Nursing Care of Patients with Cancer Chapter 11

Podcast Beta

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Which structure should the nurse explain as providing the genetic code for a gene?

Piece of RNA

Piece of DNA

Protein (correct)

Cell

Why should the nurse closely monitor the patient's white blood cell (WBC) count during chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy drugs cause polycythemia and can precipitate thrombosis.

Chemotherapy drugs depress the bone marrow, which can lead to infection and an increase in WBC count. (correct)

Chemotherapy drugs attack WBCs and shorten their life span, which increases risk for infection.

Chemotherapy drugs cause proliferation of blood cells, which can lead to sluggish circulation.

What dietary change can help protect against cancer?

Reduced dietary salt intake reduces malignancy development.

Reduced dietary fat intake can lower cancer risk. (correct)

Increased intake of milk products will lower the risk of cancer development.

Increased intake of beef and poultry decreases the risk of malignancy.

Which term should the nurse consider when documenting a malignant tumor of the bone?

Sarcoma Signup and view all the answers

Which laboratory finding would cause the nurse to be most concerned about metastasis in a patient treated for breast cancer?

Elevated serum calcium Signup and view all the answers

Which statement indicates that teaching has been effective regarding a needle biopsy?

The doctor will use a needle to go into the tumor for a sample of cells. Signup and view all the answers

What should the nurse cite as the reason for radiation treatments before surgery?

Reduces the size of the tumor before surgery Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of a high prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level?

PSA is a tumor marker that is elevated in patients with prostate cancer. Signup and view all the answers

What does a tumor in situ (TIS) mean?

The tumor has not invaded any tissues beyond the original site. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of palliative surgery?

Palliative surgery is done to increase the patient's comfort when cure is not possible. Signup and view all the answers

How should the nurse document a patient's complaint of a very dry mouth after radiation therapy?

Patient reports xerostomia. Signup and view all the answers

Which nursing intervention is most important for a patient with leukopenia?

Ensure that staff members practice good hand washing. Signup and view all the answers

A patient receiving chemotherapy displays a nosebleed after treatment. What should be the nurse's priority action?

Notify the physician immediately. Signup and view all the answers

Which nursing diagnosis should the nurse consider while further assessing the patient?

Ineffective Protection related to thrombocytopenia Signup and view all the answers

A patient develops fatigue related to radiation therapy. Which intervention is the most appropriate for this patient?

Encourage the patient to prioritize activities around frequent rest periods Signup and view all the answers

Which assessment finding suggests that the patient is experiencing pericardial effusion?

Edema and shortness of breath Signup and view all the answers

During the assessment of a patient receiving epoetin alfa for anemia, what finding should the nurse be most observant of?

Elevated blood pressure Signup and view all the answers

Which platelet count might indicate spontaneous bleeding?

15,000/mm3 Signup and view all the answers

Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching about cancer risk factors?

I know that eating pickled and smoked foods can help prevent GI cancers. Signup and view all the answers

For what yearly screening test for colorectal cancer should the nurse assess a 58-year-old patient?

Stool test for blood Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cancer are women most at risk of dying from?

Lung cancer Signup and view all the answers

For which tumor diameter should the nurse evaluate the report to determine if cancer is present?

1 cm Signup and view all the answers

Which patient does the nurse suspect is in need of nutritional support?

An 18-year-old with an albumin of 2.5 Signup and view all the answers

What should the nurse do to ensure personal safety when preparing an oral chemotherapeutic medication?

Wear gloves while preparing. Signup and view all the answers

What are the characteristics of a cell that has undergone mitosis?

46 chromosomes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of cancer cells?

They are considered immortal. Signup and view all the answers

Which foods should the nurse instruct the patient to avoid to reduce cancer risk?

Alcohol Signup and view all the answers

Which types of cancer are common for both men and women?

Skin Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Genetics and Cancer Basics

Genes provide the genetic code primarily through proteins, which are fundamental in regulating functions in cells.
The TNM staging system classifies tumors based on size, location, and spread; TIS indicates a tumor that hasn't invaded beyond its original site.

Chemotherapy and Its Effects

Chemotherapy depletes white blood cells by suppressing bone marrow, raising infection risks and potentially increasing WBC counts following treatment.
Common side effects of chemotherapy include alopecia (hair loss) and changes in urine color, particularly with doxorubicin, which can turn urine bright red.
Chemotherapy primarily affects rapidly dividing cells, resulting in side effects in hair, blood, and gastrointestinal cells.

Nutrition and Patient Care

Dietary changes can impact cancer risk; reducing fat intake may lower colon, breast, and prostate cancer risks.
Patients on chemotherapy require careful monitoring for weight stability, as changes in weight can reflect their nutritional status and treatment effects.

