Ch. 16: Oncology: Nursing Management in Cancer Care

Chemotherapeutic agents have what affect associated with the renal system?

Increased uric acid excretion -chemotherautic agents can damage the kidneys because of their direct effects during excretion and the accumulation fo end products after cell lysis. There is increased urinary excretion of uric acid from chemotherapeutic agents. Hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia,and hypocalcemia can occur from the use of chemotherapeutic agents.

T zero

no evidence of primary tumor -

Palliation refers to

relief of symptoms associated with cancer -is the goal term for care in terminal cancer patients.

Hyperplasia

an increase in the number of cells of a tissue, most often associate with a period o rapid body growth

anaplastic cells

malignant

Following a BMT (bone marrow transplant) the pt. should be monitored for at least...

3 months -because complications related to the transplant are still possible, and infections are very common

hemangioma

a benign tumor of the blood vessels

DIC

a complex disorder o coagulation or fibrinolysis which results in thrombosis or bleeding

Tumors classified on the basis of growth are described as...

benign or malignant

Dysplasia

bizarre cell growth resulting in cells that differ in size, shape, or arrangement from other cells of the same type of tissue

Tumors classified on the basis of the cell tissue or origin are:

carcinomas, sarcomas, lymphomas, and leukemias

SIADH

continuous uncontrolled release of ADH

Alopecia

hair loss

During which step of cellular carcinogenesis do cellular changes exhibit increase malignant behavior?

progression Rationale: is the 3rd step of carcinogenesis in which cells show a propensity to invade adjacent issues ad metastasize. During promotion, repeated exposure to promoting agents causes the expression of abnormal genetic information even after long latency periods. During initiation, initiators such as chemicals, physical factors, and biologic agents, escape normal enzymatic mechanisms and alter the genetic structure of cellular DNA. No stage of cellular carcinogenesis is termed prolongation.

A serum sodium level lower than 110 mEq/L associated with

seizure -serum sodium levels lower than 110 mEq/L is associated with seizures, abnormal reflexes, papilledema, coma, and death. Anorexia, wt. gain and myalgia are associated with serum sodium levels lower than 120 mEq/L

Metastasis

spread of cancer cells from the primary tumor to distant sites

Nadir

the lowest point of WBC depression after therapy that has a toxic effect on the bone marrow

chondroma

tumor of he cartilage

neuroma

tumor of the nerve cells

Which type of vaccine uses the patient's own cancer cells, which are prepared for injection, back into the patient?

Autologous Rationale: autologous vaccines are made from the patient own cancer cells, which are obtained during diagnostic biopsy or surgery. Prophylactic vaccines, such as polio vaccine, are given to prevent people from developing a disease. Therapeutic vaccines are given to kill existing cancer cells and to provide long-lasting immunity against further cancer development. Allogenic vaccines are made from cancer cells that are obtained from other people who have a specific type of cancer.

What does a nurse thoroughly evaluate before a bone marrow transplant (BMT) procedure?

Blood studies -before the BMT procedure, the nurse thoroughly evaluates the patient's physical condition; organ function; nutritional status; complete blood studies, including assessment for past antigen exposure, such as HIV, hepatitis, or cytomegalovirus; and psychosocial status. Before a BMT procedure, the nurse need not evaluate a patient's family, drug, or allergy history.

A malignant tumor

gains access to blood ad lymphatic channels. By gaining access to blood and lymphatic channels, the tumor metastasizes to other areas o the body. Cells of malignant tumors are undifferentiated. Malignant tumors demonstrate variable rate of growth; however, the more anaplastic the tumor, the faster its growth. A malignant tumor grows at the periphery and sends out processes that infiltrate and destroy surrounding tissues

Neoplasia

uncontrolled cell growth that follows no physiologic demand

osteoma

a tumor of the connective tissue

Superior Vena Cave Syndrome (SVCS)

a compression or invasion of the superior vena cava by a tumor, enlarged lymph nodes, intraluminal thrombosis that obstructs venous circulation, or drainage of the head, neck, arms and thorax

Cardiac Tamponade

an accumulation of fluid in the pericardial space.

What is a sign or symptom of septic shock?

Altered mental status, cool and clammy skin, decreased urine output, and hypotension

Which type of surgery is utilized in an attempt to relieve complications of cancer?

Palliative Rationale: palliative surgery is performed to relieve complications of cancer. Prophylactic surgery involves removing non-vital tissues or organs that are likely to develop cancer. Reconstructive surgery may follow curative or radical surgery and is carried out in an attempt to improve function or obtain a more desirable cosmetic effect. Salvage surgery is an additional treatment option that uses an extensive surgical approach to treat the local recurrence of cancer after the use of a less extensive primary approach