Ch 57: Care of the Patient with Cancer

Questions and Answers

Malignant tumors are rarely contained within a capsule and their rate of growth varies. What is a key characteristic of malignant tumors?

Remains localized

Smooth and well defined

Resembles parent tissue

Rate of growth varies (correct)

What is the only definitive way to determine the presence of malignant cells?

tissue biopsy

What is a valuable nonopioid analgesic in the treatment of certain levels of cancer pain?

Steroids

Codeine

Morphine

Acetaminophen (correct)

Which of the following characteristics are common in malignant tumors?

Progress and destroy surrounding tissues while spreading to distant parts of the body Signup and view all the answers

What term is used for various substances that are known to contribute to cancer?

carcinogen Signup and view all the answers

What test should men over age 50 have annually?

PSA (prostate-specific antigen) Signup and view all the answers

How often should women between the ages of 20 and 39 have a clinical breast examination?

every 3 years Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for uncontrolled or abnormal growth of cells?

neoplasm Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following foods are recommended for the prevention of colorectal cancer in men? (Select all that apply)

Pretzels, gelatin dessert, applesauce Signup and view all the answers

Which intervention does the nurse teach to a patient with oropharyngeal carcinoma experiencing thick saliva and oral mucosa issues?

Avoid hot beverages Signup and view all the answers

Which is a type of biopsy?

Aspiration Signup and view all the answers

Which procedure is indicated after an elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level and a digital rectal examination (DRE)?

Transrectal ultrasound Signup and view all the answers

Chemotherapeutic agents work by:

Interfering with the cells' ability to reproduce Signup and view all the answers

What best describes the characteristics of cachexia in cancer patients?

Poor health, malnutrition, and wasting Signup and view all the answers

A patient with leukopenia has a special need for which nursing intervention?

Protection against infection Signup and view all the answers

Which action is recommended for a patient who found a lump in her breast?

A prompt examination by her physician is needed Signup and view all the answers

The bone marrow for an autologous transplant will come from:

Her own marrow Signup and view all the answers

What does a tumor staged as T4N3M2 indicate?

Large tumor, lymph node involvement, and distant metastasis Signup and view all the answers

What nursing diagnosis would be identified for a patient experiencing stomatitis due to chemotherapy?

Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements Signup and view all the answers

One of cancer's seven warning signals includes:

Nagging cough or hoarseness Signup and view all the answers

Which food is recommended by the National Cancer Institute to reduce cancer risk?

Broccoli Signup and view all the answers

An effective antiemetic drug given intravenously for symptom control of cancer treatment is called:

Granisetron (Kytril) Signup and view all the answers

A palliative surgery for ovarian cancer is intended to:

Reduce symptoms Signup and view all the answers

The nurse must remember to do which when planning care for a patient undergoing internal radiation therapy?

Stand at the greatest distance away from the site where an internal radiation device is in the patient's body Signup and view all the answers

In caring for a patient receiving chemotherapy for Hodgkin's disease, which nursing diagnosis is most applicable based on the patient's reports of stomatitis?

Interrupted family processes related to the effect of illness on family members Signup and view all the answers

What indicates effective pain management for a patient with severe abdominal pain from terminal cancer?

Taking analgesics around the clock on a regular schedule, using additional doses for breakthrough pain Signup and view all the answers

What is an appropriate nursing diagnosis for a patient who has lost weight during radiation therapy and does not eat?

Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements, related to anorexia Signup and view all the answers

Which is a vital nursing intervention for a patient receiving external radiation treatments?

Instruct the patient to avoid irritating the 'ports' by not lying on that part of the body and not wearing constricting clothing Signup and view all the answers

What should the nurse tell the patient regarding expectations for a radioactive implant?

Nurses will always be available, but they will spend only short periods of time at your bedside Signup and view all the answers

What is an appropriate goal for a patient undergoing external radiation therapy who reports fatigue?

Frequent rest periods are helpful Signup and view all the answers

What nursing implication is most appropriate regarding skin markings left from radiation therapy?

They are guidelines for treatment and should be left on Signup and view all the answers

Which nursing intervention is NOT included in the nursing diagnosis of imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements?

Offer three regular meals of highly nutritious foods Signup and view all the answers

Which methods aid in the early detection of cancer?

Mammogram baseline at age 35 to 39, then every year after age 50 for women Signup and view all the answers

What is the next step in treatment for a patient with tumor lysis syndrome whose initial treatment has not been successful?

Dialysis Signup and view all the answers

What is an appropriate teaching measure for a patient with thrombocytopenia getting ready for morning care?

Use an electric shaver Signup and view all the answers

How does a benign tumor differ from a malignant tumor?

