cancer management Flashcards
what are common treatments for cancer?
surgery, radiation therapy, and medical treatment (chemo, medication, etc)
what are the conditions for a patient to have surgical management for cancer?
can be the only treatment if the cancer is localized and no other treatment is indicated or be part of treatment that includes chemo and radiation
what is external beam radiation therapy?
radiation therapy that uses a linear accelerator
what is internal radiation therapy?
also called brachytherapy or seed implants; involves placing radioactive sources inside the patient; patient is placed on radiation precautions
important considerations for radiation precautions
HCP must limit the time spent in direct contact with the patient, use shielding if available, wear a film badge whenever delivering care to the patient, when removing the radiation source place it in a lead container using forceps and wearing lead gloves
what is a stem cell transplant?
a procedure that restores blood-forming stem cells in cancer patients that have had high doses of chemo or radiation
what is targeted therapy?
cancer treatment that targets the changes in cancer cells that help them grow, divide, and spread
what is hormone therapy?
treatment of hormones that will slow or stop the growth of breast and prostate cancers that thrive off of hormones to grow in size
what is one of the most common problems with IV chemotherapy?
IV infiltration
what is an extravasation?
this occurs when there is an accidental infiltration of a chemo drug into the surrounding IV site
what are vesicants?
agents that can cause tissue destruction and/or blistering
what is neoadjuvant therapy?
treatment given prior to the primary treatment with the goal of shrinking the tumor or prevention of metastasis
what is adjuvant therapy?
additional treatment to the primary treatment to maximize effectiveness
common side effects from chemo and radiation therapy?
bone marrow suppression, fatigue, GI disturbance, integumentary/mucosal reactions, pulmonary effects, and reproductive effects
what labs should the nurse monitor during cancer treatment?
CBC, CMP
how can a nurse manage the chief complaint of fatigue associated with cancer treatment?
maintain nutrition and hydration status; develop a routine that involves mild to moderate exercise as tolerated (30 minutes of walking per day)
nursing diagnosis relating to fatigue from chemo
fatigue, activity intolerance
nursing management of integumentary effects from cancer treatment
avoid ice packs or heat
gentle cleansing with tepid water
avoid tight clothes/harsh chemicals/deodorants
apply 100% aloe ointment given by treatment center or OTC; or prescribed topical steroid
protect from sun
no ETOH, perfume, or additives on skin
nursing diagnosis relating to integumentary effects from cancer treatment
risk for (or) impaired skin integrity
nursing management of GI effects from cancer treatment
use saliva sub. , drink H2O frequently, have hard candies for dry mouth
soft, non-irritating, high protein, high calorie foods
avoid ingesting extreme temperatures, ETOH, tobacco, spicy/acidic foods
extra soft toothbrushes for oral care
pain relief for oral ulcers (lidocaine, local anesthetic gel)
monitor weights to avoid malnutrition from anorexia and satiety
encourage nutritional supplements
cold/room temp foods for nausea
avoid gas forming foods
nursing management for N/V related to cancer treatment
prophylactic antiemetics given PRN
avoid triggers such as strong odors
assess S&S of dehydration
anorexia-cachexia syndrome in cancer
suppression of appetite
diverting nutrition for its own use
loss of taste (dysgeusia)
altered taste
nursing diagnosis relating to anorexia cachexia syndrome
inadequate nutrition and altered taste sensation
pulmonary effects of cancer treatment
fibrosis, dyspnea on exertion
