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NURS 5031 Study Guide: Cancer
NURS 5031 Study Guide: Cancer
Cancer:
Identify emergency complications of cancer and cancer treatment
3 types of cancer complications:
1) Obstructive
Tumor obstruction of an organ or blood vessel
Examples include:
Superior vena cava syndrome (blood in vena cava slows down due to tumor obstruction), spinal cord compression syndrome, third space syndrome
2) Metabolic
Production of ectopic hormones from the tumor or are secondary to metabolic alterations
Examples include:
SIADH, hypercalcemia, TLS, septic shock, and DIC (disseminated intravascular coagulation)
3) Infiltrative
Malignant tumors infiltrate major organs or secondary to cancer therapy
Examples:
Cardiac tamponade
Carotid artery rupture
Understand the nurses role in providing and prioritizing care the care of patients undergoing cancer treatment
Generalized Nursing Interventions to manage side effects
Education
About the treatment regimen
Supportive care options (antiemetics, antidiarrheals etc)
What to expect during treatment
Interventions
Utilize interventions to counter the negative effects of cancer treatment
Prevention and Detection
Patient education on how to reduce risks, screen for cancer early, self-exams, and the 7 warning signs of cancer
7 Warning Signs of cancer (Mnemonic: CAUTION)
C: Change in bowel or bladder habits
A: A sore that doesn’t heal
U: Unusual bleeding or discharge
T: Thickening or lump in breast or elsewhere
I: Indigestion or dysphagia
O: Obvious change in wart or mole
N: Nagging cough or hoarseness
Malnutrition and Dysgeusia
Malnutrition: Provide nutrition education and consult with dietitian if 5% weight loss noted
Altered taste: Avoid disliked foods, change spices to mask changes
Fatigue
Encourage conservation of energy
Maintain nutrition
Assess for reversible causes of fatigue
Pain Mgmt
Treat & Assess!
Bone Marrow Suppression
Infection
Monitor, educate, and treat with antibiotics
Hemorrhage
No IM injections
Transfusions & growth factors if needed
Monitor for bleeding (including hypotension and anemia)
Myelosuppression is the most common side effect of chemo
GI Side-effects
I/Os, prophylactic antiemetics and antidiarrheals
Nutrition education, dietitian consult, monitor weight loss
Vomiting is common within 1 hr of chemo, or a few hours after radiation
Skin reactions
Wound consults
Educations about signs of infection
Emotional support for skin and hair changes
Cognitive effects
Educate about “chemo” brain (brain fog lasting for months or years after treatment)
Memory games and limited distractions to reduce memory loss
Reproductive effects
Inform patient about expected sexual side effects
Encourage discussion and refer to counseling if needed
NURS 5031 Study Guide: Cancer
NURS 5031 Study Guide: Cancer
Cancer:
Identify emergency complications of cancer and cancer treatment
3 types of cancer complications:
1) Obstructive
Tumor obstruction of an organ or blood vessel
Examples include:
Superior vena cava syndrome (blood in vena cava slows down due to tumor obstruction), spinal cord compression syndrome, third space syndrome
2) Metabolic
Production of ectopic hormones from the tumor or are secondary to metabolic alterations
Examples include:
SIADH, hypercalcemia, TLS, septic shock, and DIC (disseminated intravascular coagulation)
3) Infiltrative
Malignant tumors infiltrate major organs or secondary to cancer therapy
Examples:
Cardiac tamponade
Carotid artery rupture
Understand the nurses role in providing and prioritizing care the care of patients undergoing cancer treatment
Generalized Nursing Interventions to manage side effects
Education
About the treatment regimen
Supportive care options (antiemetics, antidiarrheals etc)
What to expect during treatment
Interventions
Utilize interventions to counter the negative effects of cancer treatment
Prevention and Detection
Patient education on how to reduce risks, screen for cancer early, self-exams, and the 7 warning signs of cancer
7 Warning Signs of cancer (Mnemonic: CAUTION)
C: Change in bowel or bladder habits
A: A sore that doesn’t heal
U: Unusual bleeding or discharge
T: Thickening or lump in breast or elsewhere
I: Indigestion or dysphagia
O: Obvious change in wart or mole
N: Nagging cough or hoarseness
Malnutrition and Dysgeusia
Malnutrition: Provide nutrition education and consult with dietitian if 5% weight loss noted
Altered taste: Avoid disliked foods, change spices to mask changes
Fatigue
Encourage conservation of energy
Maintain nutrition
Assess for reversible causes of fatigue
Pain Mgmt
Treat & Assess!
Bone Marrow Suppression
Infection
Monitor, educate, and treat with antibiotics
Hemorrhage
No IM injections
Transfusions & growth factors if needed
Monitor for bleeding (including hypotension and anemia)
Myelosuppression is the most common side effect of chemo
GI Side-effects
I/Os, prophylactic antiemetics and antidiarrheals
Nutrition education, dietitian consult, monitor weight loss
Vomiting is common within 1 hr of chemo, or a few hours after radiation
Skin reactions
Wound consults
Educations about signs of infection
Emotional support for skin and hair changes
Cognitive effects
Educate about “chemo” brain (brain fog lasting for months or years after treatment)
Memory games and limited distractions to reduce memory loss
Reproductive effects
Inform patient about expected sexual side effects
Encourage discussion and refer to counseling if needed