Lung Cancer and Thoracic Surgery
Thoracic Surgery Immediate Postoperative Nursing Care
Nursing care immediately following thoracic surgery, focusing on airway/breathing, circulation, surgical site monitoring, and fluid management.
Thoracic Surgery Postoperative Nursing Care
Nursing care post thoracic surgery, including promoting airway clearance, preventing complications, managing pain, and monitoring vital signs and secretions.
Pleural Effusion Medical Management
Objectives and treatments for pleural effusion, aiming to discover the underlying cause, prevent re-accumulation of fluid, and relieve discomfort and respiratory compromise.
Pleural Effusion Clinical Manifestations
Symptoms of pleural effusion, such as fever, chills, pleuritic pain, dyspnea, and difficulty lying flat. Pleural rub may be heart. PAIN
Indications for thoracic surgery
Trauma Lung cancer Lung abscesses/cysts Emphysema Benign tumors Open heart surgery Esophageal surgery
Lung Cancer Medical Management
Treatment options for lung cancer based on cell type, disease stage, and patient's physiological status, including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
Secondary lung cancer
metastasis from a primary tumor site elsewhere in the body
Hallmark Clinical Manifestations of Lung Cancer
persistent cough, dyspnea, hemoptysis, and weight loss.
thoracentesis
surgical puncture to remove fluid from the pleural space
Pre-procedure bronchoscopy nursing care
◦ Assess for use of anticoagulants or allergies to anesthetic agents ◦ Obtain informed consent ◦ Remove dentures, if applicable ◦ Maintain client on NPO status (4-8 hours prior to procedure) ◦ Administer pre-procedure medications
Post procedure bronchoscopy nursing care
◦ Continuously monitor respirations, BP, pulse ox, HR, and LOC ◦ Assess presence of gag reflex and ability to swallow prior to resuming oral intake ◦ Monitor for signs of aspiration, laryngospasm/bronchospasm, pneumothorax (complications of a bronchoscopy) ◦ Monitor for significant fever, productive cough, and significant hemoptysis
Pleural effusion risk factors
◦ Heart failure ◦ Pneumonia ◦ Lung cancer ◦ Pulmonary embolism (PE) ◦ Nephrotic syndrome ◦ Liver failure (cirrhosis) ◦ TB ◦ Pulmonary infections (particularly viral) ◦ Connective tissue diseases (Rheumatoid arthritis; lupus)
Intra procedure bronchoscopy nursing care
◦ Position client in sitting or supine position ◦ Assist in collecting and labeling specimens ◦ Monitor VS, respiratory pattern, and oxygenation
risk factors for lung cancer
◦ Tobacco smoke ◦ Secondhand (passive) smoke ◦ Environmental and occupational exposures ◦Genetic predisposition ◦ Dietary deficits ◦ Underlying respiratory conditions ◦ COPD ◦ TB
Pleural Effusion Development Factors
Contributing factors for the accumulation of fluid in the pleural space, such as heart failure, pneumonia, lung cancer, and pulmonary embolism.
Pleuritis
Acute inflammation of the pleura, causing sharp, stabbing pain aggravated by breathing, coughing, and movement.
Thoracic Surgery Preoperative Testing
Assessment of functional reserve and baseline testing to determine the benefit and risk of surgery, including pulmonary function tests, ECG, and radiographic studies.
Thoracotomy Indications
Conditions necessitating thoracic surgery, such as trauma, lung cancer, lung abscesses, and benign tumors.
Nursing Plan of Care for Thoracic Surgery
Development of a comprehensive nursing care plan for a patient undergoing thoracic surgery, addressing respiratory assessment, pain management, and psychosocial support.
Pleural Effusion Diagnosis
Diagnostic methods for pleural effusion, including physical examination, chest X-ray, CT scan, pleural fluid analysis, and bacterial culture.
Types of Thoracic Surgical Procedures
Different surgical interventions for lung cancer and other cardiopulmonary conditions, including wedge resection, lobectomy, and pneumonectomy.
Thoracic Surgery Preoperative Patient Education
Education provided to the patient and family before thoracic surgery, including chest physiotherapy, smoking cessation, and strategies to manage anxiety.
Lung Cancer Risk Factors
Environmental and genetic factors contributing to the development of lung cancer, including tobacco smoke, secondhand smoke, and underlying respiratory conditions like COPD and TB.
Red flags of lung cancer
Persistent cough or change in characteristics of a chronic cough Dyspnea Hemoptysis Chest or shoulder/arm aching pain Loss of appetite Fatigue/Tiredness Weight loss Pain is a late manifestation
Lung Cancer Pharmacological Management
Pharmacological interventions for lung cancer, including immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and gene therapy.
Thoracic Surgery Nursing Diagnoses
Potential nursing diagnoses post thoracic surgery, such as ineffective airway clearance, impaired gas exchange, and risk for bleeding or infection.
Bronchoscopy Nursing Care
Pre and post nursing care for a patient undergoing bronchoscopy, including intraprocedure and post-procedure monitoring and assessment.
Lung Cancer Diagnostic Procedures
Procedures for diagnosing lung cancer, such as chest X-ray, CT scan, bronchoscopy, and sputum cytology.
Primary lung cancer
arising within the lung, chest wall, or mediastinum
Lung Cancer Staging - Stage I vs. Stage IV
based on tumor size, location, lymph node involvement, and metastasis.
