Week 2: Oncology nursing 2

Question 1

Multidisciplinary (MD) Care

Answer 1

A focus on continuity of care,
Development of pathways and protocols for treatment and care,
Development of appropriate referral networks, including appropriate referral pathways to meet psychosocial needs,
Development of multidisciplinary team meeting audit mechanisms, and
Consumers/patients who consent to their case being discussed by the multidisciplinary team and who understand the process, know that they will be informed about the treatment and care recommendations and will be involved in decision-making

Question 2

benefits

Answer 2

Improved treatment planning through consideration of a full therapeutic range and thus improved outcomes,
Improved team communication,
Survival benefit,

Question 3

chemo

Answer 3

fatigue
nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite
pain or soreness,
sores in the throat or mouth
changes to the skin, such as itching, redness, dryness and acne
diarrhoea or constipation
weight gain or weight loss
hair loss
changes to your libido
changes to concentration and memory
emotional changes

Question 4

radio

Answer 4

skin problems, especially at the radiation site, such as dryness, itchiness, peeling and blistering
fatigue
dental problems, mouth problems (dryness, difficulty swallowing) or jaw stiffness
stiffness in the area and some lung inflammation
nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea
diarrhoea, urination problems and reproductive problems

Question 5

non pharmacological treatment

Answer 5

psychosocial education
cognitive behaviour therapy
complemetary therapy
multimodal therapy

Question 6

neo adjuvant

Answer 6

treatments before the primary treatment

Question 7

chemotherapy

Answer 7

targets rapidly dividing cells interfering with the cells DNA=apoptosis

Question 8

Neutropenic Sepsis

Answer 8

cytotoxic treatment causes neutrophils to be vulnerable = not enough neutrophils= highly susceptible to infection

Question 9

treatment

Answer 9

vitals, broad AB, fluid resuscitation, investigations

Question 10

Spinal Cord Compression

Answer 10

cancer grows in or near the spine compressing the spinal cord
and spinal nerves. This results in swelling and reduced blood supply to the cord and nerves
Back pain, Loss of sensory function, Reduced power and strength

Question 11

treatment

Answer 11

High Dose steroids.
BGL
Urgent Radiation
urinary retention
continuous falls risk assessment

Question 12

Tumor Lysis Syndrome

Answer 12

Metabolic disturbance which results from sudden injury and death of cancer cells release intracellular components causing electrolyte imbalance= cardiac arrhythmias, acute renal failure,
seizures and paralysis

Question 13

treatment

Answer 13

Aggressive Hydration
Strict FBC to maintain renal function
Administration of Allopurino. Rasburicase if confirmed
At least 6/24 blood tests
Monitoring urine pH and administering IV Sodium bicarbonate to
alkalize body pH.

Question 14

Hypercalcaemia

Answer 14

serum calcium above 2.6 mmol
Symptoms include; confusion, vomiting, dehydration and seizures

Question 15

treatment

Answer 15

Immediate treatment is to reduce serum Ca+ level and maintain renal function with IV hydration
fluids
Ongoing bisphosphonate therapy will inhibit further bone breakdown and promote remodeling and reabsorption.
calcitonin, bisphosphonates, prednisone, and potentially haemodialysis

Question 16

Superior Vena Cava Obstruction

Answer 16

Caused by a mechanical obstruction from tumour blocking blood flow = reduced CO
swelling of the face, neck and arms, dyspnoea and reduced perfusion

Question 17

treatment

Answer 17

• Includes reducing the size of the obstruction by
  radiation therapy or surgery