Care Of Patients With Cancer

Front 1

TELETHERAPY

Back 1

Radiation delivered from a source outside of the patient. The patient is NOT radioactive and is therefore not s hazard to others. The patient must always be in the exact same position for all treatments.

Front 2

BRACHYTHERAPY

Back 2

The radiation source comes into direct, continuous contact with the tumor for a specific time period. The radiation source is within the patient. Therefore the patient emits radiation. When isotopes are unsealed they enter body fluids and eventually are eliminated is waste products. These wastes are radioactive and should not be touched by anyone.

Front 3

Alkylating Agents

Back 3

Cross link DNA making the DNA strands bind tightly together. This action prevents proper DNA and RNA synthesis which inhibits cell division.

Front 4

Anyimetabolites

Back 4

Are counterfeit metabolites that fool the cancer cells into using the anti metabolites in cellular reactions. Their presence impairs cell division

Front 5

Antimitotic Agents

Back 5

Cells cannot complete mitosis during cell division. The cancer cell will either divide once or not at all.

Front 6

Topoisomerase Inhibitors

Back 6

Disrupts and enzyme essential for DNA synthesis and cell division. Leads to DNA breakage and death.

Front 7

BONE MARROW SUPPRESSION

(MYELOSUPPRESSION)

Back 7

The numbers of all circulating leukocytes, erythrocytes, and platelets are decreased. Complications include Infection, hypoxia, fatigue and impaired clotting. Impairment is temporary and protection recovers within weeks after therapy completion.

Front 8

Mucositis

Back 8

Sores in the mucous membranes. These sores cause pain and interfere with eating and quality of life. Frequent Oral hygiene and mouth ASSESSMENT are key in managing mucositis. Encourage Pt to rinse mouth with plain water or saline at frequent intervals during the day and night when awake.

Front 9

BIOLOGICAL RESPONSE MPDIFIERS BRM side effects:

Back 9

Fever, chills, rigors, and flu like symptoms . fever is treated with Acetaminophin and severe rigors are treated with Demerol. Patient may experience fatigue, confusion, somnolence irritation or agitations. Hallucinations, vivid dreams, anxiety and skin dryness peeling, and itching.

Front 10

Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors

Back 10

Are effective in disrupting the growth of some cancer cell types and not others. Side effects include: fluid retention, electrolyte imbalance, and bone marrow SUPPRESSION.

Front 11

Epidermal Growth Factor/Receptor Inhibitors

Back 11

Prevents cancer cell division and increases the sensitivity to chemotherapy and immune system actions Side effects: variety of skin reactions may be as mild as a rash, or result in excessive skin peeling and fissures.

Front 12

Multikinase Inhibotors

Back 12

Most effective in preventing the activation of tyrosine kinase that have a specific gene mutation found most often in some renal cell carcinomas, GI stromal tumors, and pancreatic colon and non small cell lung cancer cells. Common side effect: Hypertension

Front 13

Proteasome Inhibitors

Back 13

Makes the cells less likely to divide and more likely to respond to signals of cell death. Most common side effects: nausea, vomiting, anorexia, abdominal pain, bowel changes, and decreased taste sensation.

Front 14

Photodynamic Therapy

Back 14

Selective destruction of cancer cells through a chemical reaction triggered by types of laser lights. Causes intense general sensitivity to light for up to 12 weeks.

Front 15

Gynecomastia

Back 15

Breast development in men. Occurs as a side effect of hormonal manipulation of estrogen, progestins, or antiandrogen receptor drugs.

Front 16

Sepsis

Back 16

Organisms enter the blood stream resulting in septic shock

Patients with cancer are at risk for infection and sepsis because their white blood cell counts are often low and immune function is inpaired

Front 17

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation DIC

Back 17

A problem with he blood clotting process. The patients normal flora enters the blood stream through any site of skin breakdown and causes severe Infection. Bleeding from many sites is the most common problem. Clots block blood vessels and decrease blood flow resulting in pain, stroke like manifestations, dyspnea, tachycardia, reduced kidney function, and bowel NECROSIS. Practice strict aseptic technique during invasive procedures and during contact with non intact skin and mucous membranes

Front 18

Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone. SIADH

Back 18

Water is reabsorbed excess in the kidneys and put into SYSTEMIC circulation. The retained water dilutes blood sodium levels. Mild manifestations include weakness, muscle cramps, loss of appetite, and fatigue. With greater fluid retention, weight gain, nervous system changes, personality changes, confusion, and extreme muscle weakness occur. Management includes fluid restriction, increased sodium intake, and drug therapy.