Human Body and Illness Management: Fundamentals and Cancer Care for Cancer Patients
Course Information and Learning Objectives
Course: PSW Human Body and Illness Management
Date:
Professor: Amelia Poquiz, BScN, RN
Week Learning Objectives:
Define basic anatomical direction terms.
Explain types and functions of cells and tissues.
Distinguish between organs, body cavities, and organ systems.
Discuss cancer causes and recognize abnormal findings.
Identify goals of cancer treatment and pain management options.
Describe the Personal Support Worker’s (PSW) role in supporting clients and caregivers.
Recognize when to report concerns to the healthcare team.
Fundamental Concepts of Anatomy and Physiology
Anatomy: The study of body structures.
Physiology: The study of how the body structures work (function).
Clinical Importance: Understanding these concepts is essential for health management and proper caregiving in a clinical environment.
Anatomical Position and Directional Terminology
Definition of Anatomical Position:
Standing erect (upright).
Face forward.
Arms directed at the sides.
Toes and palms directed forward.
Perspective Note: Anatomical position is the mirror image to the viewer’s position.
Relative Positions and Directional Terms: These terms describe the position of one body part in relation to another while the person is in anatomical position. They are typically organized in pairs:
Superior and Inferior: Superior refers to a position above the trunk of the body; inferior refers to a position below the trunk.
Anterior and Posterior: Anterior (also called ventral) is located at or toward the front of the body. Posterior (also called dorsal) is located at the back of the body.
Medial and Lateral: Medial signifies a position near the midline or center of the body. Lateral signifies the side of the body or a part away from the midline.
Proximal and Distal: Proximal is nearest to the trunk of the body or the point of attachment/origin. Distal is the part farthest from the center or from the point of attachment/origin.
Superficial and Deep: Superficial refers to being closer to the surface; deep refers to being further inside the body.
Central and Peripheral: Central refers to the main axis of the body; peripheral refers to the outer regions or parts away from the center.
Body Cavities and Regional Organization
Definition of Body Cavity: Spaces within the body that house and protect internal organs.
The Dorsal Cavity:
Cranial Cavity: Contains the brain.
Spinal (Vertebral) Cavity: Contains the spinal cord.
The Ventral Cavity:
Thoracic Cavity: Divided further into the Pleural cavities (surrounding the lungs) and the Mediastinum (the central compartment containing the heart and other structures).
Abdominopelvic Cavity: Divided into four quadrants or nine specific regions for clinical assessment.
The Hierarchy of Biological Organization
The body follows an organizational scheme moving from simple to complex levels:
Chemical Level: Atoms and molecules.
Cellular Level: The basic unit of life.
Tissue Level: Groups of cells with similar functions.
Organ Level: Groups of tissues working together.
Body System Level: Groups of organs performing special functions.
Total Organism: The complete human body.
Homeostasis: The process of maintaining the body’s stable internal environment regardless of external changes.
Cellular Structure and Function
The cell is the basic unit of body structure and is considered the body’s building block.
Key Parts of a Cell:
Cell Membrane: The outer covering that encloses and protects the cell.
Nucleus: The control center of the cell.
Cytoplasm: The substance that surrounds the nucleus.
Chromosomes: Structures within the nucleus that contain genes. There are a total of chromosomes, which exist in pairs.
Genes: Contain the chemical traits inherited by children from their parents.
Types and Functions of Body Tissues
Epithelial Tissue: Found in the skin and covering the entire outer surface of the body; it also lines most inner cavities.
Connective Tissue: Anchors, connects, and supports other tissues. It is found in blood, under the skin, in bone, around many organs, and in ligaments, tendons, and cartilage.
Cartilage: Cushions joints so that bone ends do not rub against each other.
Tendons: Connect a muscle to a bone.
Ligaments: Connect a bone to another bone.
Muscle Tissue: Composed of cells (called fibers) that shorten (contract) to move a body part.
Classification by Function: Voluntary and Involuntary.
Classification by Striation: Smooth (non-striated) and Striated.
Classification by Location: Skeletal, Cardiac, and Visceral.
Nerve Tissue: Makes up the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. It receives and carries impulses to and from the brain.
Neurons: Nerve cells that transmit electrical signals. Parts include Dendrites, the Cell Body, and the Axon.
Neuroglia: Specialized cells that support and care for neurons.