Types of Tumors

Sarcomas are malignant tumors arising from connective tissue, while adenomas and osteomas are generally benign.
Elevated serum calcium may indicate metastasis due to bone deterioration, particularly concerning breast cancer patients.

Surgical Interventions

Palliative surgeries focus on improving quality of life and comfort rather than curing cancer.
Radiation therapy may shrink tumors before surgery but does not eliminate the need for chemotherapy or post-operative radiation.

Patient Support and Education

Providing diversional activities can help alleviate feelings of isolation for patients with radioactive implants.
Ensuring proper hand hygiene among healthcare staff is crucial for protecting patients with leukopenia from infections.

Complications and Monitoring

Tarry stools in patients with thrombocytopenia indicate potential gastrointestinal bleeding and require immediate reporting.
Symptoms such as edema and shortness of breath in patients with lung cancer may suggest pericardial effusion, a serious condition needing prompt intervention.

Key Considerations in Cancer Care

Effective patient education and support are critical, including explaining treatment processes like biopsies and the purpose of PSA levels.
Emphasizing comfort measures and early intervention for complications can enhance patient outcomes and quality of life during treatment.### Nursing Care and Patient Assessment
Cardiac tamponade requires monitoring of respiratory status, vital signs, and intake/output.
Elevating the head of the bed aids in maximum lung expansion and potential edema assessment.

Epoetin Alfa and Patient Monitoring

Epoetin alfa is prescribed for anemia in chemotherapy patients; blood pressure must be closely monitored due to heart disease risk.
Elevated blood pressure is a critical finding to observe during assessments.

Platelet Counts and Spontaneous Bleeding

A platelet count below 20,000/mm³ indicates risk for spontaneous bleeding; a count of 15,000/mm³ is concerning.
Normal platelet count ranges between 150,000 to 300,000/mm³.

Cancer Risk Factors Education

High-fat diets and excessive consumption of pickled and smoked foods are linked to increased cancer risk.
Patients should be taught about the benefits of a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber.

Colorectal Cancer Screening

Annual stool tests for blood are recommended for colorectal cancer screening starting at age 50.
Alternative screening methods include flexible sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy at advised intervals.

Cancer Mortality and Women's Health

Lung cancer presents the highest mortality risk for women, despite breast cancer being more prevalent.

Tumor Detection and Size

Tumor dimensions around 1 cm are significant for detection; smaller tumors may not be easily identifiable.

Nutritional Needs in Cancer Patients

An albumin level below 3 g/dL indicates potential need for nutritional support.
Sodium, calcium, and white blood cell counts are not primary indicators for nutritional assessment.

Oral Chemotherapy Safety

Protective gloves are essential when preparing oral chemotherapy medications.
Crushing chemotherapy pills compromises their efficacy and should be avoided.

Cellular Mutation in Cancer

Mutations lead to malignant cell growth, marked by DNA errors and impaired cellular function.
Cancer cells grow uncontrollably and can invade nearby tissues.

Characteristics of Mitosis

Mitosis results in two identical cells, each with 46 chromosomes and a nuclear membrane.

Features of Malignant Tumors

Malignant tumors exhibit rapid growth, invasiveness, and the ability to metastasize, contrasting with normal tissue structures.

Managing Mucositis from Radiation Therapy

Effective management includes discouraging alcohol, tobacco, and extremes in food temperatures while promoting neutral mouthwash use.

Colony-Stimulating Drugs in Cancer Treatment

Filgrastim, Pegfilgrastim, and Epoetin alfa are colony-stimulating factors that can aid patients with low blood cell counts after chemotherapy.

Characteristics of Cancer Cells

Cancer cells are deemed immortal, resulting from genetic mutations, and are capable of destroying normal cellular structure.

Dietary Recommendations for Cancer Prevention

Alcohol, smoked meats, and charbroiled foods should be avoided to reduce cancer risks.

Common Cancers in Men and Women

Skin and lung cancers are prevalent among both men and women, diverging from others like prostate or breast cancer.

Cancer Prevention in Native American Communities

Emphasizing traditional exercises, native language materials, and incorporating healing practices is crucial in these seminars.

Safety While Caring for Patients on Radioactive Isotopes

Maintaining distance, using protective barriers, and limiting time spent with radioactive patients ensure safety for caregivers.

Nutritional Interventions for Chemotherapy Patients

Providing oral care before meals, offering nutmeg in foods, and sour foods like lemon can help mitigate chemotherapy-induced nausea.

Symptom Relief for Lung Cancer Patients

Elevating the head of the bed, removing restrictive clothing, and avoiding venipuncture in arms are key actions to relieve neck edema and shortness of breath.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge with flashcards on the nursing care of patients with cancer, focusing on the critical concepts related to DNA, RNA, and chemotherapy. This quiz is designed to reinforce important information that nursing students must know about cancer care and patient monitoring. Challenge yourself to remember essential details about genetics and patient management.