Oncology/ Transplant Flashcards
What is the Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) and what level indicates severe neutropenia?
Will first see?
Resp infection will see?
Treatment?
WBC less than 500
Many normal signs of infection (pus, redness, etc.) May not show up when an infection starts!!!
Will first see FEVER!!
Respiratory infection will see TACHYPNEA!!!
Empiric antibiotic therapy!!!
What is Superior Vena Cava Syndrome (SVCS)?
Which cancers are most likely to cause SVCS?
When does SVCS symptoms typically occur, and why?
What are the early and late signs of SVCS?
How is SVCS treated?
Symptoms that occur due to the obstruction of SVC
Cancer in thoracic cavity!!!!
Symptoms will occur in AM but generally throughout the day
Facial and/or periorbital edema!!!!
Cough
SOB
Distended veins of the head, neck & chest
Headache, seizures
LATE: Cyanosis & mental status changes
What is spinal cord compression?
Which population is most at risk for SCC?
What are the common signs of spinal cord compression?
How is spinal cord compression treated?
What nursing interventions are important?
Tumors cause compression through direct extension or metastatic disease in vertebral column
Patients with tumors in the thoracic cavity or metastasis
Intense localized back pain
Motor weakness
Change in bowel and bladder habits
Treatment:
Radiation
Rx: Corticosteroids, pain management
Decompressive laminectomy
What is Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS)?
What electrolyte imbalances occur in TLS?**
What is the key prevention strategy for TLS?
Rapid breakdown of cancer cells, releasing their contents into the bloodstream
Hyperuricemia
Hyperkalemia
Hyperphosphatemia
Hypocalcemia
IVF hydration!!!
Monitor Urine output closely
What are the signs of hypercalcemia?
How is hypercalcemia treated?
> 12
Apathy, depression, fatigue, muscle weakness, ECG changes, anorexia, N/V
Treat Primary disease
Hydration (3L/day)
Diuretics: especially loop diuretics, infusion of bisphosphonate
What is a graft, and what types are there?
Transfer of tissue from one part of body to different part
Autograft: Transplantation of tissue from one part of person’s body to another part of body (ideal)
Heterograft (Xenograft): Transplantation of tissue between two different species (animal to human)
Allograft: Transplantation of tissue between members of same species (human to human)
Who can approach families about organ donation?
What are key immunosuppressants used to prevent graft rejection?
NOT NURSE. Organ Procurement Organization
Cyclosporine
Tacrolimus
What is Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT)?
What nursing interventions are used to prevent infection in HSCT? (Think neutropenic precautions discussed in class)
AKA bone marrow transplantation
Healthy stem cells infused into patient to restore normal bone marrow function in clients with hematologic malignancy or bone marrow failure
No fresh flowers or fresh fruit
What is graft-versus-host disease (GvHD)?
Symptoms of acute GvHD?
Chronic GvHD?
After allogenic transplant the donated
cells (graft) view the recipient’s cells (host) as an unfamiliar threat
Acute GvHD:
Occurs usually within the first 100 days.
Most often affects your skin, gastrointestinal (GI) tract or liver.
Chronic GvHD:
Most cases start within two years.
May affect your skin, mouth, liver, lungs, GI tract, muscles, joints or genitals