Do not spread to other tissues and organs Signup and view all the answers

Why is seeking medical attention for cancer warning signs often delayed?

Fear of the possible diagnosis of cancer and hoping signs will go away Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Oropharyngeal Carcinoma Treatment

External radiation and chemotherapy can lead to severe oral mucosa damage, including ulcerations and thick saliva.
Patients are advised to avoid hot beverages to prevent further trauma to the oral cavity.

Biopsy Types

Aspiration is a common biopsy method; others include excision, needle, and incision biopsies.

Prostate Cancer Screening

Elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels require follow-up with a transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) to aid in prostate cancer detection.

Chemotherapy Mechanism

Chemotherapeutic agents primarily interfere with cancer cell reproduction, inhibiting their ability to multiply.

Cachexia in Cancer Patients

Cachexia is characterized by poor health, malnutrition, and significant weight loss, commonly seen in patients with advanced cancer.

Leukopenia Precautions

Patients with leukopenia require protection against infections due to their reduced white blood cell count.

Breast Lump Evaluation

Any discovered lump during self-examination warrants immediate examination by a physician.

Autologous Bone Marrow Transplant

Autologous transplants use the patient's own marrow, which can be collected and preserved for later use.

TNM Staging Classification

A tumor classified as T4N3M2 indicates a large tumor size, regional lymph node involvement, and presence of distant metastasis.

Stomatitis may lead to imbalanced nutrition due to pain and difficulty eating.

Warning Signs of Cancer

A nagging cough or hoarseness is one of the recognized warning signals for cancer.

Cancer Risk-Reducing Foods

Broccoli is recommended by the National Cancer Institute as beneficial for reducing cancer risk.

Antiemetic Medications

Granisetron is an effective antiemetic that blocks receptors in the brain and gastrointestinal tract, aiding in nausea management.

Palliative Surgery Purpose

Palliative surgery focuses on symptom relief rather than curing the disease.

Internal Radiation Precautions

Nursing staff should maintain distance from patients with internal radiation devices and spend limited time in their rooms.

Support for Radiation Therapy Patients

Patients undergoing radiation often experience fatigue; frequent rest periods are encouraged.

Skin Markings from Radiation

Skin markings from radiation therapy serve as guides for treatment and should not be washed off.

Nutrition in Cancer Care

Interventions for imbalanced nutrition include providing small, frequent meals and allowing ample time for eating.

Early Cancer Detection Methods

Mammograms, particularly for women over 50, are an essential part of early cancer screening.

Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS) Management

Dialysis may be necessary for patients with TLS if initial treatments are ineffective.

Thrombocytopenia Care

Patients with thrombocytopenia should use electric shavers to avoid cuts and bleeding.

Benign vs. Malignant Tumors

Benign tumors do not spread to other tissues, unlike malignant tumors which can metastasize.

Delayed Medical Attention

Many avoid seeking help for cancer warning signs due to fear of diagnosis.

Characteristics of Malignant Tumors

Malignant tumors grow irregularly, invade surrounding tissues, and can metastasize, distinguishing them from benign tumors.

Definitive Cancer Diagnosis

A tissue biopsy is the only definitive method for detecting malignant cells.

Pain Management in Cancer

Acetaminophen is a valuable nonopioid analgesic used for certain levels of cancer pain management.

Malignant Tumor Behavior

Malignant tumors progress by destroying surrounding tissues and can spread to distant body parts, causing secondary tumors.### Tumor Classification
Malignant cells exhibit uncontrolled division and growth, differing from normal cells.
Malignant tumors are typically not enclosed within a capsule, allowing for spread.

Carcinogens

Carcinogens are substances that elevate the risk of cancer development.
Examples include tobacco, fumes from rubber and chlorine, and various types of dust (cotton, coal, nickel, chromate, asbestos, vinyl chloride).

Cancer Prevention in Men

Men over 50 are advised to undergo annual prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing and rectal examinations to monitor prostate health.

Breast Cancer Screening

Women aged 20 to 39 should receive a clinical breast examination every three years by a healthcare professional, as recommended by the American Cancer Society.

Neoplasm Definition

Neoplasm refers to the abnormal or uncontrolled growth of cells, which can be classified as benign or malignant.

Colorectal Cancer Prevention

Foods recommended for colorectal cancer prevention in men include:
- Fruits like oranges, peaches, and pears
- Protein sources like chicken and pinto beans
- Whole grain options, including pretzels and applesauce
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, combined with reduced high-fat food intake, is advised for prevention.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the nursing interventions for patients undergoing treatment for oropharyngeal carcinoma. It includes scenarios related to managing side effects of radiation and chemotherapy, such as oral mucosa issues. Test your knowledge on effective patient care strategies.