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z_MS_Primers for Exam 4 > Radiation Therapy > Flashcards

Radiation Therapy Flashcards

1
Q

What is the goal of Radiation Therapy?

A

• To stop the progress of cancer by disrupting the cancer cell’s ability to reproduce

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2
Q

How does radiation therapy stop the cancer cells ability to reproduce?

A

• It basically breaks apart the structure of the cell and prevents DNA replication

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3
Q

What are common sfx of Radiotherapy?

A
  • Sore skin
  • Fatigue, Nausea
  • Dry mouth, discomfort on swallowing, loss of appetite
  • Diarrhea
  • Alopecia
  • Discomfort on swallowing
  • Lack of labido
  • Stiff joints and muscles
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4
Q

True or False
Radiation Therapy is the preferred treatment for Leukemia, HL and NHL

A
  • False
  • Those are systemic cancers best treated with chemotherapy
  • Radiation therapy is best for targeting specific areas of cancer growth
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5
Q

True or False
Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy are commonly used together

A

• True

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6
Q

Why would radiotherapy be used prior to surgery to remove a tumor?

A

• To reduce the size of the tumor and increase the odds of successful surgical removal

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7
Q

Why would radiotherapy be used as adjuvant treatment post surgery?

A

• To reduce risk of local disease reoccurrence

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8
Q

What is Bracytherapy?

A

• The implantation of radioactive materials (seeds) directly into the tumor (such as in prostate cancer)

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9
Q

What is pharmaceutical radiotherapy?

A

• Method of admin of radiotherapy where the patient drinks the preparation to treat thyroid cancers and lymphoma

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10
Q

What is a dosimeter?

A

• A badge worn to track radiation exposure

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11
Q

True or False
A patient receiving brachytherapy is radioactive.

A

• False, the implants are, not the patient

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12
Q

What is important to remember regarding the care of a patients receiving brachytherapy?

A
  • Cluster care to minimize time around patient
  • Wear dosimeter
  • No pregnant nurses/staff to attend pt
  • If implants fall out, never handle with hands, use forceps/tongs
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13
Q

May pts receiving brachytherapy have visitors?

A
  • > 16y/o, Yes.
  • With minimal time and proper distance maintained
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14
Q

Internal vs external radiation tx. Which is most commonly used?

A

• External

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15
Q

What is an example of a stereotactic method of external radiation and what is its advantage?

A
  • Gamma knife
  • It is accurate to within 1-2mm
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16
Q

What are some side effects common to both chemo and radiation therapy?

A
  • Bone marrow suppression
  • Fatigue
  • GI disturbances
  • Integumentary and mucosal reactions
  • Pulmonary effects
  • Reproductive effects
17
Q

What is the most common side effect of chemotherapy?

A

• Myelosuppression (Bone Marrow Suppression)

18
Q

What risks are increased due to myelo/bone suppression?

A
  • Suppression results in reductions in RBC and WBC production that can result in increased risk of:
    • Infection
    • Hemorrhage
    • Overwhelming fatigue
19
Q

What integumentary injuries are of concern for a pt receiving external radiation therapy?

A

• Dry and wet radiation burns

20
Q

What is of more concern, dry or wet radiation burns?

A

• Wet as the skin has already been breached and it has a greater chance of infection

21
Q

Radiotherapy may cause pulmonary effects such as cough, dyspnea, pneumonitis and pulmonary edema. How may these be treated?

A
  • Bronchodilators
  • Expectorants/cough suppressants
  • Bed rest
  • Oxygen
22
Q

Daunorubicin (DRUG LIST) is an anthracycline chemo (anticancer) drug that can cause

A

• Cardiotoxicity

23
Q

What is the concern for the reproductive effects of chemo/radiotherapy?

A
  • Certain therapies (brachytherapy for prostate cancer) call for edu to wear condom due to possibility of ejaculation of material into partner.
  • Reproduction: discuss options (freezing sperm/eggs, etc)
24
Q

True or False
Permanent cessation of menses occurs at a radiation dosage of 500 to 1000 cGy in 95% of women younger than 40 years of age.

A

• True

25
Q

What are some ways we can support how our pts cope with their treatments?

A
  • Ed: Symptom management to maintain quality of life
  • Community resources
  • Assist in planning, transportation, nutrition and emotional support
26
Q

What is the primary cause of death in cancer patients?

A

• Secondary infections (ex. pneumonia)

z_MS_Primers for Exam 4 (18 decks)

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