oncology objectives

what does stage 0 indicate

cancer in situ (cells haven't spread)

what does stage 1 indicate

tumor limited to tissue of origin

what does stage 2 indicate

limited local spread

what does stage 3 indicate

extensive local and regional spread

what does stage 4 indicate

metastasis

what does Tx indicate

cant be assessed

what does T0 indicate

no evidence

what does Tis indicate

hasn't spread

what does T 1-4 indicate

level of involvement

what measures can be taken to prevent cancer and promote health

reduce smoking and alcohol, balanced diet and increased activity, sunscreen, regular health screens

what diagnostics can be used for cancer

biopsies, scans, blood work

what are the warning signs of cancer "CAUTION"

change in bowel/bladder habits
a sore that doesnt heal
unusual bleeding/discharge from an oriface
thickening or lump
indigestion and difficulty swallowing
obvious change in wart or mole
nagging cough or hoarsness

what is the action of chemotherapy

eliminate or reduce the number of cancer cells

how are chemotherapy meds prepped

must be trained, prepare in a special area, do not handle if pregnant or a student

what are the side effects of chemotherapy

alopecia, bone marrow depression, cognitive issues, increased risk for infection and bleeding

what are the precautions for a patient on chemotherapy

pt waste is biohazardous (double flush the toilet with the lid closed and double glove when handling)

what patient education should be completed for a chemo patient

check temp regularly, increase fluids, wash hands, good oral hygiene, report any abnormalities to HCP

what is the hormone treatment for prostate cancer

androgen supression

what is the hormone treatment for breast cancer

estrogen supression

what is the action of radiation

damages DNA of rapidly dividing cells

what are the side effects of radiation

fatigue, bone marrow depression, mucous membrane and skin reactions

what precautions should be taken for a patient receiving radiation

work on opposite side of implant, cluster care to limit time, wear lead apron, wear radiation monitor

what is the action of immunotherapy

enhance immune cell activity

what are the side effects of immunotherapy

flu-like, fatigue, weak, low blood cell counts

what are some rules for therapeutic communication

ask open ended questions, no "why" questions, don't provide false reassurance

how is chronically ill defined

disease that can be managed and controlled

how is terminally ill defined

disease has timeline and will lead to death

what medication is used for pain management in end of life care

opioids such as morphine

how much morphine should be given to end of life patients

as much as they need to be comfortable

what are the side effects of morphine

respiratory depression, sedation, urinary retention, constipation

what is hospice care

supports patients with terminal or life limiting illnesses and their family through the dying process

what is palliative care

prevent and relieve suffering and support the best quality of life

what is an advanced directive

document of ones health wishes for when one can no longer make decisions for themselves

what is primary cancer prevention

avoidance of a cancerous condition

what is secondary cancer prevention

early discovery and removal of precancerous conditions and small cancers before they metastasize