Cancer Symptoms and their Management
Symptom Clinical Manifestations (including Diagnostics) Possible Nursing Diagnosis Interventions (including Medications and complementary alternative therapy)
Anemia
Neutropenia
Thrombocytopenia
Neuropathy
Cognitive disorders
Chemo Induced Nausea (CIN)
Mucositis
Alopecia
Pain
Cancer treatment is very aggressive in nature. The treatment can lead to symptoms that range from uncomfortable to life-threatening. Complete the Cancer Symptoms Management Table
NUR2870_Module 01_Cancer Symptoms Management Table_v2.docx
Grading criterion:
For each symptom the student will include a minimum of 3 manifestations or assessment findings
For each symptom the student must include a minimum of 3 nursing diagnoses written in 2 part format
2-part nursing diagnosis: Nursing diagnoses ….related to (R/T) what your assessment finding was
Only one can be a risk for…or potential for…
For each symptom the student must include at least 4 interventions
Only one intervention can be a medication
Three interventions would be what the RN can do without a physicians order
Do not forget to include complementary alternative therapy that may help in symptom management.
Submit your completed assignment by following the directions linked below. Please check the Course Calendar for specific due dates.
Save your assignment as a Microsoft Word document. (Mac users, please remember to append the “.docx” extension to the filename.) The name of the file should be your first initial and last name, followed by an underscore and the name of the assignment, and an underscore and the date. An example is shown below:
Jstudent_example problem_101504
Symptom Clinical Manifestations (including Diagnostics) Nursing Diagnosis Interventions (including Medications and complementary alternative therapy)
Anemia
Manifestations:
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Pale skin and mucous membranes
Decreased exercise tolerance
Tachycardia
Low hemoglobin and hematocrit levels
Nursing Diagnoses:
Ineffective Tissue Perfusion related to decreased hemoglobin levels
Fatigue related to decreased oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood
Risk for Falls related to weakness and decreased activity tolerance
Interventions:
Administer iron supplements or blood transfusions as ordered
Monitor vital signs and hemoglobin levels
Encourage patient to rest and conserve energy
Assess for signs of bleeding or infection
Educate patient on diet rich in iron and other nutrients
Complementary alternative therapy: Acupuncture
Neutropenia
Manifestations:
Fever
Chills
Malaise
Sore throat
Mouth sores
Low white blood cell count
Nursing Diagnoses:
Risk for Infection related to decreased neutrophil count
Imbalanced Nutrition: Less Than Body Requirements related to difficulty eating due to mouth sores
Anxiety related to fear of infection and hospitalization
Interventions:
Administer prophylactic antibiotics and antifungal agents as ordered
Monitor vital signs and laboratory values
Assess for signs of infection and implement isolation precautions if necessary
Encourage patient to eat soft, non-spicy foods and provide oral care
Educate patient on hand hygiene and infection prevention
Complementary alternative therapy: Aromatherapy with tea tree or lavender essential oils
Thrombocytopenia
Manifestations:
Easy bruising and bleeding
Petechiae
Hematuria
Low platelet count
Nursing Diagnoses:
Risk for Bleeding related to decreased platelet count
Acute Pain related to bruising and bleeding
Risk for Injury related to falls and trauma
Interventions:
Administer platelet transfusions or medications to increase platelet count as ordered
Monitor vital signs and laboratory values
Implement fall precautions and assist with ambulation
Assess for signs of bleeding and provide appropriate interventions
Educate patient on injury prevention and signs of bleeding
Complementary alternative therapy: Meditation or guided imagery
Neuropathy
Manifestations:
Numbness and tingling in hands and feet
Muscle weakness
Loss of reflexes
Decreased coordination
Burning pain
Difficulty walking
Nursing Diagnoses:
Impaired Physical Mobility related to muscle weakness and difficulty walking
Chronic Pain related to neuropathy
Risk for Injury related to decreased coordination and falls
Interventions:
Administer medications to manage pain and neuropathy as ordered
Assess gait and balance and implement fall precautions
Provide assistive devices as needed
Educate patient on foot care and proper footwear
Complementary alternative therapy: Yoga or Tai Chi
Cognitive disorders
Manifestations:
Confusion
Memory loss
Difficulty concentrating
Disorientation
Altered mental status
Nursing Diagnoses:
Acute Confusion related to cognitive impairment
Risk for Injury related to confusion and disorientation
Impaired Memory related to cognitive impairment
Interventions:
Provide a calm and structured environment
Orient patient to time, place, and person frequently
Provide visual and written cues to assist with memory
Implement fall precautions and provide a safe environment
Educate family on how to interact
