needed and educate the patient on not soaking the port.

Question 40

What should be included in a thorough chemotherapy assessment?

Answer 40

Regularly assess the patient's overall condition and response to treatment, checking for side effects like mucositis and bone marrow suppression.