chemo and radiation and pain Flashcards
chemo
Cytotoxic medications that damage a cell’s DNA or destroy rapidly dividing cells.
adverse effects of chemo- related to
related to the unintentional harm done to normal rapidly proliferating cells, such as those found in the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, hair follicles, and bone marrow.
Agents that protect healthy cells (cytoprotectants or chemoprotectants) are given before or with chemotherapy to decrease the effect on normal tissues are:
amifostine and mesna
zofran
gut proflaxis
special mouthwash
preparing chemo
- Most chemotherapy medications, including oral, are absorbed through the skin and mucous membranes.
- Anyone preparing, giving or disposing of these medications must wear proper personal protective equipment.
- cytotoxic: can cause birth defects, special gloves, urine and stool disposed in chemo bin
routes of chemo
- Topical
- Oral: Oral medications should not be crushed, split, broken or chewed.
- IV
- Intra abdominal, intrathecal (spine), intrapleural (pleural space),
Intra ventricular, intra bladder
lines for chemo
- A central catheter is usually placed for chemotherapy or laboratory blood testing.
- Chemo can cause serious damage to the skin and muscle tissue if it infiltrates.
- Two of the more commonly used included PICC lines and implanted port.
- The implanted port is used when therapy is intended to be given on a long-term basis.
- needs blood checked constantly
- more people die from sepsis than cancer
complication: Immunosuppression/neutropenia due to
- Due to bone marrow suppression by cytotoxic medications
- The most significant adverse effect of chemotherapy
- serious
Immunosuppression/neutropenia nursing considerations body wise
- Monitor temperature, white blood cell (WBC) count, and absolute neutrophil count (ANC).
- A fever greater than 37.8° C (100° F) should be reported to the provider immediately.
Neutropenia nursing actions
- Monitor skin and mucous membranes for infection (breakdown, fissures, and abscess).
- Cultures should be obtained prior to initiating antimicrobial therapy.
- The risk of serious infection increases as the ANC falls.
- The nurse should implement neutropenic precautions, including placing the client in a private room.
An ANC less than 1,000/mm3 indicates a
weak immune system
Neutropenic Precautions
- Protect the client from possible sources of infection (plants, change water in equipment daily).
- Have client, staff, and visitors perform frequent hand hygiene. Restrict visitors who are ill.
- Avoid invasive procedures that could cause a break in tissue (rectal temperatures, injections, indwelling urinary catheters) unless necessary.
- Keep dedicated equipment (blood pressure machine, thermometer, stethoscope) in the client’s room.
- negative airflow
- toothbrush in dishwasher
Client Education for neutropenic
- Encourage the client to avoid crowds while undergoing chemotherapy.
- Take temperature daily. Report fever greater than 37.8° C (100° F) or other manifestations of bacterial or viral infections immediately to the provider.
- Avoid food sources that could contain bacteria (fresh fruits and vegetables; undercooked meat, fish, and eggs; pepper and paprika).
- Wash all dishes in hot, soapy water or a dishwasher. Wash glasses and cups after each use.
- Wash toothbrush daily in the dishwasher or rinse in a bleach solution.
complications: anemia
- Monitor for fatigue, pallor, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
- Help the client manage anemia-related fatigue
- Administer darbepoetin alfa, epoetin, and ferrous sulfate as prescribed.
- Monitor Hgb values to determine response to medications. Be prepared to administer blood if prescribed.
complication: Thrombocytopenia
Monitor for petechiae, ecchymosis, bleeding of the gums, nosebleeds, and occult or frank blood in stools, urine, or vomitus.
thrombocytopenia Institute bleeding precautions.
- Avoid IVs and injections.
- Apply pressure for approximately 10 min after blood is obtained.
- Monitor platelet count, and be prepared to administer platelets if the count falls below 10,000/mm3.
thrombocytopenia client education
- Instruct the client and family how to manage active bleeding.
- Instruct the client to use electric razor and soft-bristled toothbrush, avoid blowing nose vigorously, ensure that dentures fit appropriately.
- Avoid the use of NSAIDs.
- Wear closed-toes shoes
- Remove tripping hazards in the home