Nursing: Oncology and Blood Transfusions

• Blood transfusions should be administered over a 4-hour period.
• Prevention of skin cancer includes avoiding sun exposure.
• Individuals at high risk for ovarian cancer should undergo regular pelvic exams by a healthcare provider.
• Ferrous gluconate, which treats anemia, should be taken between meals.

Ovarian Cancer

• Ovarian cancer manifestations include cysts and abdominal bloating.

Skin Cancer

• Risk factors for skin cancer: genetics, overexposure to UV light, age over 40, being white, and chronic skin irritation.

Blood Transfusions

• If a rash develops after a blood transfusion, the first intervention is to stop the transfusion.
• Blood transfusions must be verified and witnessed by another nurse.
• Blood received from the blood bank must be started within 30 minutes of receipt.
• Flushing, rash, and urticaria are indications of a blood reaction.
• Hoarseness is an early sign of laryngeal cancer.
• Flexible sigmoidoscopies are recommended every 5 years for screening.
• After a lobectomy for lung cancer, expect to see a chest tube post-surgery.
• Lactated Ringers are administered to patients with hypovolemia following trauma before blood transfusions to correct electrolyte imbalances.
• Acute hemolytic reactions post-blood transfusion are indicated by flank pain, hypotension, and tachycardia.
• Reportable findings after a blood transfusion include rash, shortness of breath, flank pain, and flushing.

Cancer Diagnosis

• Patients diagnosed with cancer may exhibit denial, such as stating, "This can't be happening to me," which is a stage of grief.

Ulcerative Colitis

• In patients with ulcerative colitis and anemia, monitor for chronic blood loss.
• Leuprolide is used to treat endometriosis, precocious puberty, prostate cancer, and uterine fibroids.
• Excessive uterine bleeding is a finding in endometrial cancer.
• A non-pharmacological intervention for nausea is providing a carbonated drink like ginger ale.
• A Schilling test is a diagnostic test for chronic anemia.
• Patients should write down questions/concerns that a nurse may not be able to answer.
• Anemia findings may include pallor and brittle fingernails.
• Dyspnea upon exertion indicates anemia due to excess blood loss.
• Immediately report any signs of infection in chemotherapy patients to the doctor.
• Allergic reaction findings include shortness of breath and wheezing.
• Before a blood transfusion, prioritize checking the patient's temperature due to being a sign of infection.
• During a blood transfusion, monitor vital signs every 15 minutes.
• An RN must be present in the room for the first 15 minutes of a blood transfusion.
• Asparagus is a food high in folic acid.
• Do not catheterize the stoma of ileal conduits.
• Oatmeal is a good food source for iron.
• Excessive sun exposure is the leading cause of melanoma skin cancer.
• In TNM staging, M1 indicates metastasis to a single organ.
• Pernicious anemia is treated with B12 injections.
• Discontinue aspirin before fecal occult blood testing due to its anticoagulant effects.
• Fresh berries are high in antioxidants.
• SPF should be worn year-round to prevent skin cancer.
• Aplastic anemia results from bone marrow suppression, leading to insufficient RBC production.
• Risk factors for prostate cancer include age 15-40 and having close male relatives with cancer.
• Ferrous sulfate should be taken with orange juice to enhance absorption.
• Always use Y-type tubing for blood transfusions.
• A Pap smear is a routine diagnostic test for cervical cancer.