Week 2 Head and Neck Ca, Lung Ca W24

Question 1

What are the MAIN risk factors for head and neck cancer?

Answer 1

Smoking and Alcohol

Question 2

What are the 6 risk factors for head and neck cancer?

Answer 2

1. Smoking
2. Alcohol
3. Voice abuse
4. exposure to chemicals
5. GERD
6. Poor oral hygene

Question 3

What are the 3 signs of head/neck cancer in early stages?

Answer 3

1. Lump in neck
2. Sore throat
3. Hoarseness

Question 4

What are the 7 symptoms of head and neck cancer in late stages?

Answer 4

1. Pain
2. Dysphagia
3. Airway obstruction
4. SOB
5. Weight loss
6. Unilateral ear pain
7. Numbness

Question 5

What labs do we check in head and neck cancer and why?

Answer 5

1. Lytes
2. HCT
3. BUN
   if poor nutrition and hydration status

Question 6

What is the MOSt important thing post-op laryngectomy?

Answer 6

Maintain patent airway - for oxygenation and ventilation

Question 7

What are the 9 interventions for post-op laryngectomy care?

Answer 7

1. Suction/keep stoma clear
2. post op vital signs
3. HOB elevated
4. check sutures/stoma
5. Flap checks (if needed)
6. Nutrtion - NPO 24-48 hrs then tube feed
7. Physio (prevent frozen shoulder)
8. Emotional support
9. empathy d/t Depression/change in body image

Question 8

Post-op laryngentomy what will secretions look like?

Answer 8

1. blood tinged
2. copious amounts

Question 9

Why is patient positioning important after laryngectomy?

Answer 9

1. drainage tubes
2. anastomosed vessels (don’t fuck with them) -midline positioning
3. Midline positioning - HOB high or semi fowlers

Question 10

What sense is lost after a total laryngectomy?

Answer 10

smell

Question 11

What is the #1 cause of lung cancer?

Answer 11

cigarette smoking

Question 12

What are the 6 most common signs of lung cancer?

Answer 12

1. persistent cough (may be productive/blood tinged)
2. Wheezing
3. chest pain
4. hoarseness
5. weight loss
6. dyspnea

Question 13

What diagnostics are used for lung cancer diagnosis?

Answer 13

1. biopsy of cancer cells or plural fluid
2. chest xray
3. ct scan
4. sputum for cytology study
5. bronchoscopy/meiastinoscopy

Question 14

Post-Op care for thoracotomy - 6 things

Answer 14

1. monitor resp status - hypoxia = give O2
2. monitor chest tube & collection device
3. Position changes- semi fowlers & upright asap
4. DB &C - early mobility- incentive spirometry
5. Optimal pain management
6. Monitor for infection at surgical site or pleural fluid (empyema)