Oncology & End-Of-Life Flashcards
What are the different ways cancer can metastasize?
KNOW THIS!!!…per Hayley
Lymphatic
Hematogenous (blood)
Angiogenesis
What is angiogenesis?
KNOW THIS!!!…IN RED
IN RED
Growth of new vessels
- Advanced cancers secrete angiogenic factors to facilitate feeding of the tumor
What percentage of breast cancers are HER2 positive?
KNOW THIS!!!…per Hayley
30%
What medicaiton is given to treat HER2+ breast cancers?
KNOW THIS!!!…per Hayley
Herceptin
List common carcinogenic agents & factors that increase an individual’s risk of developing cancer.
KNOW THIS!!!…per Hayley
- Genetics
- Diet
- Hormones
- Smoking
- Chronic Inflammation (individuals who are immunosuppressed like in Crohns)
What are tumor markers?
Proteins made at higher amounts in cancerous cells than in normal (benign) cells
- antigens expressed on cell surface or relased from normal cells in response ot tumors
- Helpful for surveillance & diagnosis of cancer
Tumor Classifications & Nomenclature (explain each of the following):
- Benign Tumors
- Malignant Tumors
- Lipoma
- Leiomyoma
- Carcinoma
- Adenocarcinoma
- Sarcoma
- Lymphoma
- Leukemia
- Benign Tumors: non-cancerous
- Malignant Tumors: cancerous tumors
- Lipoma: fat
- Leiomyoma: smooth muscle
- Carcinoma: epithelial tumors (malignant)
- Adenocarcinoma: ducts or glands
- Sarcomas: malignant connective tissue tumors
- Lymphomas: lymphatic tissue tumors
- Leukemias: cancer in blood-forming cells
Hwo should the nurse reply whena parent questions why a computed tomographic (CT) can of the head was not ordered for their 5-year-old child after a minor fall?
a.) Physicians are cautious about ordering CT scans on children younger than 10 years of age
b.) CT scans are seldom conclusive when used to diagnose head injuries in young children
c.) The child’s symptoms will determine whether a CT scan is necessary and whether it is worth the espense
d.) Research suggests that repeated CT scans can increase the risk of developing brain cancer
d.) Research suggests that repeated CT scans can incrase the risk of brain cancer
Forms of Primary Prevention for Cancer
KNOW THIS!!!…IN RED
IN RED
- Avoid known carcinogens (tobacco)
- Lifestyle & Dietary changes
- Physical activity
- Weight control (obesity is linked to uterus, prostate, breast, gallbladder, & colon cancer)
- Alcohol limitations
- Sun avoidance
- Vaccinations (HPV)
- Public & patient education
Forms of Secondary Prevention for Cancer
KNOW THIS!!!…IN RED
IN RED
- Identification of patients at high risk for cancer
- Cancer screening (mammography, breast self exam, self-testicular exam, colonoscopy, pap smear, etc.)
- Public & patient education
- Measuring tumor markers
Explain the TNM Classification
KNOW THIS!!!…IN RED
IN RED!!!!
TUMOR (T):
* Tx = cannot be adequately assessed
* T0 = no evidence of primary tumor
* Tis = carcinoma in situ
* T1 - T4 = progressive increase in tumor size
NODES (N):
* N0 = no evidence of regional node metastasis
* N1 - N3 = increasing involvement of regional lymph nodes
METASTASIS (M):
* M0 = no distant metastasis
* M1 = distant metastasis
What are the tumor (T) stages for TNM classification?
KNOW THIS!!!…IN RED
IN RED
- Tx = cannot be adequately assessed
- T0 = no evidence of primary tumor
- Tis = carcinoma in situ
- T1 - T4 = progressive increase in tumor size
What are the node (N) stages for TNM classification?
KNOW THIS!!!…IN RED
IN RED
- N0 = no evidence of regional node metastasis
- N1 - N3 = increasing involvement of regional lymph nodes
What are the metastasis (M) stages for TNM classification?
KNOW THIS!!!…IN RED
IN RED
- M0 = no distant metastasis
- M1 = distant metastasis present
What is a mediport?
KNOW THIS!!!…IN RED
IN RED
implanted vascular device
- Used for infusion of chemotherapy
- Usually placed in subclavian or external jugular vein
If meeting resistance when accessing port a small amount of tpa can be administered to break up any clots
What should be done if there is resistance when trying to access an implanted vascular device like a Mediport?
KNOW THIS!!!…IN RED
IN RED
administer a small amount of tpa to break up any clots (need a provider’s order)
What are the 2 types of radiaiton & what is the difference in the two types?
KNOW THIS!!!…IN RED
IN RED
Ionizing Radiation: external radiation
Brachytherapy: seeds implanted inside the tumor
Side Effects of Radiation
KNOW THIS!!!…IN RED
- Fertility issues
- Skin lesions
- Diarrhea
- Erythema
Nursing Care of Patients Undergoing Radiation
KNOW THIS!!!…IN RED
IN RED
Skin Care: avoid use of strong sopas, cosmetics, & perfumes
Oral Care: floss every 24 hours unless painful or platelet count is less than 40,000
Protect care providers
PPE When Administering Chemotherapy
KNOW THIS!!!…IN RED
IN RED
- Double Layer of powder-free gloves specifically disgnated for chemotherapy
- Long sleeve disposable gown made of polyethylene-coated polypropylene or other laminate materials
Adverse Effects of Chemotherapy
KNOW THIS!!!…IN RED
IN RED
- Toxicity
- GI Effects: N/V, diarrhea, mucositis (mouth or gut is sore or inflammed), stomatitis (inflammation & redness of oral mucosa)
- Hematopoietic Effects: myelosuppression (stop ro slow the growth of blood forming cells in the bone marrow)
- Renal Damage: direct effects during excretion & accumulation fo end products after cell lysis
- Cardiopulmonary: potential cardiac toxicities
- Reproductive System: potential sterility, potential reproductive cell abnormalities
- Neurologic Effects: peripheral neuropathy, loss of deep tendon reflex, paralytic ileus
What is absolute neutrophil count (ANC)?
KNOW THIS!!!…IN RED
IN RED
looking at the neutrophil count to determine…
- **if the patient’s immune system is functioning well **
- patient’s risk of acute infection
What is NADIR?
KNOW THIS!!!…IN RED
IN RED
Lowest absolute neutrophil count – when patient is at highest risk for infection
- taken 7-10 days after chemotherapy
Most common side effects of chemotherapy
- Nausea & Vomiting (give antiemetic like zofran)
-
Alopecia (2-3 weeks after onset of treatment)
Taste Changes (everything tastes like metal; changes in sense of smell) - Cachexia