Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which specialty will be consulted for the treatment of a patient with a new malignancy diagnosis?
Which specialty will be consulted for the treatment of a patient with a new malignancy diagnosis?
- Pulmonary
- Neurology
- Oncology (correct)
- Endocrinology
A patient is diagnosed with a tumor of the bone. Which term should the nurse use when documenting this patient’s health problem?
A patient is diagnosed with a tumor of the bone. Which term should the nurse use when documenting this patient’s health problem?
- Carcinoma
- Sarcoma (correct)
- Fibroma
- Lipoma
A breast cancer patient's routine lab work indicates an increased calcium level. What concern should the nurse have?
A breast cancer patient's routine lab work indicates an increased calcium level. What concern should the nurse have?
- Hypercalcemia is a sign of metastatic bone cancer. (correct)
- Hypercalcemia indicates an infection is present.
- Hypercalcemia indicates the treatment is unsuccessful.
- Hypercalcemia is a sign of poor nutritional intake.
A patient with an enlarged prostate gland is having his prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level checked. How should the nurse explain the purpose of this blood test to the patient?
A patient with an enlarged prostate gland is having his prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level checked. How should the nurse explain the purpose of this blood test to the patient?
A patient newly diagnosed with breast cancer asks the nurse why black women are more likely to die from this cancer than white women. How should the nurse respond?
A patient newly diagnosed with breast cancer asks the nurse why black women are more likely to die from this cancer than white women. How should the nurse respond?
The nurse is preparing a patient for palliative surgery. The patient expresses a belief that the surgery will remove the cancer. What teaching is needed regarding palliative surgery?
The nurse is preparing a patient for palliative surgery. The patient expresses a belief that the surgery will remove the cancer. What teaching is needed regarding palliative surgery?
A patient receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer reports nighttime choking sensations due to extreme mouth dryness. What should the nurse suggest?
A patient receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer reports nighttime choking sensations due to extreme mouth dryness. What should the nurse suggest?
A nurse is caring for a patient 10 days post-chemotherapy, during the nadir period. Which side effect requires the closest monitoring?
A nurse is caring for a patient 10 days post-chemotherapy, during the nadir period. Which side effect requires the closest monitoring?
The nurse is caring for a patient experiencing alopecia due to chemotherapy. What is the priority nursing consideration?
The nurse is caring for a patient experiencing alopecia due to chemotherapy. What is the priority nursing consideration?
The nurse is caring for a patient with lung cancer exhibiting chest pain, dyspnea, facial redness, and swollen neck veins. What oncological emergency should the nurse suspect?
The nurse is caring for a patient with lung cancer exhibiting chest pain, dyspnea, facial redness, and swollen neck veins. What oncological emergency should the nurse suspect?
A nurse is researching the leading cause of cancer death in women. Which type of cancer will the nurse find?
A nurse is researching the leading cause of cancer death in women. Which type of cancer will the nurse find?
While inspecting the IV site of a patient receiving a vesicant chemotherapeutic agent, the LPN/LVN observes a small area of swelling. What is the priority nursing action?
While inspecting the IV site of a patient receiving a vesicant chemotherapeutic agent, the LPN/LVN observes a small area of swelling. What is the priority nursing action?
The nurse sees that a carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) test has been ordered. Which type of cancer is the provider most likely evaluating for?
The nurse sees that a carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) test has been ordered. Which type of cancer is the provider most likely evaluating for?
A patient on chemotherapy after surgery develops thrombocytopenia. Which finding is most concerning and requires immediate reporting?
A patient on chemotherapy after surgery develops thrombocytopenia. Which finding is most concerning and requires immediate reporting?
The nurse is reviewing the health history of a patient who has been treated with doxorubicin (Adriamycin) for cancer. What long-term complication is most important for the nurse to monitor?
The nurse is reviewing the health history of a patient who has been treated with doxorubicin (Adriamycin) for cancer. What long-term complication is most important for the nurse to monitor?
The nurse is planning care for a patient with leukopenia secondary to chemotherapy. What is the most important action to include in the plan of care to protect the patient?
The nurse is planning care for a patient with leukopenia secondary to chemotherapy. What is the most important action to include in the plan of care to protect the patient?
A patient reports fatigue related to radiation therapy. Which nursing action is most appropriate?
A patient reports fatigue related to radiation therapy. Which nursing action is most appropriate?
