Complication Management Flashcards
Define Nausea
Unpleasant feeling of needing to vomit, accompanied by autonomic symptoms
Define Vomiting
Forceful expulsion of gastric contents through the mouth
What are the four inputs to the Vomiting Centre?
Vestibular Input
High Centres
CTZ
Vagal Afferents
Where in Vomiting Centre inputs are Dopamine Receptors located?
CTZ
Vagal Afferents
Name three Dopamine antagonists
Domperidone
Metacloperamide
Haloperidol
Where in Vomiting Centre inputs are 5HT3 Receptors located?
CTZ
Vagal Afferents
What would be the Antiemetic of choice in impaired gastric emptying?
Metacloperamide
What would be the Antiemetic of choice in impaired Post Op/Radiotherapy?
Ondansetron
What would be the Antiemetic of choice in Bowel Obstruction?
Cyclizine
What would be the Antiemetic of choice in Drug SE?
Haloperidol
What would be the Antiemetic of choice with a Metabolic cause?
Haloperidol
What would be the Antiemetic of choice in Chemotherapy?
Metacloperamide
What are the side effects of D2 Antagonists?
Extrapyramidal (eg involuntary movements and Akathisia)
Should not combine D2 receptors
May enhance EP side effects of SSRIs and TCAs
Do not use in PArkinsons
Describe two central and two peripheral side effects of Anticholinergics
Central: Agitation and Restlessness
Peripheral: Dry Mouth and Constipation
Who should not recieve Anticholinergics?
Known heart disease/Arrhythmias
Why should you not combine Anticholinergics and Domperidone/Metacloperamide?
Domperidone and Metacloperamide have some cholinergic action
What level of Levomepromazine becomes sedating?
Above 12.5mg
What is a common side effect of 5HT3 Antagonists?
Constipation
Name three non pharmacological interventions for Nausea and Vomiting
Small Meals
Ginger
Accupuncture/Accupressure
What would be the Antiemetic of choice in Intracranial aetiology?
Cyclizine +/- Dexamethasone
What would be the Antiemetic of choice in vestibular aetiology?
Cyclizine
What would be the Antiemetic of choice in unclear aetiology?
Cyclizine
How does Biochemical vomiting present?
Constant Nausea
Small frequent vomits
Doesn’t improve with being sick
How does Nausea due to Brain Metastases present?
Projectile vomiting
Confusion
Headache
How does Nausea due to Bowel Obstruction present?
Colicky Pain
Distension
Improvement with vomiting
State three types of Nausea and Vomiting related to Chemotherapy
Acute - Within 24h
Delayed - 1-5d post treatment
Anticipatory - brought on by taste/odor/memories
What is Breathlessness in Oncology?
Subjective experience of breathing discomfort that varies in intensity, should not be mistaken for tachypnoea necessarily
Normally due to distortion and stimulation of mechanical receptors
Give four Oncological causes of Breathlessness
Tumour compression
Pleural/Pericardial Effusion/Ascites
Phrenic Nerve Palsy
SVCO
Give two treatment related causes of Breathlessness
Surgery (Lobectomy/Pneomonectomy)
Radio/Chemo (Fibrosis)
Give three ‘other’ causes of Breathlessness
PE
Pneumothorax
Pneumonia
Give four non pharmacological interventions for Breathlessness
A fan
Positioning (Tripod)
Breathing techniques
NIV
Each cause of Breathlessness would be treated specifically if there was an underlying cause. What four general agents can be used?
Opioids (improve breathlessness and sleep, 2.5mg every 4h)
Corticosteroids (reduces any oedema)
Benzodiazepines (Lorazepam 0.5mg sublingual)
Oxygen
How would you manage terminal breathlessness?
Difficult to control
Syring driver morphine/midazolam/levomepromazine
Define Constipation
Hard faeces which are uncomfortable or difficult to pass/reduction in frequency compared to normal pattern
Sense of incomplete evacuation
Faecal incontinence
Give three disease related causes of Constipation
Immobility Decreased food intake General weakness (paraplegia etc)
Give four other general causes of Constipation
Opioids
5HT3 Antagonists
Hypercalcaemia
Hypokalaemia
Name a stimulant laxative
Senna
Name a stool softener
Docusate Sodium
Name a Stimulant/Softener
Sodium Picosulfate