Multiple Myeloma Flashcards
What is Multiple Myeloma?
• A cancer of the plasma cell that accumulates in bone marrow crowding out all other cell production and producing excessive proteins (antibodies, cytokines, etc) that are released into the blood stream
What is the tx for Multiple Myeloma and is it curable?
- Tx is the same as for myeloid leukemia: chemotherapy, radiation, stem cell transplantation.
- It is NOT curable. Though its progress can be slowed
What is the affect of MM on bones?
• It weakens them
MM is twice as common in…
- Men than women
* Blacks
MM typically develops after what age?
• 40yrs
Does MM develop quickly or slowly?
• Insidious onset
MM results in hypercalcemia. What are the associated s/s?
- Polyuria
- Anorexia
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Cardiac problems
How is the renal system damaged in MM?
• Extra MM proteins damage the kidneys
Bone pay in MM is due to
• Lytic lesions: holes left in bone due to MM bone destruction/overcrowding
What are the common lab findings in association with MM?
- High calcium
- Low RBC
- Elevated creatinine
- High Protein w/ low albumin
- Proteinuria
What tests will be performed for MM dx?
- Bone marrow biopsy
- X-ray of large bones
- CT/MRI/PET may be needed to find which bones are affected by MM
What is our primary nursing care while treating patients w/ MM?
- Adequate Hydration a priority
- Care of patient requiring chemotherapy
- Observation for renal failure
- Safety risk: pathological fractures
- Pain management
- Prompt treatment for infection
- Psychosocial support
Why is oral hygiene and maintaining skin integrity so important for a pt w/ MM?
• Because they are immunosuppressed
What can cause anorexia and nutritional deficiencies w/ the MM pt?
- The pt can have stomatitis (inflammation of/sore mouth)
* It simply hurts to eat
Due to possible stomatitis secondary to MM, what should be kept in mind regarding fruits and vegetables?
- Wash the fruit before eating to avoid infection
* Or avoid eating uncooked fruits and veg
