Week 12 Oncology

Question 1

Metastasis

Answer 1

Cells move from original location to other sites

Question 2

Benign

Answer 2

• Grow slowly
• No spread

Question 3

Malignant

Answer 3

• Grow rapidly
• Spread

Question 4

Hematological Cancers

Answer 4

Blood cell forming tissue

Question 5

Grading

Answer 5

Cellular aspect of tumour

Question 6

Staging

Answer 6

Clinical aspects of cancer & metastasis

Question 7

Progression

Answer 7

1. Localized
2. Regional spread
3. Metastasize

Question 8

Warning Signs - CAUTION

Answer 8

• Change in bowel/bladder pattern
• A lesion that does not heal
• Unusual bleeding/discharge
• Thickening or lump
• Indigestion or difficulty swallowing
• Obvious changes in wart or mole
• Nagging cough or persistent hoarseness

Question 9

Biopsy

Answer 9

Definitive diagnosis by sampling of tumour tissue, can confirm malignancy

Question 10

Chemotherapy: Antineoplastic Medications

Answer 10

• Kill/inhibit reproduction of neoplastic cells & kill normal cells
• Systemic effect
• Dosing based on body surface area & cancer diagnosis

Question 11

Chemotherapy Routes

Answer 11

• IV admin - central line
• Oral
• Intracavitary - isolated limb perfusion

Question 12

Chemotherapy Side Effects

Answer 12

• Fatigue
• Lethargy
• Alopecia
• N/V/D
• Mucositis
• Immunosuppression

Question 13

Chemotherapy Monitoring

Answer 13

• CBC anemia
• WBC leukopenia
• Platelets thrombocytopenia
• Infection
• Nutrition
• IV site - phlebitis, extravasation

Question 14

Chemotherapy Admin

Answer 14

• Cytotoxic precautions
• PPE when handling
• Not being handled by pregnant staff
• Discard in biohazard chemo specific containers
• Linen management
• Spill kits

Question 15

Chemotherapy Toxicity

Answer 15

• GI system - N&V, nutrition
• Hematopoietic System - myelosuppression
• Cardiopulmonary system - heart failure, pulmonary fibrosis
• Reproductive system - possible sterility
• Neurological system - peripheral & cranial nerves, sensory changes, neuropathies
• Cognitive impairment - decline in cognitive function

Question 16

Myelosuppression

Answer 16

• Suppression of bone marrow function
• Decrease WBCs, RBC, platelets

Question 17

Radiation

Answer 17

• Destroys cancer cells with radiation beam
• Some ability to protect normal cells

Question 18

Radiation Side Effects

Answer 18

• Local skin changes/irritation
• Alopecia
• Fatigue
• Altered taste

Question 19

Stem Cell Transplant

Answer 19

• Donor cells reinfused into patient
• High acuity during pre & post transplant phase - significant leukopenia
• Graft vs host disease: donor cells initiate immune response against patient’s tissues
• Admin immunosuppressants to prevent
• Expect systemic response: elevated temp, HR, RR, low- normal BP

Question 20

Sources of Pain

Answer 20

• Bone destruction
• Organ obstruction
• Nerve compression by tumour
• Tissue infiltration
• Inflammation, necrosis
• Psychosomatic

Question 21

Mucositis - Mouth Care

Answer 21

• Assess & monitor
• Oral hygiene & supplemental supports
• Avoid irritants - alcohol, smoking, spicy foods
• Soft toothbrush
• Dehydration & nutritional status

Question 22

Skin Integrity

Answer 22

• Assess & monitor
• Protect blisters/open wounds
• Avoid sunlight, hot/cold therapy

Question 23

Nutrition

Answer 23

• N/V
• Malabsorption
• Smaller, frequent meals
• Appetite stimulant meds
• Enteral/parenteral nutrition