1. Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Unit 47 Caring for the Patient with Cancer

2. Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Objectives Spell and define terms. List methods of reducing the risk of cancer. Explain the importance of good nutrition in cancer prevention and treatment. List seven signs and symptoms of cancer.

3. Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Objectives Describe three types of cancer treatment. Describe nursing assistant responsibilities when caring for patients with cancer.

4. Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Introduction Cancer –Disease in which the normal mechanisms of cell growth are disturbed –Cells grow abnormally, invade surrounding tissues, and use oxygen and nutrition intended for normal cells.

5. Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Treatment Many different treatments are used for cancer. In addition –Some people use alternative and complementary therapies.

6. Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Treatment Type of treatment used determined by: –Type of cancer –Location of the cancer –Stage of cancer –General condition of the patient

7. Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Brachytherapy –Form of radiation therapy for localized cancers Radioactive seeds are implanted near the cancerous lesion

8. Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Brachytherapy Used to treat patients with: –Breast cancer –Prostate cancer –Lung cancer –Cervical and endometrial cancer –Some cancers of the head and neck

9. Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Brachytherapy –May be used in combination with traditional radiation therapy

10. Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Care of the Patient Receiving Radiation and Brachytherapy Private room is used Care plan or radiation isolation sign will list where to find special safety precautions –Refer to Figure 47-10 Pregnant women and those under age 18 are not permitted in the room

11. Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Care of the Patient Receiving Radiation and Brachytherapy Personnel must wear a dosimeter between the waist and collar to measure the person’s radiation exposure. Stay at least 3 feet away from the patient unless direct care is being given.

12. Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Care of the Patient Receiving Radiation and Brachytherapy

13. Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Pain Most common symptom in patients with cancer is pain –May be caused by the cancer or is the result of the treatment Pain may cause: –Difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, depression, and anxiety

14. Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Mental and Emotional Needs Patients with cancer: –Have a life-altering disease –Often fear dying –Feel anxious or depressed –Often go through the grieving process

15. Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Palliative Care Some patients with cancer elect to have palliative care. This care is designed to treat the symptoms of discomfort, but not the disease.

16. Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Palliative Care The patient receiving palliative care will have an advance directive and a do not resuscitate (DNR) order. The patient is kept comfortable until death occurs.