Oncology Part 2 Flashcards
this interferes with cancer cells rapid division
damages DNA
chemotherapy
how is chemo typically given
multiple types of chemo (poly)
targets cells at different stages of cell cycle
when does chemo work best
when used on rapidly dividing cells
when given on a regular basis/schedule (important to maximize cancer death)
how is chemo typically given
intravenous access
PORT-implanted venous access site
describe a PORT
leave in indefinitely
functions similar to PIC line
implanted under skin, line to heart
chemo is rarely given ____
IV due to extravasation and infiltration
what does chemo kill
rapidly dividing cells
skin, hair, GI tract, bone marrow
what are the side effects of chemo
alopecia, NV, mucositis, change in cognitive function, peripheral neuropathy, bone marrow suppression
describe alopecia as chemo SE
hair loss
ALL hair loss (eyelash, eyebrows etc)
describe NV as chemo SE
very common, delayed response to chemo
can take an antiemetic prior to chemo
what can be given to help with NV of chemo
Zofran (serotonin antagonist)
Decadron (corticosteroid)
Reglan (Prokinetic)
Ativan (Benzo)
describe mucositis as chemo SE
painful sores form mouth to GI tract
use mouthwash, soft toothbrush, systemic pain meds
describe change in cognitive function as chemo SE
aka chemo brain
concentration and memory loss
common in women with breast cancer
describe peripheral neuropathy as chemo SE
chemo induced
dose dependent
affect hands, feet, erectile, constipation
** may be PERMANENT
priority nursing intervention for peripheral neuropathy
prevent injury (Ie/ falls)
chemotherapy nursing care
if given IV, PREVENT extravasation
will destroy healthy tissue (doesnt distinguish)
must be chemo certified (special protection)
precautions with drug disposal and tubing
do NOT get onto your skin
if chemo drug leaks…
stop immediately and apply cold depending on drug (some antidotes may be used)
when does hair return after completion of chemo
about 1 month after
usually returns thicker and darker than before
describe bone marrow suppression as chemo SE
worry about this the most
anemia-low RBC causes fatigue and pallor
thrombocytopenia
neutropenia
what is thrombocytopenia
decreased platelet
bleeding precautions
platelet count for prolonged versus uncontrolled bleeding
<50,00 = prolonged <20,000= uncontrolled
why is neutropenia bad
at risk for infection due to fewer neutrophils
fungal, bacterial, viral
neutropenic precautions
limit exposure to others
wear mask outside
hand washing
watch vitals (esp temperature)
other therapies besides radiation and chemo
hormone manipulation (breast and GYN cancer, turns off certain hormones by supressing them) biologic response modifiers (treatment for supportive)