Major Organ Systems
Organ systems are formed by organs working together to perform specialized functions. Essential systems include:
Integumentary System
Skeletal System
Muscular System
Nervous System
Endocrine System
Circulatory System
Lymphatic System
Immune System
Respiratory System
Digestive System
Urinary System
Reproductive System
Understanding Illness and Illness Management
Definition of Illness: The loss of physical or mental health.
Types of Illness:
Acute: Sudden onset and short-term duration (e.g., influenza, appendicitis).
Chronic: Long-term duration and often lifelong (e.g., diabetes, arthritis).
Progressive: Deteriorates or gets worse over time (e.g., multiple sclerosis).
Disabling: Limits physical or mental functioning.
Life-threatening: May lead to death (e.g., advanced stages of cancer).
The Personal Support Worker (PSW) Role and Compassionate Care
Core Responsibilities:
Always show empathy by trying to understand the client’s perspective.
Provide client-centered care focused on individual needs and choices.
Assist with daily tasks, comfort measures, and emotional support.
Respect privacy, dignity, and independence.
Communicate clearly and listen actively.
Be kind, patient, and present, especially when clients feel scared or frustrated.
DIIPPS Principles of Compassionate Care:
Dignity: Supporting clients emotionally, listening, respecting spirituality, and remaining non-judgmental.
Independence: Encouraging clients to perform as much for themselves as possible.
Individualized Care: Planning care based on specific needs, abilities, and personality rather than just generic tasks.
Preferences: Respecting choices, explaining care before implementation, and obtaining consent. Report to supervisors if preferences conflict with the care plan.
Privacy: Maintaining confidentiality by closing doors/curtains and only sharing information with the care team.
Safety: Following standard practices to prevent falls, choking, or accidents.
Cancer: Etiology, Risk Factors, and Warning Signs
Definition of Cancer: A condition where cells grow out of control and do not stop dividing, leading to a mass called a tumour.
Metastasis: The process by which cancer spreads to other parts of the body.
Risk Factors:
Family history of cancer.
Smoking and alcohol abuse.
High-fat, high-calorie, low-fibre diets.
Exposure to radiation (including UV rays from the sun).
Exposure to carcinogens (specific chemicals).
Hormonal factors and certain viruses.
Warning Signs of Cancer (Canadian Cancer Society):
Unusual lumps or swelling (breast, testicles, or elsewhere).
Sores that do not heal (mouth or body).
Obvious changes in shape, size, or colour of moles or warts.
Nagging cough, hoarseness, or croaky voice.
Difficulty swallowing or persistent indigestion.
Blood in urine, stool, or phlegm.
Unusual bleeding or discharge from nipples or vagina.
Changes in bladder habits (pain/difficulty) or bowel habits (longevity > weeks).
Unexplained weight loss, fever, fatigue, or aches and pains.
CAUTION Mnemonic:
C: Change in bowel or bladder habits.
A: A sore that does not heal.
U: Unusual bleeding or discharge.
T: Thickening or lump in breast, testicles, or elsewhere.
I: Indigestion or difficulty swallowing.
O: Obvious change in a mole or wart.
N: Nagging cough or hoarseness.
Cancer Treatment Modalities and Goals
Goals of Treatment:
Cure the cancer.
Keep cancer from spreading.
Relieve symptoms (palliative care).
Common Treatments:
Surgery: Often the first line of treatment when a tumour is localized and can be safely removed.
Radiation Therapy: High-energy rays target and kill cancer cells. Side effects include skin irritation, fatigue, and damage to healthy tissue.
Chemotherapy: Powerful drugs (oral or intravenous) kill cells or stop division. It affects fast-growing healthy cells (digestive tract, hair follicles, bone marrow).
Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomatitis (mouth inflammation), and alopecia (hair loss).
Transplantation: Used after high-dose treatments to restore healthy cells.
Stem-Cell Transplantation: Replaces destroyed bone marrow.
Bone Marrow Transplantation: Uses donor marrow or the patient’s own marrow.
Umbilical Cord Blood Transplantation: Uses stem-cell-rich blood from a newborn’s umbilical cord.
Supporting the Client with Cancer
PSWs support physical, emotional, and social needs through:
Pain relief and control.
Balancing rest and exercise.
Ensuring adequate fluids and nutrition.
Preventing skin breakdown and bowel problems.
Managing adverse effects of radiation and chemotherapy.
Providing emotional and social support to the client and caregivers.
References
Wilk, S. (). Sorrentino’s Canadian textbook for the support worker ( ed.). Elsevier.
Herlihy, B. (). The Human Body in Health and Illness ( ed.). Elsevier.