Know and understand about the complications of chemotherapy
• Cognitive function=support and provide resources for cognitive
training. Let them know other patients report it too. Warn against: excessive alcohol or drug
...
Know and understand about the complications of chemotherapy
• Cognitive function=support and provide resources for cognitive
training. Let them know other patients report it too. Warn against: excessive alcohol or drug use, head injury risks
• Mucositis=oral cryotherapy (rest of interventions listed below)
• Fatigue=space out and prioritize care
• Alopecia=teach how to avoid scalp injury; coordinate wig purchases for patient based on income and lifestyle
• N/v=give antiemetic’s BEFORE hand, during, and after. Keep on a
schedule and educate patient to take them even when they feel okay.
o Peppermint or ginger for relief
Know thrombocytopenia and what precautions are necessary
• Impaired clotting/bleeding; may require transfusion therapy
o Precautions: ensure a safe environment for the patient and have bleeding precautions in place
-electric razor, soft bristled toothbrush, don’t blow nose, no IM injections if possible, etc.…
Know about internal /external radiation / brachytherapy Precautions for each
• Internal/brachytherapy
o The patient is a hazard
▪ Unsealed: enter body fluids and eliminated in waste products, making the waste radioactive
▪ Solid implants are in one place, the patient emits
radiation but excreta is not radioactive.
• Precautions: wear dosimeter badge, keep front of lead apron facing patient, no pregnant women or children under 16, visitors must stay 6 ft. away and limit visits to 30 min/day, never touch radioactive source with bare hands (use forceps), and save all dressings, bed linens
until the radioactive source is removed; then dispose as usual.
• External/teletherapy
o Radiation delivered from a source outside of the patient. The source is external; therefore, the patient is not radioactive, and there is no hazard to others.
Know basic labs such as CBC & Electrolytes, Pt, INR, and PTT
• CBC
o Hemoglobin: 13-17
o Hematocrit: 35%-48%
• Electrolytes
...................................................CONTINUED
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