What key point should the nurse include when educating a patient who is starting tamoxifen (Nolvadex) to treat breast cancer?
What key point should the nurse include when educating a patient who is starting tamoxifen (Nolvadex) to treat breast cancer?
The nurse is caring for a group of patients. Which patient condition is the greatest concern and warrants the most immediate intervention?
The nurse is caring for a group of patients. Which patient condition is the greatest concern and warrants the most immediate intervention?
A patient with chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia is receiving discharge instructions. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
A patient with chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia is receiving discharge instructions. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
The nurse is educating a patient about skin care during radiation therapy. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
The nurse is educating a patient about skin care during radiation therapy. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
A patient is experiencing anorexia as a side effect of chemotherapy. What nursing intervention is most appropriate?
A patient is experiencing anorexia as a side effect of chemotherapy. What nursing intervention is most appropriate?
What is the most important action for a nurse to take to ensure personal safety when preparing an oral chemotherapeutic medication?
What is the most important action for a nurse to take to ensure personal safety when preparing an oral chemotherapeutic medication?
A patient is prescribed cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan). Which medication does the nurse anticipate administering concurrently to protect the bladder from the drug's toxic effects?
A patient is prescribed cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan). Which medication does the nurse anticipate administering concurrently to protect the bladder from the drug's toxic effects?
What lifestyle changes should the nurse include when teaching a patient how to reduce the risk of cancer? (Select all that apply.)
What lifestyle changes should the nurse include when teaching a patient how to reduce the risk of cancer? (Select all that apply.)
The nurse is planning a teaching seminar for a diverse community about cancer prevention. What key points should the nurse emphasize? (Select all that apply.)
The nurse is planning a teaching seminar for a diverse community about cancer prevention. What key points should the nurse emphasize? (Select all that apply.)
What medications might the nurse administer to a patient with a low white blood cell count to stimulate the production of neutrophils? (Select all that apply.)
What medications might the nurse administer to a patient with a low white blood cell count to stimulate the production of neutrophils? (Select all that apply.)
A nurse is monitoring a patient at risk for developing sepsis due to neutropenia. What findings would be of concern and warrant immediate intervention? (Select all that apply)
A nurse is monitoring a patient at risk for developing sepsis due to neutropenia. What findings would be of concern and warrant immediate intervention? (Select all that apply)
The nurse is assessing a patient with high risk of breast cancer. Which findings, if present during breast evaluation, may indicate malignancy and require further investigation? (Select all that apply)
The nurse is assessing a patient with high risk of breast cancer. Which findings, if present during breast evaluation, may indicate malignancy and require further investigation? (Select all that apply)
A nurse is caring for a patient receiving chemotherapy who is now experiencing mucositis. Which intervention is most appropriate for the nurse to include in the patient's plan of care?
A nurse is caring for a patient receiving chemotherapy who is now experiencing mucositis. Which intervention is most appropriate for the nurse to include in the patient's plan of care?
A patient undergoing chemotherapy reports new onset peripheral neuropathy. What advice should the nurse provide?
A patient undergoing chemotherapy reports new onset peripheral neuropathy. What advice should the nurse provide?
A patient is scheduled to receive high-dose chemotherapy followed by a stem cell transplant. The patient asks the nurse about the purpose of the transplant. How should the nurse respond?
A patient is scheduled to receive high-dose chemotherapy followed by a stem cell transplant. The patient asks the nurse about the purpose of the transplant. How should the nurse respond?
A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a patient who had a mastectomy to treat breast cancer. What is a priority teaching point related to lymphedema prevention?
A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a patient who had a mastectomy to treat breast cancer. What is a priority teaching point related to lymphedema prevention?
A patient with advanced cancer is experiencing cachexia. Which intervention would be most appropriate to include in their care plan?
A patient with advanced cancer is experiencing cachexia. Which intervention would be most appropriate to include in their care plan?
A patient with acute tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is receiving intravenous fluids. What electrolyte imbalance is the nurse most concerned about?
A patient with acute tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is receiving intravenous fluids. What electrolyte imbalance is the nurse most concerned about?
A patient receiving cisplatin is complaining of ringing in the ears. The nurse recognises this as
A patient receiving cisplatin is complaining of ringing in the ears. The nurse recognises this as
A patient undergoing radiation therapy for head and neck cancer develops painful oral ulcers. What intervention should the nurse prioritize?
