Exam 5: Nursing Care of Cancer Patients Flashcards
Neoplasm
cells that reproduce abnormally
Benign
cluster of cells NOT normal to the body that are NOT cancerous
Malignant
group of cells that grow out of an organ and are poorly differentiated, poorly constructed, and multiply rapidly
Metastasis
term used to describe the spread of a tumor from it’s primary site into seperate and distant areas
Alopecia
hair loss
anemia
abnormally low red blood cells
anorexia
lack or loss of appetite for food, leads to malnutrition and low body weight
biopsy
accurate identification of cancer by removal of tissue from the body
carcinogen
substance that increases the risk of cancer by cellular change
contact inhibition
growth regulating signals in the cells surrounding environment
cytotoxic
drugs that work by targeting the damaging cells that grow at a rapid rate
desquamation
flaky, peeling skin, leading to a loss of the upper skin
in situ
neoplastic cells that remain in one area which are considered localized
leukopenia
decrease in white blood cells
neutropenic
presence of abnormally few neutrophils in the blood
mucositis
painful inflammation and ulceration of the mucus membranes
oncology
branch of medicine that deals with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of tumors or malignancies
oncovirus
rNA type viruses
palliation
symptom control
stomatitis
inflammation of the mouth
thrombocytopenia
abnormally low blood platelets
xerostomia
dry mouth
cancer pathophysiology
Cancer is NOT just one disease but many different diseases with different causes, manifestations, treatments and prognoses, there are MORE than 100 types of cancer. Cancer cells do not have a LIMIT to cell division, they are immortal.
Cancer Etiology
Cancer cell growth and reproduction involve three steps:
Initiation: result of an alteration in the genetic structure of the Cell (DNA)
Promotion: occurs after repeated exposure to carcinogens causing the cells to mutate, a tumor forms from mutated cells in this process
Progression: further genetic mutations occur, leads to metastasis.
Cancer STatistics
87% of cancers are in people over 50 years of age
deadliest is Lung cancer
most preventable is skin
Types of cancer
carcinoma-tissue of the skin, glands, digestive, urinary and respiratory tract
sarcoma- connective tissues in fat sheath that goes over nerves, muscles and bones
leukemia-blood cells, particularly WBC, plasma cells and bone marrow
Lymphoma- lymph tissue
Melanoma-skin cells
Early detection and prevention
regular physical exams can detect early warning signs, regular screening, genetic testing BRAC1 and BRAC2, healthy lifestyle, not drinking alcohol, smoking, and eating healthy nutritious food, not full of chemicals
Seven warning signs and symptoms
- change in bowel or bladder habits
- sore that doesn’t heal
- unusual bleeding or discharge
- thickening or lump in breast or elsewhere
- indigestion or difficulty swallowing
- change in wart or mole
- nagging cough or hoarseness
BITES
Bleeding, Infection, Tiredness, Emesis, Skin changes
Staging
TMN
T primary Tumor- TX, cannot evaluate, T0 no evidence, Tis - in situ, T1,T2,T3,T4 size and extent
M- Distant metastasis, M0- no metastasis, M1 distant metastasis
N Regional Lymph NOdes- Nx no evaluation, N) no lymph node involvement, N1,N2,N3, involvement in regional lymph nodes
Therapeutic Interventions
Surgery, curative or for palliation, radiation, chemotherapy, cytotoxic drugs
Radiation Safety and Side effects
Side effects: fatigue, nausea, vomiting and anorexia, mucostis, xerostomia, skin reactions, bone marrow depression
Radiation safety : Time- administering care, Distance- distance from radiation source, shielding- use of barrier
chemotherapy nursing care and side effects
bone marrow depression at nadir, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, stomatitis, alopecia, reproductive damage, neurotoxicity
Changes that occur when a cell becomes malignant
causes accelerating cell division, immortal cell, doesn’t have any cell division limits, develops into a tumor, it is poorly differentiated, poorly constructed, and multiplies rapidly
Data to collect when caring for a cancer patient
vitals, pain assessment ,watch for skin changes, neuro changes, assess breathing.
Oncological emergencies and interventions
superior vena cava syndrome- enlarged lymph nodes in chest, blocked circulation, chest pain and dyspnea, interventions, remove restrictive clothing, oxygen supplementation, ventilated room and radiation to reduce tumor and comfort. Spinal cord compression, occurs when the growth presses on the spinal cord, may loose some motor loss, interventions, watch for neuro changes, provide safe environment, assist with activity watch for changes in location or intensity of the pain.
Hypercalcemia, occurs when serum calcium exceeds 11. interventions, maintain safety, monitor intake and output, pain control and changes in pulse rate and rhythm.
Role of Hospice in cancer patients
promotes qualify of life when there is no quantity left. Includes interdisciplinary team that works together to develop a plan of care and will assist families and caregivers for up to a year after death.
