Cancer

Question 1

Cancer

Answer 1

characterized by uncontrolled and unregulated growth of cells
(1) initiation - a mutation occurs in a cells DNA (activation of oncogenes - potential to cause cancer)
(2) promotion - mutated cells continue to proliferate forming a small cluster of abnormal cells
(3) progression - abnormal cells continue to divide and grow a forming tumor

Question 2

Benign neoplasms

Answer 2

tumours that are well differentiated (cells look similar to the tissue or origin. e.g. lung cells), usually encapsulated, rarely reoccur and metastasis is absent (cancer cells do NOT spread to other parts of the body)

Question 3

Malignant Neoplasms

Answer 3

tumours are usually undifferentiated, rarely encapsulated, frequently reoccur and are able to metastasize

Question 4

Development of cancer

Answer 4

origin of cancer may be genetic, chemical, environmental, viral, immunological

Question 5

TNM staging

Answer 5

(T) tumour size and invasiveness
spread to lymph nodes (N)
(M) metastasis

Question 6

Lung Cancer + Risk Factors

Answer 6

1 cancer killer in Canada

risk factors include tobacco smoking, second hand smoke, environmental and occupational factors (higher risk in urban areas), genetics, dietary (higher risk with diets low in fruits and vegetables)

Question 7

Lung Cancer clinical manifestations

Answer 7

cough (or change in chronic cough), dyspnea, blood-tinged sputum, reoccurent chest infections, wheezing, chest/shoulder pain (late manifestation), reoccurent fever, palpable lymph nodes

Question 8

DX of lung cancer

Answer 8

Chest xray, CT scan, sputum cytology, needle aspiration, scans for metastases (PET, MRI), ABGs, bronchoscopy (visualizes tracheobronchial tree)

Question 9

Lung Cancer TX

Answer 9

surgery -
chemotherapy -
radiation - kills cancer by using beams of high energy
palliation - may include some radiation

Question 10

Chemotherapy for lung cancer

Answer 10

WBC count goes down first - Nadir is a term for the lowest point in WBCs following each chemo cycle (maximal immunosuppression - highest risk for infection and fatigue).

Question 11

Cisplatin

Answer 11

chemo drug for lung cancer, usually administered by infusion
can cause toxicity in many areas of the body (liver, gastrointestinal, renal, cardio, nuero etc.)

Question 12

Etoposide

Answer 12

chemo drug for lung cancer, usually by infusion
side effects include infection, bruising, bleeding, sores in mouth which may cause difficulty swallowing, hair loss

Question 13

Nursing management of N/V with chemo

Answer 13

administer antiemetics (e.g. ondansetron) to help with N/V
eat smaller meals every 2-3 hours
avoid strong smells and foods
drink fluids between meals

Question 14

Nursing management of dyspnea with chemo

Answer 14

semi/high fowlers position
diaphragmatic and pursed lip breathing
decrease activity levels
utilize O2 therapy as needed
admin medications such as morphine - respiratory depressant
encourage maximum fluid intake to maintain hydration

Question 15

Thoracentesis

Answer 15

removes fluid or air from around the lungs - helps relieve chest discomfort and dyspnea in those with lung cancer.