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Oncology: Nursing Management in Cancer Care Exam /
Questions with Correct Verified Answers/
Characteristics of cancer cells - ANS - A. Rapid rate of proliferation
- Special protein on the cell walls ("tumor-specific antigens")
I. Blood tests to measure: CEA, PSA
- Less adhesion to adjacent cell so can spread
- Large, irregularly shaped nucleus
- Chromosomal abnormalities (additions, deletions, translocations.)
- As cells grow, more glucose and oxygen are needed; cells create their own capillary supply network to
support the increasing metabolic demands (angiogenesis).
Benign cell - ANS - Well-differentiated cells resemble normal cells of the tissue from which the tumor originated
Malignant cell - ANS - Undifferentiated and may bear little resemblance to the normal cells of the tissue from which they arose
Benign mode of growth - ANS - Tumor grows by expansion and does no infiltrate surround tissues, usually encapsulated
Malignant mode of growth - ANS - Grows at the periphery and overcomes contact inhibition to invade and infiltrate surrounding tissues
Radiation Side Effects - ANS - 1. Altered skin integrity such as erythema, desquamation, or ulceration (external radiation only)
- Alopecia (body image is an issue)
- Stomatitis 1 / 2
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- Xerostomia (dry mouth)
- Thrombocytopenia
Altered Skin integrity - ANS - Radiation dermatitis (erythema) and dry desquamation (flaking of skin) to moist desquamation/ulceration (dermis exposed, skin oozing serous fluid (external radiation only) & alopecia
Nursing Interventions for Thrombocytopenia - ANS - ---> risk for bleeding -no razor blades -careful for falls -list of other meds -soft bristled toothbrush or water pick
Invasion - ANS - Refers to the growth of the primary tumor into adjacent tissues -the cancer cells have specific destructive enzymes to create finger-like projections into those tissues
Metastasis - ANS - The dissemination or spread of cancer cells to distant body sites through the circulatory of lymphatic systems -malignant cells attach to endothelium and attract, fibrin, platelets and clotting factors to seal themselves off from immune system surveillance.
Risk Factors of Cancer - ANS - A. Viruses and Bacteria
- Viruses incorporate themselves into the genetic structure of cells altering future generation of that cell
- Physical Agents
- Sunlight, radiation, chronic inflammation, tobacco use.
- Chemical Agents
- Tobacco smoke, carcinogens, chemicals.
- Genetics and Familial Factors
- Almost every type of cancer has a genetic component, shared environment, cultural/lifestyle factors.
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