A patient undergoing radiation therapy for head and neck cancer develops painful oral ulcers. What intervention should the nurse prioritize?
A patient undergoing chemotherapy develops signs of extravasation at the IV site. What is the nurse's first action?
A patient undergoing chemotherapy develops signs of extravasation at the IV site. What is the nurse's first action?
A patient with a bone tumor is being documented. What term should the nurse use?
A patient with a bone tumor is being documented. What term should the nurse use?
A patient is scheduled for palliative surgery but believes it will remove the cancer. What clarification is needed regarding palliative surgery?
A patient is scheduled for palliative surgery but believes it will remove the cancer. What clarification is needed regarding palliative surgery?
A patient is experiencing extreme mouth dryness due to chemotherapy. What intervention should the nurse suggest for nighttime relief?
A patient is experiencing extreme mouth dryness due to chemotherapy. What intervention should the nurse suggest for nighttime relief?
A patient with lung cancer presents with chest pain, dyspnea, facial redness, and swollen neck veins. Which oncological emergency should the nurse suspect?
A patient with lung cancer presents with chest pain, dyspnea, facial redness, and swollen neck veins. Which oncological emergency should the nurse suspect?
An LPN/LVN observes swelling at the IV site of a patient receiving a vesicant chemotherapeutic agent. What is the priority nursing action?
An LPN/LVN observes swelling at the IV site of a patient receiving a vesicant chemotherapeutic agent. What is the priority nursing action?
A patient on chemotherapy develops thrombocytopenia. Which assessment finding requires immediate reporting to the provider?
A patient on chemotherapy develops thrombocytopenia. Which assessment finding requires immediate reporting to the provider?
A patient reports fatigue during radiation therapy. What nursing intervention is the MOST appropriate?
A patient reports fatigue during radiation therapy. What nursing intervention is the MOST appropriate?
The nurse is initiating tamoxifen (Nolvadex) for a patient with breast cancer. What information about the therapy should the nurse include in the teaching?
The nurse is initiating tamoxifen (Nolvadex) for a patient with breast cancer. What information about the therapy should the nurse include in the teaching?
The nurse is providing discharge instructions for a patient with thrombocytopenia. Which statement indicates a need for further teaching regarding safety precautions?
The nurse is providing discharge instructions for a patient with thrombocytopenia. Which statement indicates a need for further teaching regarding safety precautions?
The nurse is teaching a patient about skin care during radiation therapy. Which patient statement indicates a need for further teaching?
The nurse is teaching a patient about skin care during radiation therapy. Which patient statement indicates a need for further teaching?
A patient experiencing anorexia from chemotherapy treatments requires nutritional support. What intervention should the nurse implement when planning care?
A patient experiencing anorexia from chemotherapy treatments requires nutritional support. What intervention should the nurse implement when planning care?
What is the appropriate action for a nurse to take to protect themselves when preparing an oral chemotherapeutic medication?
What is the appropriate action for a nurse to take to protect themselves when preparing an oral chemotherapeutic medication?
A patient is prescribed cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan). Which concurrent medication order does the nurse anticipate to protect the bladder from the drug's toxic effects?
A patient is prescribed cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan). Which concurrent medication order does the nurse anticipate to protect the bladder from the drug's toxic effects?
Which finding indicates an urgent concern for a patient with a white blood cell count of 2,000 cells/μL?
Which finding indicates an urgent concern for a patient with a white blood cell count of 2,000 cells/μL?
Which statement is correct regarding data collection when caring for a patient with cancer?
Which statement is correct regarding data collection when caring for a patient with cancer?
A nurse is planning a teaching seminar for a community with people from a wide variety of cultures. What should the nurse include in this teaching?
A nurse is planning a teaching seminar for a community with people from a wide variety of cultures. What should the nurse include in this teaching?
The nurse is evaluating test results for a patient at risk for sepsis. Which of these is a sign of concern?
The nurse is evaluating test results for a patient at risk for sepsis. Which of these is a sign of concern?
What is the most important part of a cancer prevention teaching seminar?
What is the most important part of a cancer prevention teaching seminar?
A nurse is teaching community members how to reduce the risk of cancer. What lifestyle changes should be included?
A nurse is teaching community members how to reduce the risk of cancer. What lifestyle changes should be included?
A patient at risk for sepsis from infection should be monitored for what?
