Cellular Regulation and End of Life Care Practice Flashcards

Vocabulary terms encompassing cancer classification, staging, treatment modalities (chemo, radiation, immunotherapy), oncology nursing management, and end-of-life care protocols.

Benign Tumor

A cohesive, localized solid mass with well-defined borders that is frequently encapsulated, shows slow growth, and typically does not endanger health or life.

Malignant Tumor

An invasive and non-cohesive mass with irregular shapes that shows aggressive growth, does not respond to hemostatic controls, and can travel via lymph and blood to distant tissues.

Modifiable Cancer Risk Factors

Lifestyle choices such as smoking, alcohol abuse, diet, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and UV exposure.

Non-Modifiable Cancer Risk Factors

Factors that cannot be changed including age, genetics/heredity, race (such as African American), and poverty.

CAUTION Warning Signs

An acronym for cancer warning signs: Change in bowel/bladder, A sore that doesn't heal, Unusual bleeding/discharge, Thickening/lump, Indigestion/difficulty swallowing, Obvious change in warts/moles, and Nagging cough/hoarseness.

ALT (SGPT)

A liver function test parameter used to diagnose liver disease; the reference value is $10.00-49.00\,U/L$.

AST:ALT Ratio

A calculation where a ratio $>1$ is highly suggestive of advanced liver fibrosis in patients with chronic liver disease.

Tis (TNM Staging)

A staging designation indicating a tumor in situ.

N1, N2, N3 (TNM Staging)

Designations describing the number of regional lymph nodes involved in cancer progression.

M1 (TNM Staging)

A staging designation indicating the presence of distant metastasis.

Chemotherapy nursing exposure routes

Methods by which healthcare workers can be exposed to hazardous drugs, including inhalation, absorption through skin, ingestion, and injection.

Immunotherapy

A treatment that stimulates or enhances the body’s immune system to identify, recognize, and destroy cancerous cells.

Brachytherapy

Internal radiation treatment where tiny radioactive pellets are placed inside or near a tumor to destroy cancer cells while sparing surrounding healthy tissue.

Stereotactic Radiation

Radiation therapy indicated for small, early-stage tumors or limited oligometastatic disease ($1-5$ metastases).

Gamma Knife

A form of stereotactic radiation specific to treatments in the brain and spine.

Radiation Skin Changes management

Nursing care including avoiding lotions/creams (unless approved), mild unscented soaps, patting dry, avoiding sun/heat, and not removing markings.

Radiation/Chemo Safety: Nurse Shielding

The practice of wearing a barrier like a lead-lined vest when in close contact with a patient receiving certain radiation treatments.

CINV

An acronym for Chemotherapy Induced Nausea and Vomiting.

Ondansetron (Zofran)

An anti-emetic administered PO or IV push; severe side effects include Serotonin Syndrome and Torsades de Pointes.

Promethazine (Phenergan)

An anti-emetic that is a high alert vesicant when given IV; severe side effects include Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome.

Stomatitis

Inflammation or sores affecting the gums, tongue, mouth, lips, and cheeks.

Mucositis

Inflammation of the mucous membranes throughout the entire GI tract, from the mouth to the anus.

Magic Swizzle

A compounded multi-agent oral preparation typically combining viscous lidocaine, diphenhydramine, and an antacid; must be swished and spat, never swallowed.

Neuropathy

Numbness, tingling, or pins and needles sensation caused by nerve damage, which in cancer care is often a dose-limiting side effect of chemotherapy.

Thrombocytopenia

A deficiency of clotting cells (platelets) resulting in symptoms such as bleeding, bruising, and petechiae.

Neutropenia

A low white blood cell count (specifically neutrophils) that increases the risk of infection, fever, and chills.

Neutropenic Precautions

Safety measures initiated when the Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) falls below $1.0$ or $100$ (depending on lab), involving handwashing, private rooms, and restricted diets (no fresh fruit, veggies, or flowers).

Advocacy

The act of promoting and protecting the rights, health, and safety of the patient; attributes include safeguarding, apprising, valuing, and mediating.

Actively Dying Stage

A phase typically lasting $1-7$ days characterized by unconsciousness and no intake of food or drink.

Cheyne-Stokes breathing

An irregular respiratory rhythm characterized by periods of apnea and a gradual increase then decrease in breathing depth.

Palliative Care

Symptom and comfort management for life-threatening or chronic illness that can be provided alongside active treatment.

Hospice Care

Comfort-focused care for terminal patients with less than $6$ months to live where active treatment is discontinued.

Living Will

A legal document stating a patient's specific wishes about end-of-life care, activated only when the patient is terminally ill or unconscious.

Durable Power of Attorney (POA)

The appointment of a healthcare agent or proxy to make decisions when a patient becomes incapacitated or unable to decide.

Morphine at End of Life

The 'drug of choice' used to manage severe pain and ease the work of breathing; the antidote is Narcan.