Cancer: Nursing Care and Patient Teaching - Medical-Surgical | @LevelUpRN

Recent questions

• How should linens be handled during chemotherapy treatment?

  During chemotherapy treatment, linens should be double-bagged with an impervious bag to prevent contamination and exposure to hazardous chemicals. This precaution helps ensure the safety of healthcare providers and prevents the spread of potentially harmful substances. By following proper handling procedures for linens, the risk of exposure to chemotherapy agents can be minimized, promoting a safer environment for both patients and healthcare professionals.

• What precautions are necessary for internal radiation treatment?

  Precautions for internal radiation treatment, also known as brachytherapy, include keeping the door closed to limit exposure to radiation, restricting visitors to short periods of time to reduce potential radiation exposure, wearing a lead apron and dosimeter film badge for personal protection, and facing the patient to shield oneself from radiation. These precautions are essential to ensure the safety of both patients and healthcare providers during internal radiation therapy, minimizing the risk of radiation exposure and its associated hazards.

• How should patients care for their skin during external radiation treatment?

  Patients undergoing external radiation treatment should avoid washing off marked areas to maintain accurate treatment sites, practice gentle skin care to prevent irritation, refrain from using lotions unless prescribed by healthcare providers, wear loose clothing to minimize friction on irradiated skin, and avoid sun exposure to prevent further damage. These skin care practices are crucial for managing side effects of external radiation therapy, promoting skin health, and enhancing the effectiveness of treatment while minimizing discomfort for patients.

• What strategies can be used to manage malnutrition during cancer treatment?

  Malnutrition during cancer treatment can be managed through various strategies, including the use of antiemetics like ondansetron to control nausea and vomiting, appetite stimulants such as megestrol to increase food intake, consumption of high-calorie diets to meet nutritional needs, and supplementation with essential nutrients to support overall health. These interventions aim to address nutritional deficiencies, improve appetite, and enhance the quality of life for cancer patients undergoing treatment, helping them maintain adequate nutrition and strength throughout their care.

• How should patients care for mucositis during cancer treatment?

  Patients experiencing mucositis during cancer treatment should practice meticulous oral hygiene to prevent infection, avoid using glycerine or alcohol-based mouthwash that can further irritate the mucous membranes, rinse with saline solution to soothe oral tissues, use a soft toothbrush to minimize trauma, and choose soft, nutrient-dense foods to reduce discomfort and promote healing. These care measures are essential for managing mucositis, a common side effect of cancer treatment that can cause pain and difficulty eating, helping patients maintain oral health and improve their overall well-being during therapy.