cancer management

Question 1

what are common treatments for cancer?

Answer 1

surgery, radiation therapy, and medical treatment (chemo, medication, etc)

Question 2

what are the conditions for a patient to have surgical management for cancer?

Answer 2

can be the only treatment if the cancer is localized and no other treatment is indicated or be part of treatment that includes chemo and radiation

Question 3

what is external beam radiation therapy?

Answer 3

radiation therapy that uses a linear accelerator

Question 4

what is internal radiation therapy?

Answer 4

also called brachytherapy or seed implants; involves placing radioactive sources inside the patient; patient is placed on radiation precautions

Question 5

important considerations for radiation precautions

Answer 5

HCP must limit the time spent in direct contact with the patient, use shielding if available, wear a film badge whenever delivering care to the patient, when removing the radiation source place it in a lead container using forceps and wearing lead gloves

Question 6

what is a stem cell transplant?

Answer 6

a procedure that restores blood-forming stem cells in cancer patients that have had high doses of chemo or radiation

Question 7

what is targeted therapy?

Answer 7

cancer treatment that targets the changes in cancer cells that help them grow, divide, and spread

Question 8

what is hormone therapy?

Answer 8

treatment of hormones that will slow or stop the growth of breast and prostate cancers that thrive off of hormones to grow in size

Question 9

what is one of the most common problems with IV chemotherapy?

Answer 9

IV infiltration

Question 10

what is an extravasation?

Answer 10

this occurs when there is an accidental infiltration of a chemo drug into the surrounding IV site

Question 11

what are vesicants?

Answer 11

agents that can cause tissue destruction and/or blistering

Question 12

what is neoadjuvant therapy?

Answer 12

treatment given prior to the primary treatment with the goal of shrinking the tumor or prevention of metastasis

Question 13

what is adjuvant therapy?

Answer 13

additional treatment to the primary treatment to maximize effectiveness

Question 14

common side effects from chemo and radiation therapy?

Answer 14

bone marrow suppression, fatigue, GI disturbance, integumentary/mucosal reactions, pulmonary effects, and reproductive effects

Question 15

what labs should the nurse monitor during cancer treatment?

Answer 15

CBC, CMP

Question 16

how can a nurse manage the chief complaint of fatigue associated with cancer treatment?

Answer 16

maintain nutrition and hydration status; develop a routine that involves mild to moderate exercise as tolerated (30 minutes of walking per day)

Question 17

nursing diagnosis relating to fatigue from chemo

Answer 17

fatigue, activity intolerance

Question 18

nursing management of integumentary effects from cancer treatment

Answer 18

avoid ice packs or heat
gentle cleansing with tepid water
avoid tight clothes/harsh chemicals/deodorants
apply 100% aloe ointment given by treatment center or OTC; or prescribed topical steroid
protect from sun
no ETOH, perfume, or additives on skin

Question 19

nursing diagnosis relating to integumentary effects from cancer treatment

Answer 19

risk for (or) impaired skin integrity

Question 20

nursing management of GI effects from cancer treatment

Answer 20

use saliva sub. , drink H2O frequently, have hard candies for dry mouth

soft, non-irritating, high protein, high calorie foods

avoid ingesting extreme temperatures, ETOH, tobacco, spicy/acidic foods

extra soft toothbrushes for oral care

pain relief for oral ulcers (lidocaine, local anesthetic gel)

monitor weights to avoid malnutrition from anorexia and satiety

encourage nutritional supplements

cold/room temp foods for nausea

avoid gas forming foods

Question 21

nursing management for N/V related to cancer treatment

Answer 21

prophylactic antiemetics given PRN

avoid triggers such as strong odors

assess S&S of dehydration

Question 22

anorexia-cachexia syndrome in cancer

Answer 22

suppression of appetite
diverting nutrition for its own use
loss of taste (dysgeusia)
altered taste

Question 23

nursing diagnosis relating to anorexia cachexia syndrome

Answer 23

inadequate nutrition and altered taste sensation

Question 24

pulmonary effects of cancer treatment

Answer 24

fibrosis, dyspnea on exertion

Question 25

what is recommended for young adult cancer patients for future family planning?

Answer 25

freeze sperm or egg in case of infertility or sterility

Question 26

CV effects of cancer treatment

Answer 26

cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, MI

Question 27

how does a patient become neutropenic?

Answer 27

if their neutrophil count falls below 1000

Question 28

when does alopecia commonly occur during cancer treatment?

Answer 28

10 days after first treatment