Cancer Flashcards
True or False? Cancer is an abnormal growth of cells
True- growth of cells is uncontrolled
When the cancer cell travels from the original location to a new place, what is it called?
Metastasis
What acronym is used to describe the warning signs of cancer?
C.A.U.T.I.O.N.
What do the letters stand for?
C-hange in bowel or bladder A-ny sore that does not heal U-nusual bleedings/ discharge T-hickening in breast I-ndigestion O-bvious change in wart N-agging cough or hoarseness
What are the two ways to describe a tumor?
By grading or staging
What is the difference between the two?
Grading describes a tumor by the cells. Staging describes the progression of a tumor by the clinical symptom.
What are the three types of radiation treatment?
External unsealed; internal sealed; and internal
What precautions must be taken for a client receiving radiation treatment?
Private room/ bathroom
Limit visitors, rotate nursing staff who provide care, place sign at door and bedside
What is the most dangerous type of radiation?
Sealed internal radiation because a solid radioactive implant is placed inside the tumor
What additional precautions must be taken for clients receiving sealed internal radiation?
All body fluids are radioactive; use hazardous clean up, gloves/ gown.
If a client’s sealed internal implant falls out. (e.g., cervical implant), what should you do?
Pick it up with a long- handle forceps and put it in a lead container.
Chemotherapy works by destroying the cell___
wall
What are the side effects of chemotherapy?
Nausea, anorexia, alopecia sterility, decreased bone marrow and platelets
Why is Reglan (metoclopramide) given?
To reduce nausea
Is alopecia from chemotherapy permanent?
No it is temporary