A patient at risk for sepsis from infection should be monitored for what?
The nurse is caring for a group of patients. Which patient needs to be seen 1st?
The nurse is caring for a group of patients. Which patient needs to be seen 1st?
The nurse is caring for a group of patients. Which patient is the most at risk?
The nurse is caring for a group of patients. Which patient is the most at risk?
A patient is receiving epoetin alfa (Procrit). What is the best reason for this medication?
A patient is receiving epoetin alfa (Procrit). What is the best reason for this medication?
A patient has been diagnosed with a bone tumor and serum calcium levels have increased. What is happening?
A patient has been diagnosed with a bone tumor and serum calcium levels have increased. What is happening?
Which action should the nurse perform if she splashes chemotherapy medication on her skin?
Which action should the nurse perform if she splashes chemotherapy medication on her skin?
A patient going through chemotherapy has the following labs: BUN 25 mg/dL, Creatinine 1.6 mg/dL, Potassium of 5.8 mEq/L, and uric acid is high. What condition does the nurse suspect?
A patient going through chemotherapy has the following labs: BUN 25 mg/dL, Creatinine 1.6 mg/dL, Potassium of 5.8 mEq/L, and uric acid is high. What condition does the nurse suspect?
If a patient has fatigue relating to chemotherapy, what can you expect the nursing orders to entail for the patient?
If a patient has fatigue relating to chemotherapy, what can you expect the nursing orders to entail for the patient?
The nurse is caring for a patient 10 days after chemotherapy. What side effect should she monitor for?
The nurse is caring for a patient 10 days after chemotherapy. What side effect should she monitor for?
The nurse is performing an assessment on someone. What needs to be looked for during breast cancer checks?
The nurse is performing an assessment on someone. What needs to be looked for during breast cancer checks?
The nurse is giving education to a patient who is going through cancer. What should she say regarding cultural beliefs?
The nurse is giving education to a patient who is going through cancer. What should she say regarding cultural beliefs?
The nurse is giving interventions for a patient who is experiencing anorexia. What should the nurse do?
The nurse is giving interventions for a patient who is experiencing anorexia. What should the nurse do?
A patient has been given Neupogen. Which outcome does the nurse anticipate?
A patient has been given Neupogen. Which outcome does the nurse anticipate?
What information is most important to provide to a patient regarding potential development of breast cancer?
What information is most important to provide to a patient regarding potential development of breast cancer?
The nurse has orders to give the patient filgrastim. What are the other brand names for this?
The nurse has orders to give the patient filgrastim. What are the other brand names for this?
The nurse is helping to educate a patient who is undergoing cancer treatment for nutrition choices. Which diet style should the nurse promote?
The nurse is helping to educate a patient who is undergoing cancer treatment for nutrition choices. Which diet style should the nurse promote?
A patient who has been treated for breast cancer has routine laboratory work indicating an increased calcium level. What concern should the nurse have?
A patient who has been treated for breast cancer has routine laboratory work indicating an increased calcium level. What concern should the nurse have?
A patient at the clinic is having his prostate-specific antigen level checked because of an enlarged prostate gland. How should the nurse explain the purpose of this blood test to the patient?
A patient at the clinic is having his prostate-specific antigen level checked because of an enlarged prostate gland. How should the nurse explain the purpose of this blood test to the patient?
A patient newly diagnosed with breast cancer is concerned upon learning black women are more likely to die from this cancer than white women. How should the nurse respond?
A patient newly diagnosed with breast cancer is concerned upon learning black women are more likely to die from this cancer than white women. How should the nurse respond?
The nurse is caring for a patient scheduled for palliative surgery, but the patient states relief that the cancer will be removed with surgery. What patient teaching is needed regarding palliative surgery?
The nurse is caring for a patient scheduled for palliative surgery, but the patient states relief that the cancer will be removed with surgery. What patient teaching is needed regarding palliative surgery?
The nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer and states she awakes at nighttime with a choking sensation from extreme mouth dryness. What should the nurse suggest?
The nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer and states she awakes at nighttime with a choking sensation from extreme mouth dryness. What should the nurse suggest?
A nurse is caring for a patient 10 days after chemotherapy, during the nadir period. What side effect requires the closest monitoring?
A nurse is caring for a patient 10 days after chemotherapy, during the nadir period. What side effect requires the closest monitoring?
