Lung Cancer Flashcards
(26 cards)
describe lung cancer
- neoplasm occurring in the lung
- leading cause of cancer deaths in US
- POOR PROGNOSIS
prevalence of lung cancer in smokers
smoking causes 80-90% of all lung cancers
when does lung cancer occur
years after exposure
common in ages 50-60 y/o
what can increase risk
asbestos and radioactive dust
s/s of lung cancer
- persistent dry, hacking cough (early sign)
- productive cough as progresses
- hoarseness
- dyspnea
- hemoptysis (rust/purulent sputum)
- pain in chest area
- diminished breath sounds (some wheezing)
- abnormal chest radiograph
- positive sputum for cytology and pleural fluids
interventions for lung cancer
- similar to COPD
- place client in semi fowlers (15-45%)
- teach pursed lip breathing (increases gas exchange)
- teach relaxation techniques (anxiety d/t dyspnea)
- administer O2 if inidcated
- allay anxiety
- decrease pain to manageable level with analgesics
describe thoracotomy
- clients with resectable tumor
- however detection often occurs so late that tumor is NOT localized and not amendable to resection
describe pneumonectomy
- removal of entire lung
- position client on operative side or back
- chest tubes NOT used
describe lobectomy and segmental resection
- position on back
- chest tubes ARE used (ensure tubing is not kinked or obstructed)
when large tumors fill entire lobe of lung…
- when removed, large spaces are left
- chest tubes NOT used as fluid that fills mediastinal cavity helps prevent shift of chest organs to space
if chest tube or drainage system breaks…
- place distal end of chest tube connection in a sterile water container at a 2 cm level as an emerging water seal
- do NOT clamp
if chest tube is dislodged…
- cover with a dry sterile dressing taped on 3 sides (allows air to escape and prevent tension pneumothorax)
- notify HCP
what to remember about chest tubes
- tubing coiled below chest level
- water seal and suction at appropriate level
- monitor fluid drainage and mark time of measurement
- observe for bubbling and tidaling
- monitor pt status
- check drainage system position
- encourage deep breathing
- do NOT empty collection container, REPLACE if full
- do not strip, or milk chest tubes
- NOT clamped
- occlusive drainage
things to remember if radiation therapy
- provide skin care
- instruct pt not to wash off lines drawn by radiologist
- wear soft cotton garments only
- AVOID providers and creams on radiation site
fluctuations occur if….
-NO external suctioning
-good indicator that system is intact
-move upward with inspiration and downward with expiration
(fluctuations= tidaling)
if fluctuations stop…
- check for kinked tubing
- accumulation of fluid in tubing
- occlusions
- change in pt position (expanding lung can occclude tube)
when Chest tube is connected to suction…
continuous bubbling = AIR leak
normal pH
7.35 to 7.45
normal PCO2
35-45
normal PO2
80-100
HCO3
21-28
ineffective breathing pattern can be d/t…
1) inability of air sacs to fill and empty properly
2) obstruction of air passage
3) accumulation of fluid in air sacs
4) respiratory muscle fatigue
respiratory muscle fatigue
COPD and pneumonia
accumulation of fluid in air sacs
pneumonia
