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26 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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What is Radiation Therapy (RT)?
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The use of high-energy ionizing radiation to kill cancer cells.
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Actions of radiation to cancer cells in the body?
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Causes the breakage of one or both strands in the DNA molecule, preventing cells to grow and divide.
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Are normal cells affected by radiation therapy?
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yes, but are better able to repair the DNA damage.
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Radiation Therapy used with chemotherapy is know as _______ therapy.
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Adjuvant
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Cellular Response: Cells that divide rapidly are most susceptible to RT include:
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Most affected:
Blood components (bone marrow/stem cells) Epithelial tissue (stomach, gonads) |
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Which cells are least effected by RT?
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Muscles, nerves, and bone tissue
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With RT causing sloughing of epithelial cells in the stomach, what symptoms would you expect to see in a patient receiving RT?
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Diarrhea and nausea.
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Main goal of RT?
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to kill tumor cells and avoid surrounding tissue.
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Toxicities of RT:
Head area |
Alopecia
loss of teeth enamel, diminishing salivation and taste, swallowing difficulty, dry conjunctiva, xerostomia, stomatitis |
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Toxicities of RT:
Chest area: |
Acute pulmonary toxicity
esophagitis heart damage (slows down valves functions) |
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Toxicities of RT:
Abdomen: |
N/V
Diarrhea Constipation Cystitis Anorexia Sterility |
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Toxicities of RT:
Organ Fibrosis of the: |
Skin
Muscle Lung Breast GI |
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Other complaints of RT is tiredness post-therapy, what causes the patient to become so tired?
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tiredness is due to quick anemia. (blood components are most affected by RT)
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What is External Radiation?
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Linear accelerators use high energy x-ray beams, and are the most commonly used machines for RT.
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Prior to external radiation treatment, a _______ is used to define the exact treatment area.
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Simulator
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Nursing interventions on teaching patient about RT markings.
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Markings should not be removed
May use mild soap and water No lotion, powder, ointments, deodorants, heating pads, ice packs avoid sun exposure. |
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What is internal radiation (brachytherapy)
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The use of radioactive isotopes for either temporary or permanent implants.
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What are the methods of administering internal radiation?
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intracavity or interstitial placements
instillation of colloid solutions parenteral (injecting radioactive solution into the bloodstream, or body cavity) |
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Two types of internal RT:
Sealed vs. Unsealed Sealed (Encapsulated): |
placed in body cavities or inserted directly into tissues with applicators
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Describe the applicators used for sealed internal RT.
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applicators are placed surgically or thru fluroscopy
Either metal or plastic and can be sutured in place into or near the tumor. implants provide radiation to a limited area. |
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Sealed implants are used to treat which types of cancer?
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sealed implants would be used for cancers such as lip, tongue, breast, vagina, cervix, endometrium, rectum, bladder, prostate (seeding wit small beads), and brain.
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2 types of internal RT:
Sealed vs. Unsealed Unsealed: |
implants are prepared in suspension or solution.
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Patients with unsealed implants, ________ may be contaminated with radioactive material.
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secretions
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What must the caregiver do when handling secretions of clients receiving unsealed RT?
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wear gloves and use disposable items with these clients.
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Side effects of internal RT include:
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Normal tissues within the treatment area are damaged by radiation
skin reactions fatigue GI symptoms (anorexia) |
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Most symptoms of internal radiation therapy resolve after ___-___ weeks following completion of treatment. when to delayed S.E. occur?
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2-4 weeks following completion of treatment.
Delayed S.E. may occur months to years after treatment. |