The nurse is reviewing the electronic health records for a patient with suspected cancer and sees that a carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) has been ordered. Which type of cancer is the provider evaluating for with this tumor marker?
The nurse is reviewing the electronic health records for a patient with suspected cancer and sees that a carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) has been ordered. Which type of cancer is the provider evaluating for with this tumor marker?
The nurse is reviewing the health history of a patient treated with doxorubicin (Adriamycin) for cancer. What complication is most important for the nurse to monitor?
The nurse is reviewing the health history of a patient treated with doxorubicin (Adriamycin) for cancer. What complication is most important for the nurse to monitor?
The nurse is planning care for a patient with leukopenia secondary to chemotherapy. What action should the nurse take to provide a safe environment?
The nurse is planning care for a patient with leukopenia secondary to chemotherapy. What action should the nurse take to provide a safe environment?
The nurse is providing discharge instructions for a patient with chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
The nurse is providing discharge instructions for a patient with chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
Flashcards
Oncology
Oncology
A medical specialty focused on the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
Sarcoma
Sarcoma
Cancer cells affecting connective tissue, bone, and muscle.
Hypercalcemia in Cancer
Hypercalcemia in Cancer
Release of calcium into the blood from bone deterioration related to metastasis.
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)
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Breast Cancer Disparity
Breast Cancer Disparity
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Palliative Surgery
Palliative Surgery
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Treatments for extreme mouth dryness.
Treatments for extreme mouth dryness.
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Nadir Period
Nadir Period
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Alopecia
Alopecia
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Superior Vena Cava Syndrome (SVCS)
Superior Vena Cava Syndrome (SVCS)
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Leading Cause of Cancer Death in Women
Leading Cause of Cancer Death in Women
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Vesicant Chemotherapy
Vesicant Chemotherapy
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Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA)
Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA)
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Thrombocytopenia Concern
Thrombocytopenia Concern
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Doxorubicin (Adriamycin) Complication
Doxorubicin (Adriamycin) Complication
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Leukopenia Risk
Leukopenia Risk
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Fatigue and Radiation Therapy
Fatigue and Radiation Therapy
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Tamoxifen (Nolvadex)
Tamoxifen (Nolvadex)
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Concerning Lab Values
Concerning Lab Values
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Thrombocytopenia Teaching
Thrombocytopenia Teaching
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Skin Care and Radiation Therapy
Skin Care and Radiation Therapy
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Anorexia from Chemotherapy
Anorexia from Chemotherapy
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Oral Chemotherapy Safety
Oral Chemotherapy Safety
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Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) Adjunct
Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) Adjunct
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Mediterranean Diet
Mediterranean Diet
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Cultural Beliefs and Cancer
Cultural Beliefs and Cancer
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Colony-Stimulating Factors
Colony-Stimulating Factors
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Sepsis Risk
Sepsis Risk
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Breast Cancer Warning Signs
Breast Cancer Warning Signs
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Study Notes
- Oncology is the specialty consulted for treatment of a new malignancy diagnosis.
Tumor Terminology
- Sarcomas are cancers affecting connective tissue, bone, and muscle
- Lipomas are benign tumors within fat tissue.
- Fibromas are benign tumors originating in connective tissue.
- Carcinomas are cancerous tumors occurring in the tissue of the skin, glands, and digestive, urinary, and respiratory tract linings.
Hypercalcemia
- Hypercalcemia can be a sign of metastatic bone cancer due to calcium release from bone deterioration and is common in patients with metastasis, especially breast cancer.
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)
- An elevated PSA level is a tumor marker that can indicate prostate cancer.
- PSA levels are not done routinely for men in a certain age range, and do not monitor the prostate gland's function.
- A PSA level does not allow a pathologist to view prostate cells; a biopsy is required for this.
Impact of Health Access on Cancer Outcomes
- Black women are more likely to die from breast cancer due to less access to healthcare, leading to less early screening.
- Individuals with low health literacy, lack of health insurance, and low income are less likely to be screened for cancer.
Palliative Surgery
- Palliative surgery aims to increase patient comfort and quality of life when a cure is not possible.
- Palliative surgery is not done to remove cancer or surrounding lymph nodes to increase the chance of a cure.
- Reconstructive surgery enhances cosmetic appearance or restores body part function.
Xerostomia
- With chemotherapy for breast cancer, xerostomia can occur.
- Over-the-counter saliva substitutes can help with nighttime choking sensations due to extreme dryness.
