40 Questions
What is a characteristic of neoplastic cells?
They exhibit uncontrolled growth
What is the term for a disease process where cells proliferate abnormally, ignoring growth-regulating signals?
Cancer
Which type of cancer originates in epithelial tissue?
Carcinoma
What is the term for a tumor that is not cancerous?
Benign
Which type of cancer originates in the skin?
Melanoma
What is the term for a tumor that affects fat tissue?
Lipoma
Why are repeated doses of chemotherapy administered over a prolonged period?
To achieve regression of the tumor
What is a common side effect of chemotherapy that can persist for 24-48 hours after administration?
Nausea and vomiting
What is a potential effect of chemotherapy on the bone marrow?
Bone marrow depression
What is the goal of chemotherapy treatment?
Eradication of enough tumor cells so that the remaining cells can be destroyed by the body's immune system
What is a sign of myelosuppression secondary to chemotherapy administration?
Leukopenia (decreased WBC count)
Why is it important to verify a blood return before, during, and after administering chemotherapy through a central venous line?
Not specified in the text
What is a common sign of chemotherapy extravasation?
Swelling, pain or redness at the insertion site
What is the initial nursing intervention if chemotherapy extravasation is suspected or occurred?
Immediately disconnect the infusion
What type of cancer is often treated with bone marrow transplantation?
Hematologic cancers that affect the marrow
What is a potential complication of bone marrow transplantation?
Graft-vs.-host disease
What is a common nursing diagnosis for patients undergoing chemotherapy?
Risk for infection
What is the characteristic of a malignant cell in terms of growth rate?
Rapid growth with infiltration
What is a nursing intervention to prevent infection in patients undergoing chemotherapy?
Assess the patient for evidence of infection
What is the primary mechanism of metastasis in cancer cells?
All of the above
Why should rectal or vaginal procedures be avoided in patients undergoing chemotherapy?
To prevent infection
What should be done to minimize infection in patients undergoing chemotherapy?
Avoid insertion of urinary catheters
What is the defect in cellular proliferation that occurs in the development of cancer?
Loss of contact inhibition
What is the purpose of primary prevention in cancer?
To reduce cancer risk in healthy people
What is the role of the immune system in cancer?
To prevent cancer
What is the purpose of tumor marker identification in cancer diagnosis?
To detect cancer biomarkers
What is the goal of palliation in cancer treatment?
To relieve cancer symptoms
What is the purpose of reconstructive surgery in cancer management?
To restore normal function and appearance
Why is radiation therapy divided into small fractions?
To reduce side effects
What is the purpose of TNM classification in cancer diagnosis?
To stage cancer
What is the primary goal of managing stomatitis in patients with cancer?
To prevent infection
What is the purpose of assessing the patient's skin, nutritional status, and general feeling of well-being?
To protect skin and oral mucosa from irritation
What is the primary focus of hospice/palliative care?
Managing symptoms and improving quality of life
What is the purpose of advising patients to avoid exposure to animal excreta?
To prevent infection
What is the primary goal of teaching patients self-care?
To promote independence and self-care
What is the purpose of providing education and support to correct fears and misconceptions about opioid use?
To manage pain
What is the primary goal of assisting patients in coping with alopecia?
To improve body image and self-esteem
What is the purpose of encouraging patients to participate in some form of exercise program?
To facilitate activity tolerance and quality of life
What is the primary goal of providing information about granulocyte (or granulocyte macrophage) colony-stimulating factor (GCSF)?
To educate patients about prescribed medications
What is the primary goal of assessing the patient's skin and oral mucosa frequently?
To detect changes in the skin and oral mucosa
Study Notes
Cancer Concepts
- Neoplasia: uncontrolled cell growth that does not follow physiologic demand
- Cancer: a disease process where cells proliferate abnormally, ignoring growth-regulating signals in the environment
- Benign: not cancerous; benign tumors may grow but are unable to spread to other areas
- Malignant: having cells or processes characteristic of cancer
Types of Cancer
- Identified by tissue affected, speed of cell growth, cell appearance, and location
- Examples:
- Carcinoma: originates in epithelial tissue (e.g., lungs, stomach, liver)
- Sarcoma: originates in mesenchymal tissues (e.g., bone, muscle, connective tissues)
- Leukemia: originates in blood-forming tissues
- Lymphoma: originates in immune system cells
- Melanoma: originates in skin cells
- Benign tumors:
- Fibroma: affects connective tissue
- Lipoma: affects fat tissue
Benign vs. Malignant
- Benign:
- Slow growth rate
- Cells are typical of the tissue of origin
- Minor tissue damage
- Remains localized
- Seldom recurs after surgical removal
- Prognosis: not injurious
- Malignant:
- Rapid growth with infiltration
- Cells are atypical of tissue origin
- Causes necrosis and ulceration of tissue
- Spreads to other body parts (metastasis)
- Can recur after removal
- Prognosis: potentially fatal if uncontrolled
Malignant Process
- Cell proliferation
- Cell characteristics:
- Presence of tumor-specific antigens
- Altered shape, structure, and metabolism
- Metastasis:
- Spreads through lymphatic or hematogenous routes
- Becomes more heterogeneous, making treatment more difficult
Carcinogenic Agents and Factors
- Viruses and bacteria
- Physical factors
- Chemical agents
- Genetic and familial factors
- Diet
- Hormones
- Role of the immune system
Warning Signals
- Change in bowel or bladder habits
- A sore that does not heal
- Unusual bleeding or discharge
- Thickening or lump in breast or other tissue
- Indigestion or swallowing difficulties
- Obvious change in wart or mole
- Nagging cough or hoarseness
Prevention and Treatment
- Primary prevention: reducing cancer risk in healthy people
- Secondary prevention: detection and screening for early diagnosis and intervention
- Cancer treatment goals:
- Cure
- Control
- Palliation
- Cancer management:
- Surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Bone Marrow Transplantation (BMT)
Nursing Interventions
- Prevention of infection
- Managing stomatitis
- Maintaining tissue integrity
- Protecting skin and oral mucosa
- Managing pain
- Decreasing fatigue
- Improving body image and self-esteem
- Assisting in the grieving process
- Teaching patients self-care
- Assisting with cancer rehabilitation
- Hospice and palliative care
This quiz covers the basics of cancer, including neoplasia, benign and malignant tumors, and uncontrolled cell growth.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
