Pathophysiology & Types
What is a neoplasm?
A new growth of abnormal tissue.
Name two chemical exposures or agents linked to cancer
tobacco/nicotine, asbestos, pesticides, formaldehydes.
In the CAUTION mnemonic, what does U stand for?
Unusual bleeding.
What does TNM stand for in cancer classification?
Tumor, node involvement, and metastasis.
What is brachytherapy?
Internal radiation therapy using implants, such as interstitial or intracavitary implants.
Name two nursing approaches for cancer-related fatigue.
Encourage protein/calorie intake and plan care around the client's energy level.
Which cancer type originates in epithelial cells?
Carcinoma.
What are the three stages of carcinogenesis listed?
Initiation, promotion, and progression.
Name two other symptoms the slides mention beyond CAUTION
headaches, weight loss, chronic pain, persistent fatigue, low-grade fever, or infections.
What does Stage 0 mean?
Cancer is in situ; malignant cells are confined.
Name two common chemotherapy side effects.
nausea, vomiting, stomatitis, alopecia, myelosuppression, or fatigue.
What dietary pattern is suggested for chemotherapy-related nausea or poor intake?
Small, frequent meals.
Which cancer types are associated with blood-forming organs and connective tissue, respectively?
Leukemia; sarcoma.
What does the CAUTION warning-sign mnemonic include for C?
Change in bowel or bladder habits.
In CAUTION, what does N stand for?
Nagging cough.
What is a biopsy used for in cancer diagnosis?
Obtaining tissue for examination.
What does myelosuppression mean?
Depression of bone marrow.
What is the purpose of a peripheral stem cell transplant?
To replace bone marrow destroyed by cancer or cancer treatment.
How does a benign tumor generally behave compared with a malignant tumor?
Benign tumors are noninvasive and often grow slowly; malignant tumors are invasive with uncontrolled growth.
Name two prevention strategies.
Cancer education, screening programs, periodic physical exams, self-examinations, and avoiding risk factors.
Which mole characteristic in the slide question warrants evaluation?
Irregular shape.
Name two imaging methods used in cancer assessment.
X-ray, CT, MRI, nuclear imaging/PET/SPECT, ultrasound, or fluoroscopy.
A client has nausea and vomiting after abdominal radiation. What should the nurse monitor?
Fluid intake and output.
What is graft-versus-host disease associated with?
Allogeneic stem cell transplant.
What is metastasis?
Development of a secondary tumor from a primary tumor, through spread such as via lymph nodes or blood vessels.
A mole changes shape and becomes irregular. What should happen?
It warrants further evaluation by a primary provider.
Why should persistent unexplained changes be reported?
They may be warning signs that require further evaluation.
What are tumor markers?
Proteins, antigens, hormones, genes, or enzymes released by cancer cells.
Name two routes for chemotherapy.
IV, oral, IM, subcutaneous, topical, intrathecal, or intraperitoneal.
Name two priorities when caring for a terminally ill client.
control pain, reduce discomfort, provide adequate fluids/nutrition, keep warm and dry, control odors, and maintain dignity.