Nadir Period
- During the nadir period (10 days after chemotherapy), patients are at risk for infection, thrombocytopenia, and anemia.
Alopecia
- Alopecia, or hair loss, is a common side effect of chemotherapy.
- Nurses should address the patient's self-image concerns when planning care.
Superior Vena Cava Syndrome (SVCS)
- Chest pain, dyspnea, facial redness, and swollen neck veins are manifestations of Superior Vena Cava Syndrome (SVCS).
Leading Cause of Cancer Death
- Lung and bronchus cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women.
- Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in women with cancer.
- Colon and rectal cancer is the third leading cause of death in women with cancer.
- Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of death in women with cancer.
Chemotherapy and Vesicant Agents
- If swelling is noted at the IV site of a patient receiving a vesicant chemotherapy agent, discontinue the infusion and notify the RN immediately.
- Vesicant drugs can cause blistering and necrosis if they infiltrate soft tissue.
Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA)
- CEA is a tumor marker used to evaluate colon and rectal cancers
- CA 15-3 is a tumor marker for breast cancer.
- AFP and CA 125 are tumor markers for liver cancer.
- CA 125 is the tumor marker for ovarian cancer.
Thrombocytopenia
- Tarry stools are the most concerning finding in a patient with thrombocytopenia, as they indicate gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Redness at the surgical site, tiredness, and blood pressure 106/68 mm Hg are lower priorities.
Doxorubicin (Adriamycin)
- Doxorubicin (Adriamycin) is associated with permanent heart damage.
Leukopenia
- Leukopenia is a low white blood cell (WBC) count with which patients are at risk for infection.
- Staff members must practice hand washing to provide a safe environment
Managing Fatigue
- Space activities with rest periods to help patients manage fatigue related to radiation therapy.
- Prioritize activities around rest periods.
Tamoxifen (Nolvadex)
- Tamoxifen prevents cancer from reoccurring.
Prioritizing Patient Care
- A patient with a WBC count of 2,000 cells/μL should be prioritized due to the risk of infection
Thrombocytopenia Teaching
- A patient with thrombocytopenia should avoid flossing.
- They should avoid taking aspirin, use an electric razor, and be careful when blowing their nose.
Skin Care During Radiation Therapy
- Avoid wearing tight clothing and avoid using baby powder after showering .
- Patients should wear a hat and use sunscreen when going outside, and be careful not to wash off the radiation markings.
Anorexia
- For patients with anorexia due to chemotherapy treatments, offer nutrient-dense foods every 2 hours.
- The nurse should encourage physical activity, provide nutrient dense foods high in protein and calories.
Safe Handling of Chemotherapy Medications
- Wear chemotherapy safety gloves when administering oral chemotherapy.
- Oral chemotherapy pills should never be crushed or broken.
Cytoprotective Agents
- Mesna (Mesnex) is administered to protect the bladder when prescribed cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan).
- Dexrazoxane (Zinecard) is used to protect the heart.
- Filgrastim (Neupogen) stimulates proliferation of stem cells into granulocytes (neutrophils).
- Doxorubicin (Adriamycin) is an antitumor antibiotic.
Cancer Risk Reduction
- Consume a Mediterranean diet, minimize tobacco use, avoid exposure to toxins, obtain immunizations for viruses, and avoid hormone replacement therapy to reduce the risk of cancer.
- Genetic counseling may increase awareness of developing certain cancers but it will not decrease the risk
Cancer Education
- Include the understanding that cultural beliefs impact cancer perceptions.
- Highlight that people who lack health literacy are less likely to be screened for cancer.
- Discuss how health disparities among a diverse community impact access to care, and the fact that people living in low income are less likely to obtain routine cancer screening.
- A person’s culture will not impact their body’s response to cancer treatments.
Colony-Stimulating Factors
- Filgrastim (Neupogen), Pegfilgrastim (Neulasta), and Filgrastim-sndz (Zarxio) help to stimulate the production of granulocytes (neutrophils)
Sepsis Risk
- Findings that indicate a concern include elevation of the WBC count, temperature of 100.4°F (38.0°C), chills, urinary frequency, and dysuria.
Breast Cancer Evaluation
- Findings that indicate a concerns include skin dimpling, change in the skin color and in the texture of the skin, and pulling in of the nipple.
- A milky discharge from the nipple is not an indication of breast cancer.
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