Cancer Treatment and Nursing Safety

Vocabulary flashcards covering core oncology concepts, safety guidelines, and clinical nursing interventions for cancer treatment.

Chemotherapy

Systemic drugs that damage or inhibit malignant cell growth.

Chemotherapy-induced cytopenias

Cytopenias resulting from chemotherapy suppressing rapidly dividing bone marrow cells.

Neutropenia

Abnormally low neutrophils, increasing infection risk.

Severe neutropenia

Neutropenia defined by an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) below $500\,\text{cells}/\mu\text{L}$.

Urgent neutropenic fever

A fever of $38^\circ\text{C}$ ($100.4^\circ\text{F}$) or higher requiring immediate adherence to local protocol.

Mucositis

Inflammation and ulceration of mucous membranes.

Vesicant extravasation

Leakage of tissue-damaging drug outside a vein.

Suspected extravasation initial action

Stop infusion immediately and follow drug-specific protocol.

Noncoring Huber needle

The needle used to access a central venous port.

Radiation safety principles

Time, distance, and shielding for radioactive sources.

Brachytherapy

A radiation source placed within or near a tumor.

Chemotherapy neuropathy symptoms

Numbness, tingling, or burning in hands and feet.

Pre-treatment fertility counseling

Counseling offered before cancer treatment because some therapies can impair fertility.

Chemotherapy fever priority

Treating a fever as a possible neutropenic infection and reporting it immediately.

Neutropenia (infection vulnerability)

A reduced neutrophil count with increased infection risk.

Thrombocytopenia

A low platelet condition that increases risk for bleeding and bruising.

Extravasation warning signs

Pain, swelling, or burning at the IV infusion site.

Suspected vesicant extravasation nursing response

Stop infusion; leave access in place and follow drug-specific protocol.

Mucositis discomfort reduction

Gentle oral care and avoiding irritating foods or alcohol rinses.

Radiation skin-care principles

Use gentle cleansing and follow the treatment team's instructions.

Chemotherapy neuropathy assessment rationale

Assessment warranted because some agents cause sensory loss and fall risk.

Antiemetics

Medications whose purpose is to prevent or control treatment-related nausea and vomiting.

Immunotherapy inflammatory monitoring

Monitoring for new inflammatory symptoms affecting lungs, bowel, liver, or endocrine organs.

Chemotherapy safety precautions

Using hazardous-drug handling precautions and appropriate PPE.

Treatment effectiveness evaluation

Evaluation conducted using imaging, disease markers, symptoms, and treatment goals.