Describe how Cancer is Classified

Describe how Cancer is Classified

This study guide is intended to help you organize your thoughts; it is not intended to be your only study tool. Utilize the PowerPoints, course content, textbooks, and ATI resources to help you prepare for Exam 1.

Key terms:

1. Malignancy- presence of cancerous cells
2. Metastasis- cancer cells that have spread
3. Carcinogen-any substance that promotes carcinogenesis

	Normal Cells	Benign tumor cells	Cancer cells
Morphology
Nuclear to cytoplasmic ratio
Function
Adherence
Migratory??
Growth
Cellular regulation

Describe how Cancer is Classified

Grading: classifies cellular aspects of the cancer

Ploidy: description of cancer cells by chromosome number and appearance

Staging: determines the exact location of cancer and whether metastasis has occurred

Describe the external factors that influence cancer development

Chemical carcinogenesis: can occur from exposures to many known chemicals, drugs, and other produces used in everyday life.

Physical carcinogenesis: from physical agents or events also cause cancer by DNA damage- radiation and chronic irritation

Viral carcinogenesis:  occurs when viruses infect body calls and break DNA strands. Viruses insert their own genetic material into human DNA

Oncoviruses- viruses that cause cancer

Describe the personal factors that influence cancer development

Immunity: protects the body from foreign invaders and non-self cells

Age:  advancing age is single most important risk factor for cancer – as adult ages immunity decreases and external exposures to carcinogens accumulate

Genetic risk: occurs only in a small percent of population; genetic redisposition are at very high risk for cancer development

Staging of Cancer: Describe TNM Classification-

Describe the difference between primary and secondary cancer prevention:

	Describe	Examples
Primary
Secondary

Describe the impact cancer has on physical function

Immunity and clotting:

GI function:

Peripheral nerve function

Motor and sensory deficits:

Respiratory function:

Cardiac function:

Pain and quality of life:

Cancer Management

Surgery

Type of Surgery	Description	Example
Prophylactic
Diagnostic
Curative
Debulking
Palliative
Reconstructive

Radiation Therapy

 High energy radiation that kills cancer cells by altering DNA and changing cellular regulation.  Localized treatment. 

What is the difference between radiation exposure and dose?

Exposure:

Dose:

Delivery Methods:

	Describe	Nursing Considerations
External
Internal

Side effects and nursing management

Review table 20.2 (page 381). Describe nursing interventions and patient education for clients receiving radiation treatment.

Chemotherapy: DNA and cellular regulation altered by chemicals. Systemic effect.

Administration routes:

Nursing considerations for administration of chemo drugs:

Bone Marrow Suppression	Describe	Patient risk related to side effect	Nursing care and considerations
Decreased RBC
Decreased WBC
Decreased Platelets
Other Side Effects
Chemo induced n/v
Mucositis
Alopecia
Impaired cognitive function
Peripheral neuropathy

Briefly describe the different types of Chemotherapy

Immunotherapy:

Monoclonal antibody:

Targeted:

Endocrine therapy:

Colony-stimulating therapy:

Oncologic Emergencies:

Emergency:	Describe (what/where/who)	Signs & symptoms	Treatment/Nursing care and considerations
Sepsis and DIC
SIADH
Spinal Cord Compression
Hypercalcemia
Superior Vena Cava Syndrome
Tumor Lysis Syndrome

Fluid and Electrolyte Balance

Define/describe the following:

Solvent:

Solute:

Electrolyte:

Fluid Distribution:

Intracellular

Extracellular

Filtration

Diffusion

Osmosis

Osmolarity

1. Isotonic
2. Hypotonic
3. Hypertonic

Hormonal Regulation of Fluid Balance
Hormone	Secreted by (gland/organ)	Action
Aldosterone
ADH
NP

Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System:

Trigger event:

**Kidneys react to trigger event

Angiotensin II action:

Aldosterone:

ACE (Angiotensin Converting Enzyme) action:

Fluid Imbalance

Type	Cause/Risk factors	Assessment/ Signs and Symptoms	Nursing Considerations/Actions /Pt education
Fluid volume deficit
Fluid volume excess

Electrolyte Imbalance

Sodium) (136-145 mEq/L)

	Hyponatremia	Hypernatremia
Patho
Causes/Risks
Assessment (S/S) CardiovascularNeuromuscularIntestinalLab data
Interventions

Potassium (3.5-5.0 mEq/L)

	Hypokalemia	Hyperkalemia
Patho
Causes
Assessment (S/S) CardiovascularNeuromuscularIntestinalLab data
Interventions

Calcium (9.0-10.5 mg/dL)

	Hypocalcemia	Hypercalcemia
Patho
Causes
Assessment (S/S) CardiovascularNeuromuscularIntestinalLab data
Interventions

Magnesium (1.8-2.6 mEq/L)

	Hypomagnesemia	Hypermagnesemia
Patho
Causes
Assessment (S/S) CardiovascularNeuromuscularIntestinalLab data
Interventions