Cancer Flashcards
Cancer
Cancer is an abnormal growth of cells
Metastasis
When the cancer cells travels from the original location to a new place
What acronym is used to describe the warning sign of cancer
C.A.U.T.I.O.N
What do the letters stand for in caution
C-change in bowel or bladder A-any sore that does not heal U-unusual bleeding or discharge T-thickening in the breast I-indigestion O-obvious change in wart N-nagging cough or hoarseness
What are the two ways to describe a tumor
By grading or staging
What is Grading
Grading describes a Tumor by the cells
What is staging
Staging describe the progression of a tumor by the clinical symptoms
What are the three types of radiation treatment
External Unsealed
Internal sealed
Internal
What is the most dangerous type of radiation
Sealed internal radiation
Because a solid radiation implant is placed inside the tumor
What precautions must be taken for a client receiving radiation treatment
- ) private room/bathroom
- ) place sign at door and bedside
- )rotate nursing staff who provide care
- ) limit visitors
What additional precautions must be taken for clients receiving sealed internal radiation
All body fluids are radioactive so use hazardous cleanup, glove/gown
What should you do if a clients sealed internal implant falls out
Pick it up with a long handle forceps and place it in a lead container
Chemotherapy works by destroying the
Cell walls
What are the 5 side effects of chemotherapy
- Anorexia
- Alopecia-hair loss
- Nausea
- Sterility-
- Decrease bone marrow and platelets
Why is metoclopramide (reglan) given
To reduce nausea
Is alopecia from chemotherapy permanent
No it temporary
Is the sterility from chemotherapy permanent
Yes
Clients with cancer will also need
Neutropenic precautions
What are neutropenic precautions?
Strick handwashing No visitors who are sick No children No raw foods, no live plants No free standing water
No neupogen (filgrastim)?
Why should you monitor for while give it ?
Drugs used to treat neutropenia
Monitor WBCs
When is the best time to do a self breast exam?
1 week after menstruation
What is the best time to do a testicular self exam?
The same day each month
If a client has a mastectomy, can you take a blood pressure on the affected side?
No BPs no IVs
List some other mastectomy patient education tips.
No initial exercise after surgery
Elevate affected extremity
Encourage discussion for positive self
