Cancer, Infectious, Immunocompromised Patient Flashcards
What is the nurses role for cancer patients?
-administration of treatment
-meet nursing care needs
-monitor progression
-educate owners
-palliative care
When is chemotherapy used?
-treatment
-or to prolong life
-varies to each individual
-costly
What safety precautions are followed when administering chemotherapy?
-prepared within fume cabinet
-ppe
-no eating or drinking
-no touching face
-follow written safety protocols
What side effects can chemotherapy cause?
-tissue damage
-liver damage
-chronic headaches
-reproductive problems
How can we be exposed to chemotherapy?
-needle stick injury
-inhalation
-direct contact on skin
-ingestion
-handling waste
How is chemotherapy administered?
-review patients records prior
-recheck dose calculation
-administer via well sited in dwelling catheter
-non-essential personnel removed from area
What records are kept for chemotherapy administration?
-BW
-drug and dosage
-route of administration and site
-identify administrator
-any sedation used
What precautions should be taken when handling chemo drugs?
-gowns, glasses, masks, double gloves
-hand hygiene
-low traffic area used
-washable counter and floor
-prep and administer in same area
-alternate administration sites
How should the area chemotherapy has been administered be decontaminated?
-bleach 2-3 times
-bedding double washed
-skin and eye decontamination
-chemo skill kit should be available
-waste disposed appropriately
How can we meet chemotherapy patient needs?
-reduce vomiting and nausea
-pain management
-nutritional and anorexia management
-owner education
What diet should chemo patients receive?
-high fat diet
-low carbohydrates
-high fibre
-maintain calorie intake and body condition
What owner education should be provided to patients receiving chemo?
-clear and precise, do not alarm
-explain adverse effects
(alopecia, nausea, diarrhoea, anorexia, allergic reactions, tissue damage)
-must treat excretions as hazardous
-good hand hygiene
-avoid walking in high traffic area
What are the principles followed when barrier nursing infectious/immunocompromised patients?
-follow practice protocols
-clear communication and signage
-specific staffing
-high level hygiene
-protocol for visitors and owners
What protocols should be followed when isolating patients?
-only essential staff allowed in isolation
-one nurse, not involved in other patient care
-paper disposable towels for hand drying and cleaning to reduce spread of infection
-specific equipment for isolation use only
-have separate waste bins
-use disposable bowls and trays
-ppe
-autoclave or dispose of equipment
