Oncology And Terminal Illness Flashcards
(10 cards)
What is oncology?
A branch of medicine that manages the diagnosis of cancer and treatment
What is a terminal illness?
A term commonly used to refer to a disease that will eventually result in the death of a patient.
Wha is an advanced directive?
It’s also known as a living will
refers to a set of written instructions that specifies what actions should be taken for a persons health if they become incapacitated
What is a power of attorney?
A written authorization that empowers an individual to represent or act on another’s behalf in private, business or other affairs
What is goals of care?
A medical order used to describe and communicate the general aim or focus of care including location of that care
What are the three most common forms of cancer
- Lung cancer
- Breast cancer (in women)
- Prostate cancer (in men)
- Colorectal cancer
What should you consider when obtaining history from a cancer patient?
- When the disease was diagnosed
- Current treatment
- Has the cancer metastasized?
- Determine primary and secondary sites
- Ask family and patient about any patient care concerns. Ex) how the patient is best moved, medication routine
What should you consider when assessing a cancer patient?
- Determine what’s been normal and what has been different
- Be aware that affected organs may alter your findings. Ex.) lung cancer—>lung sounds will be affected, cancers can put pressure on surrounding vessels causing pulses to be absent
- Medication they take may affect different body symptoms
What should you consider when obtaining history from a terminally ill patient?
- Determine the patients level of care, present DN, any special documents including Ana danced directive
- Determine current diagnosis, prognosis and treatment regimen
- Determine any standing orders by the attending physician.
What should you consider when assessing and treating terminally ill patients?
- Same as cancer patients
- In the event of a resuscitation- determine status of the DNR, goals of care or advanced directive
- If a valid DNR or the agent is not presented to you, continue with normal treatment
