Oncology Nursing Key Points

Comprehensive oncology nursing flashcards covering lab values, cancer screening, staging, markers, and emergency management.

WBC (White Blood Cells)

Normal range is $4.0-11.0 \times 10^3/\mu L$; chemo commonly causes leukopenia.

ANC (Absolute Neutrophil Count)

Normal range is $1.5-8.0 \times 10^3/\mu L$; levels below $1.0$ indicate neutropenia and below $0.5$ indicate severe infection risk.

Hemoglobin (Hgb)

Normal range is $12-16\,g/dL$ for females and $14-18\,g/dL$ for males; transfusion is often considered if levels fall below $7-8\,g/dL$.

Nadir

The lowest level of circulating blood cells, especially WBCs and platelets, typically occurring $7-14$ days after a chemotherapy cycle.

CAUTION Acronym

A screening tool for cancer signs: Change in bowel/bladder, A sore that does not heal, Unusual bleeding/discharge, Thickening/lump, Indigestion/difficulty swallowing, Obvious change in wart/mole, Nagging cough/hoarseness.

ABCDE Rule

Assessment tool for melanoma: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color changes, Diameter $>6\,mm$, and Evolving appearance.

Peau d'orange

A skin dimpling appearance resembling an orange peel, which is a clinical sign associated with breast cancer.

Tumor Staging (TNM)

A system where T denotes tumor size/local invasion, N denotes lymph node involvement ($N0-N3$), and M denotes distant metastasis ($M0-M1$).

Tumor Grading

Describes cell differentiation; Grade 1 is well-differentiated (low), whereas Grade 4 is undifferentiated/anaplastic (high/aggressive).

PSA

Tumor marker used to screen for and monitor prostate cancer.

CA-125

Tumor marker associated with ovarian cancer.

CEA

Tumor marker associated with colon cancer.

AFP (Alpha-fetoprotein)

Tumor marker associated with liver and testicular cancers.

HER2

Marker used to assess breast cancer status and treatment options.

BRCA1/2

Genetic markers used to identify an increased risk for breast and ovarian cancer.

Benign Characteristics

Slow-growing, encapsulated, non-invasive, well-differentiated cells that do not metastasize.

Malignant Characteristics

Rapidly growing, non-encapsulated, invasive, poorly differentiated cells that metastasize.

Neutropenic Precautions

Interventions for ANC $<1500$ including hand hygiene, private room, and avoiding fresh flowers or raw foods.

Thrombocytopenia

A condition where Platelets are $<150,000/\mu L$; levels $<50,000$ indicate bleeding risk and $<20,000$ are critical.

Brachytherapy

Internal radiation therapy requiring specific safety measures including time, distance, shielding, and a lead apron.

Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS)

An oncological emergency resulting in hyperkalemia ($\uparrow K$), hyperphosphatemia ($\uparrow Phos$), hyperuricemia ($\uparrow Uric\,acid$), and hypocalcemia ($\downarrow Ca$).

Superior Vena Cava Syndrome (SVCS)

An emergency caused by tumor compression of the SVC, resulting in facial/neck swelling, dyspnea, and distended neck veins.

Palliative Care

Care focused on symptom management that can be provided at any stage of illness alongside curative treatment.

Hospice Care

End-of-life care focused on comfort for patients with a prognosis usually $<6$ months.

Cisplatin

A chemotherapy medication that is notably nephrotoxic and ototoxic, requiring careful renal monitoring and hydration.

Filgrastim

A medication used to stimulate neutrophil production; bone pain is a common side effect.

Ondansetron

An antiemetic medication used to manage nausea and vomiting, with a risk of QT prolongation.

Morphine 

A potent opioid analgesic commonly used for pain management, with potential side effects including respiratory depression and constipation.

Oxycodone 

A semi-synthetic opioid used to manage moderate to severe pain, with side effects such as drowsiness, constipation, and risk of dependence.