Exam 4 Flashcards
what is hypercalcemia?
it is found in cancers that metastasize to bone (ex. lung, breast, renal), but can be r/t paraneoplastic hormone production in lung and pancreatic cancers
a patient presents with delirium, somnolence, muscle weakness, polyuria, bradycardia, nausea, and constipation. What oncological emergency is this?
Hypercalcemia
What should the nurse implicate for hypercalcemia?
- monitor Ca, P, and renal fx
- assess s/s of hypercalcemia
- provide hydration and ordered meds
what are expected medications for cancer related hypercalcemia?
- Bisphosphonates
- Denosumab
- Calcitonin?
What is spinal cord compression as an oncological emergency?
commonly found when there are tumors near the spinal cord
A patient presents with pain, numbness, tingling, and motor weakness. What oncological emergency is happening?
Spinal cord compression
What is a late sign of spinal cord compression?
autonomic dysfuction
Nursing implications for spinal cord compression
- assess typical s/s of compression (pain/weakness, inability to distinguish hot and cold)
- assess for constipation or incontinence
what are some treatment options for spinal cord compression?
- corticosteroids
- radiation therapy
- surgery
- drug therapy (bisphosphonates are given to prevent bone breakdown)
What is superior vena cava syndrome?
A tumor r tumor-involved lymph node compression of soft-walled SVC causes reduced return of blood flow to heart and venous congestion
A patient presents with dyspnea, venous congestion/edema of the upper body, visual disturbances, HA, altered mental status r/t cerebral edema, JVD, and prominent brachial and chest veins. What oncological emergency is this?
Superior vena cava syndrome
Nursing implications for SVC syndrome?
- assess s/s
* assess poor perfusion and decreased CO
what are signs that a patient have low CO?
confusion, cyanotic, hypotension and tachycardia
What is SIADH?
This is commonly found in patients who have primary or metastatic brain or lung cancer
A patient presents with s/s of hyponatremia (mental status changes or seizures), HTN, effusions, diluted electrolytes r/t edema and a low hematocrit. What oncologic emergency is this patient experiencing?
SIADH
What is expected treatment for SVC syndrome?
- treatment of the cancer that causes it w/ chemo or radiation
- drug therapy: corticosteroids or diuretics to get rid of the excess fluids
Nursing implications for SIADH?
- assess s/s of FVO (HTN, hyponatremia, confusion, seizures, and coma)
- restrict fluids and administer meds
What is tumor lysis syndrome?
common is patients with rapidly proliferative tumors such as leukemia and lymphoma or therapy-sensitive tumors that respond quickly to treatment
A patient presents with electrolyte imbalances and renal dysfunction, hypocalcemia, hyperkalemia, acidosis causing heart block, tachycardia, and hyperphosphatemia. What oncological emergency is this patient experiencing?
tumor lysis syndrome
Nursing implications of tumor lysis syndrome?
- assess s/s of hypocalcemia, renal dysfunction
* assess EKG changes and hypotension
What are peaked T-waves indicative of?
hyperkalemia
what are some s/s of hypocalcemia?
paresthesia, numbness of fingertips and perioral neuromuscular irritability and possible laryngeal contraction
What does PUKEC stand for and what oncological emergency is it representative of?
Tumor Lysis Syndrome P- phosphorus U- uric acid K- K+ E- elevated C- calcium decreased
What are causes of Iron-Deficiency Anemia?
poor intake, blood loss, absorption
What would cause absorption issues?
crohns, celiac, or meds that alter stomach acid
clinical manifestations of IDA?
*hint: remember LOW IRON
L= lethargic O= overexerted easily (SOB) W= weird food cravings (aka pica) I= inflammation of tongue R= reduced hemoglobin O= observe changes in RBC's N= nails (koilonychias), neuro
Patient teaching for IDA? Common SE of iron supplement?
*hint: EAT LOTS OF IRON
- take iron with citrus juice
- use Z-track for IM iron
- use straw with oral iron
- SE= stomach cramps, green/black stool, constipation/diarrhea
E= egg yolks
A= apricots
T= tofu
L=legumes, leafy greens, broccoli
O= oysters
T= tuna
S= sardines, seeds
O= pOtatoes
F= fish
I= iron fortified cereals
R= red meat
O= pOultry
N= nuts
Causes of pernicious anemia (aka vitamin B-12 anemia)?
poor intake
* pernicious is a failure to absorb B-12, d/t lack of intrinsic factor
Who typically has issue with B-12 intake?
vegetarians b/c b-12 only comes from animal meat