Oncology Flashcards
7 signs of Cancer remember pneumonic CAUTION (For O think of what Eric has a lot of on his back :D)
C-Change in bowel or bladder habit
A- A lesion that does not heal
U- Unusual bleeding or discharge
T- Thickening or lump in breast or elsewhere
I- Indigestion or difficulty swallowing
O- Obvious changes in warts or mole
N- Nagging cough or persistent hoarseness
Where else can cancer cells spread
Blood and lymph systems
What is remission
Disappearance of abnormal cells in bone marrow or blood
What type of diagnostic tests are taken for cancer
- Biopsy
- Bone marrow exam
- Chest x-ray
- CBC
- CT scan
- Cytology (like pap smear)
- Liver function studies
- MRI
- Evaluation of serum tumor markers (Carcinoembryonic and alpha-fetoprotein
- Guaiac test for occult blood
- Radiographic (Mammogram)
- Radioscope scanning ( Liver, brain, bone, lung)
- Tumor markers
What is important in cancer Pts in pain
ALWAYS assess client pain, how Pt describes the pain, do not under medicate cancer client who is in pain
What can you give the Pt if in pain medications
- Salicylates
- Acetaminophen
- NSAIDS (aspirin, ibuprofen) these three are given in mild - moderate pain
Severe pain
- Opioids (Codeine sulfate, morphine sulfate, methadone and hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
For neuropathic
- Anticonvulsants
- Antidepressants
- Opioids
Subcut inj and cont IV of opioids for rapid pain control
What is radiation ?
- Destroys cancer cells (minimal exposure to normal cells)
- Cells unable to divide because they are damaged
- Effective on tissues directly
What are side/adverse effects of radiation ?
- Alopecia
- Fatigue
What are the most common types of radiation used ? (2 types)
- External
- Brachytherapy
What is external beam radiation ?
- Radiation is external to the client
- Uses high - energy rays to kill cancer cells (may be used after breast cancer surgery to wipe out any cancer cells that remain)
Can radiation be used at the same time as Chemotherapy ?
Yes, for treatment of cancer that has spread to other body parts
Can external beam radiation be hazardous to others ?
No, The client does not emit radiation to others
What are side effects of external beam radiation ?
- Fatigue
- Swelling
- Itching
- Redness to peeling skin
- A sunburned like feeling in the treated area (of radiation)
Other therapy for radiation ?
Hormonal therapy with tamoxifen (anti- estrogen) for positive estrogen effect
Side effects of radiation to Abd
Nausea
Side effects of radiation to pelvis
Diarrhea
Is redness and sloughing of tissue expected in Pt on radiation ?
Yes
How long does radiation treatment therapy take ?
5-7 days
Care for radiation treated area ?
- Wash with plain water and pat dry
- DO NOT use soap over treated area (dries skin, may wash of markings for radiation)
- Avoid scrubbing or scratching
- NO lotions or powders
- AVOID sun exposure at least for a year after the completion of treatment
How long do you provide nursing care in a Pt receiving radiation ? what must you wear to determine amount of radiation, Distance between the Pt and nurse ?
- Provide nursing care for 30 min each shift
- Wear film badge to determine amount of radiation
- Distance between the Pt and nurse should be at least 4-8 ft
Brachytherapy ( Internal radiation )
- Direct contact, continuous contact with tumor for a specific time
Does the Pt emit radiation ( can it spread to others) ?
Yes, They can emit radiation for a specific amount of time
What is unsealed radiation ?
- Administer via oral or IV route by instillation into body cavities
Is unsealed radiation completely confined to one body area ?
No, It enters body fluids and eventually is eliminated