Oncology Nursing Practice and Symptom Management

Vocabulary practice cards outlining key concepts across oncology nursing, covering oncologic emergencies, pain pathways, nutritional and metabolic disorders, sleep disturbances, neurological assessments, dermatologic toxicities, and hematologic calculations.

Spinal Cord Compression (SCC) - Presenting Symptom

The most common presenting symptom of spinal cord compression in cancer patients is back pain, the early detection of which is essential to prevent permanent loss of function.

Altered Body Image in Cancer Survivors

A psychosocial alteration that can result in role changes, with younger cancer survivors being at an increased risk.

Scalp Cooling

An intervention used to reduce chemotherapy-induced alopecia for which there is no evidence of increasing the risk of scalp metastases.

Checkpoint Inhibitor Immunotherapy-Induced Pneumonitis

An inflammatory lung condition that can develop as an adverse effect of checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy, such as during treatment for advanced kidney cancer.

Bowel Perforation

A serious surgical complication after colon resection characterized by new-onset, severe abdominal pain that escalates from previously manageable levels.

Superior Vena Cava Syndrome (SVCS) - Initial Management

An oncologic emergency presenting with severe shortness of breath and upper torso and facial swelling, for which percutaneous stent placement serves as an effective initial treatment.

Denosumab in Hypercalcemia of Malignancy

A therapeutic agent appropriate for managing hypercalcemia of malignancy specifically in patients with underlying renal insufficiency.

Distal Small Intestine Obstruction

A bowel obstruction characterized clinically by nausea and the vomiting of orange-brown material with a distinct fecal odor.

Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) - Management

A hematologic disorder managed medically with the administration of plasma exchange using fresh frozen plasma (FFP).

Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH)

A metabolic emergency presenting with decreased serum sodium, decreased mentation, normal serum potassium, and decreased (rather than increased) urine output.

Left Shift in Sepsis

An elevation in immature white blood cells (bands) on a complete blood count indicating an active, severe systemic infection or sepsis.

Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS) Prophylaxis

Preventive therapy for patients at high risk of TLS that includes the administration of intravenous hydration $24\text{ to }48\text{ hours}$ prior to the initiation of antineoplastic treatment.

Hypercalcemia of Malignancy

The most commonly encountered oncologic emergency in clinical oncology, frequently associated with breast, lung, and prostate cancers.

Sleep-Wake Disturbances

Actual or perceived interruptions in sleep resulting in daytime impairment, with afternoon naps identified as a prominent behavioral risk factor.

Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) - Laboratory Profile

A microvascular clotting disorder characterized on laboratory evaluation by a low platelet count and microangiopathic hemolytic anemia.

Egophony in Pleural Effusion

An auscultatory physical exam finding where spoken sounds take on an altered, bleating quality through consolidated or compressed lung tissue above a pleural effusion.

"P" in PQRST Pain Assessment

The component of the PQRST mnemonic that assesses Provocation and Palliation—identifying what causes or relieves the patient's pain.

Existential Pain Concern

A spiritual or philosophical dimension of suffering during a pain assessment, exemplified by a patient viewing their pain as a form of punishment.

Post-Herpetic Neuralgia

A persistent neuropathic pain syndrome arising along a dermatomal nerve pathway following a shingles (herpes zoster) reactivation.

Enteral Feeding Distention Prophylaxis

The administration of enteral formula continuously rather than as a bolus, and at room temperature, to prevent abdominal distention, nausea, and vomiting.

Modulation (Pain Pathway)

The segment of the pain pathway where the brain alters or dampens the perception of pain via the release of endogenous opioids, norepinephrine, and serotonin.

Dysgeusia

An unpleasant or altered taste sensation that can be managed during chemotherapy by having the patient suck on smooth, flat, tart candies or lozenges.

Oral Candidiasis

An oral fungal infection that contributes to taste alterations in patients undergoing antineoplastic therapy.

Romberg Test

A neurological physical examination used to assess balance and proprioceptive function in patients receiving neurotoxic chemotherapy.

Cancer Cachexia

A metabolic wasting syndrome marked by anorexia, muscle weakness, severe fatigue, and involuntary weight loss exceeding $5\%$ of baseline body weight over a 6-month period.

Sarcopenia

The progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength, exacerbated in cancer care by prolonged bed rest.

Potassium Electrolyte Imbalance

An electrolyte abnormality presenting clinically with muscle pain or weakness in the extremities alongside a rapid or irregular heartbeat.

Erythema Multiforme

An immune-mediated (antigen-antibody complex) skin reaction producing an outbreak of target lesions on the extremities, notably the palms and soles, which may progress to a generalized rash.

Radiation Recall Dermatitis

An acute inflammatory dermatologic reaction occurring in previously irradiated skin within 1 to 2 weeks after chemotherapy administration, characterized by erythema, edema, superficial ulcerations, and skin sloughing.

Perineal Hygiene in Irinotecan-Induced Diarrhea

Skin care maintenance requiring mild soap, thorough rinsing, patting dry, and applying barrier creams while strictly avoiding alcohol wipes on the irritated perineal tissue.

Graft-Versus-Host Disease (GVHD)

A systemic immune complication where donor immune cells attack recipient tissues, most commonly occurring after an allogeneic bone marrow transplant.

EGFR Inhibitor-Induced Acneiform Rash

A papulopustular dermatologic reaction associated with epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors that distinctly presents without comedones.

Chronic Radiation Dermatitis

A late-stage radiation side effect characterized by thinning of the skin, scarring, contractures, telangiectasias, and persistent long-term sensitivity to environmental irritants.

Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) Formula

The laboratory formula used to determine neutropenia, calculated as: $\text{ANC} = \% \text{ neutrophils (segmented neutrophils} + \text{bands)} \times \text{WBC}$.

Myeloid Stem Cells

The hematopoietic stem cell precursors from which megakaryocytes develop to subsequently produce circulating blood platelets.

Grade 3 Neutropenia

A severe level of neutropenia defined by an Absolute Neutrophil Count between $500/\text{mm}^3$ and $1000/\text{mm}^3$ (such as $625/\text{mm}^3$).

Grade 2 Anemia

A moderate category of anemia defined by a hemoglobin level ranging between $8.0\,\text{g/dL}$ and $9.9\,\text{g/dL}$ (such as $8.3\,\text{g/dL}$).

Poor Prognosis Febrile Neutropenia Indicators

Clinical and laboratory markers indicating a poor prognosis during febrile neutropenia episodes, specifically hypotension, hypoalbuminemia, and a low serum bicarbonate level.