Oncology: 2 Flashcards
What is the number one question clients ask after surgery with cancer?
-successful surgery for cancer is dependent on 3 things:
did they get it all?
- could the cancer be completely removed?
- had the cancer already spread at the time of the surgery?
- was the surgeon able to get adequate margin.
internal radiation (brachytherapy):
is used to get the radiation close to the cancer or target tissue.
- it is inside the body.
- is very close to the target tissue because the radiation is inside the body.
- the patient emits radiation for a period of time and is hazard to others.
brachytherapy is either sealed or unsealed. what does this mean?
unsealed: client and body fluid emit radiation
- this is like a radioisotope that is given IV or PO. radioactive for 24 to 48 hours. ex:hypothyroidism or thyroid cancer
sealed or solid: client emits radiation; body fluid are NOT radioactive
-can be temporary or a permanent implant that is placed close to or inside the tumor.
General radiation precautions for internal radiation. remember ______.
time, distance and shielding
precautions with internal radiation:
- nursing assignments should be rotated DAILY, so that the nurse is not continuously exposed.
- the nurse should only care for ONE client with a radiation implant in a given shift.
- private room
- wear a film badge at all times
- restrict visitors
- limit each visitor to 30 min per day
- visitors must stay at least 6ft from source
- no visitors less than 16 yr old
- no pregnant visitor/nurses
- mark the room with instructions for specific isotope.
- wear gloves with risk of exposure to body fluids.
- prevent dislodgement
how can you help prevent dislodgement of the implant?
keep the client on bedrest.
decrease fiber in the diet
prevent bladder distention
what do you do if the implant becomes dislodged and you see it?
put on gloves
pick it up with forceps or tongs
put in LEAD LINED container
call radiation people
after radiation, can the client sleep in the same bed with their spouse or children?
should they use public transportation?
can they return to work immediately?
can they share utensils or cook for others?
will one flush of the toilet after use be adequate?
No. 6ft from others for 1-11 days NO NO NO NO, close lid and flush 2-3xs
External radiation (teletherapy, external beam radio therapy):
a carefully focused beam of high energy rays is delivered by a machine outside the body.
is external radiation radioactive?
NO
side effect of external radiation are usually limited to ____.
what are they?
s/s are __ and__ related.
exposed tissue
-erythema, shedding of skin, altered taste, fatigue, pancytopenia (all blood components are decreased.)
(pan=everything)
location and dose related
external radiation:
is it okay to wash off the markings?
is it okay to use lotion on the markings?
protect the site from ___ and ___ for ____ after completion of therapy.
NO
NO
sunlight and uv exposure for 1 year after!
Chemotherapy:
the use of chemo is based on several factors.
the oncologist will consider:
- which phase of the cell cycle the drug attacks
- time or how often the drug is given
- growth fraction (% of cells dividing at a given time)
- tumor burden (how many tumors are present)
regional chemo delivers __.
chemo is usually scheduled ___.
chemo to a specific site
every 3 to 4 weeks.
Most common body systems affected by side effects of chemotherapy:
blood and GI system and skin & hair (inegumentary system)
Chemo-
Exposure can occur by drug contact with the ___ or mucous membranes, inhalation, or _____ or ingestion.
skin
accidental injection
full chemo precautions require:
- chemotherapy gown, (isolation gown) -2 pair of chemo gloves (thicker and longer than standard gloves)
- goggles and/or mask if splashing or inhalation can occur.
chemo excretion precautions:
when handling body fluids, wear two pairs of chemo gloves and a chemo gown. add a face shield if worried about splashing.
-be sure to teach excretion safety to family
Disposal chemo precautions:
- yellow rigid chemo waste container. (used for sharps and IV containers)
- yellow chemo waste bag (used for gowns, gloves, and disposable items
what should you do before administering doxorubicin?
baseline EKG
most chemo drugs are given ___.
IV via a port
what is a vesicant?
a type of chemo drug that if it infilterates will cause tissue necrosis.
-stay with the pt receiving a vesicant
signs and symptoms of extravasation:
- the number one thing to remember with extravastin is___.
- what do you do if chemo does extravasate?
- cold packs or warm moist heat?
pain, swelling, and no blood return
prevention
STOP THE INFUSION
cold pack because it will promote vasoconstriction. dont want chemo to spread to more tissue.
chemo drugs can be given orally. should you wear gloves when giving oral chemo?
YES! chemo can absorb through the skin