Exam 1 Flashcards
Grade 1 Cancer Cells
cells differ slightly from normal cells
Grade 2 Cancer Cells
Cells are more abnormal (moderately differentiated)
Grade 3 Cancer Cells
Cells are very abnormal (poorly differentiated/ high grade)
Grade 4 Cancer Cells
cells are immature (undifferentiated/high grade)
Grade 5 Cells
grade cannot be assessed
If a cell if more differentiated what does that mean?
The patient has a poorer prognosis
What is the main treatment for cancer?
Chemotherapy
What effect does chemotherapy have on cells?
It eliminates/ reduces the # of cancer cells in the primary cancer site
what are the two categories of chemotherapy?
Cell cycle nonspecific and cell cycle specific
What is the way we maximize effectiveness when administering chemotherapy?
Specific and nonspecific are usually given together to maximize effectiveness
What should do nurse do to manage symptoms of bone marrow suppression from chemotherapy?
•Monitor CBC (Esp. neutrophils)
•Monitor Platelets (Thrombocytopenia) +avoid bleeding risks
•Monitor RBC (Anemia)
•Monitor body temperature
What should the nurse do to manage fatigue symptoms from chemotherapy/radiation?
•Teach energy conversation strategies
What should the nurse do to manage GI symptoms from chemotherapy/radiation?
•Give antiemetic 1hr prior to tx
•Place on low fiber diet (avoid dairy)
•Take lukewarm sitz baths
•Monitor for skin breakdown
•Tell pt to keep record of episodes
What should the nurse do to manage symptoms of mucositis from chemotherapy/radiation?
•Frequent oral assessments
•Q6 months dental visits
•Educate taste loss is common
what should the nurse do to manage symptoms of anorexia from chemotherapy/radiation?
•Monitor for weight loss
•Offer small frequent meals, high protein
•Monitor for dehydration
What should the nurse do to manage skin reactions from chemotherapy/radiation?
•Avoid hot packs,tight clothes, harsh chemicals
•Use nonirritating lotion, cover with vaseline covered gauze
•Place cold cap on head prior to Tx to avoid alopecia
What should the nurse do to manage pulmonary effects from chemotherapy/radiation?
Monitor for cough, dyspnea, and pulmonary edema
What should the nurse do to manage cognitive effects from chemotherapy/radiation?
monitor for “chemo” brain
patient will have difficulty thinking and remembering
Warning Signs for Cancer “CAUTION”
C- Change in bowel/ bladder habits
A- A sore that does not heal
U-Unusual bleeding
T-Thickening of lump
I- Indigestion/ difficultly swallowing
O- Obvious change in wort
N- Nagging cough
What are life threatening emergencies that occur due to cancer treatment?
•Spinal Cord Compression
•Superior Vena Cava Syndrome
•Third Space Syndrome
•Hypercalcemia
•SIADH
•Tumor lysis syndrome
•Cardiac Tamponade
•Cardiac artery rupture
How should the nurse manage cancer pain?
•Preform pain assessments routinely
•Ask PQRST questions
•Use drug therapy (NSAIDs + Opioids)
What are isotonic solutions used for?
Hydration
Examples of Isotonic solutions
0.9% NS, LR, D5W
What are hypotonic solutions used for?
Tx for N/V, DKA, Hemorrhages, Cardiac and renal patients
Examples of Hypotonic solutions
0.45% saline, 1/4 Saline, 1/3 Saline
What are hypertonic solutions used to treat?
Fluid overload, TBI, Burns, Hyponatremia, Ascites
Example of Hypertonic solutions
3% Saline, 5% Saline, D10W, 5% Dextrose w/ LR, 5% Dextrose w/ 0.45%
What are ways we can move fluid from the body?
•Dialysis
•Diuretics (Oral or IV)
•Fluid + Sodium restriction
•Pleural Effusion
What is 1st spacing?
normal distribution of fluid
What is 2nd spacing?
abnormal accumulation of fluid (edema)
What is third spacing?
Fluid is trapped
Common w/ burns, acities, trauma
Why do geriatric patients have difficulties moving fluid?
kidneys decrease in renin and there is subcutaneous tissue loss
Define hypervolemia
excess intake of fluids
Define Hypovolemia
loss of body fluid
What nursing interventions are important for fluid volume imbalances?
•Daily weights (2lb is significant)
•Monitor labs (BUN, Hct, Sodium)
•Offer fluids q1-2 hours
•Assess RR, Crackles in lungs, SOB
How is hypernatremia treated?
Replace with isotonic or hypotonic solutions
how should the nurse manage hypernatremia?
•monitor sodium levels
•initiate seizure precautions
•place on sodium restricted diet
How is hyponatremia treated?
Hypertonic solution, usually small amounts of 3% sodium chloride
how should the nurse manage hyponatremia?
•Place on fluid restriction
•Hold diuretics
•Initiate seizure precautions
Why should you not increase sodium levels too fast?
Can result in damage to nerve cells in the brain
What is the treatment for hyperkalemia?
Diuretics and dialysis
how should the nurse manage hyperkalemia?
•hold oral and other potassium intake
•Monitor EKG and BP
What is the treatment for hypokalemia?
Replace orally or IV but should not exceed 10 mEq per hour
What are the risk factors for developing skin cancer?
•having skin cancer
•blonde or red hair
•suntanning or indoor tanning bed
•living near equator
•family hx
•outdoor occupations
What is actinic keratosis and what causes it?
most common precancerous lesions, usually caused by sun damage