Cancer Treatment & Nursing Safety

Vocabulary flashcards covering cancer treatment modalities, chemotherapy adverse effects, radiation principles, and nursing interventions.

Chemotherapy

Systemic drugs that damage or inhibit malignant cell growth.

Chemotherapy-Induced Cytopenias

A reduction in blood cells resulting from chemotherapy suppressing rapidly dividing bone marrow cells.

Neutropenia

Abnormally low neutrophils, increasing infection risk.

Severe Neutropenia

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

Urgent Neutropenic Fever

A fever of $38^\circ\text{C}$ ($100.4^\circ\text{F}$) or higher, requiring the nurse to follow local protocol.

Mucositis

Inflammation and ulceration of mucous membranes.

Vesicant Extravasation

Leakage of tissue-damaging drug outside a vein.

Nursing Action for Suspected Extravasation

Stop infusion immediately and follow drug-specific protocol.

Noncoring Huber Needle

The specific 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-Induced Neuropathy

A complication commonly characterized by numbness, tingling, or burning in hands and feet.

Pre-treatment Fertility Counseling

Counseling provided before initiating cancer treatment because some therapies can impair fertility.