Care Plan for Cancer Management

Category / Primary Body System

• Oncology

Problem

• Diagnosis of cancer.

Goals

1. Resident will experience limited side effects from radiation and/or chemotherapy for 90 days.
2. Resident will be able to express feelings regarding care for 90 days.

Plan/Approach

1. Medication and Pain Management

   • Administer medications as needed, including anti-nausea drugs, pain relievers, and other supportive treatments.
   • Assess for pain every shift and PRN and manage according to the pain management plan.

2. Psychological Support

   • Arrange for a psychiatric consult as needed to provide mental health support.

3. Monitoring and Assessment

   • Monitor for side effects of medications and report any adverse reactions.
   • Check labs as ordered to monitor the patient's overall health and response to treatment.
   • Monitor skin for breakdown at the sites of radiation therapy, applying appropriate wound care as needed.
   • Assess the patient’s nutritional status regularly to ensure they are maintaining adequate nutrition.

4. Patient Engagement and Communication

   • Encourage the resident to verbalize feelings regarding their care, providing a supportive environment for open communication.
   • Provide educational resources to help the patient and family understand the treatment process and potential side effects.

Rationale

1. Medication and Pain Management

   • Effective management of side effects and pain improves the patient's quality of life and ability to tolerate ongoing treatments.

2. Psychological Support

   • Addressing psychological needs is crucial for overall well-being and coping with the stress of a cancer diagnosis and treatment.

3. Monitoring and Assessment

   • Regular monitoring and lab work ensure early detection and management of potential complications.
   • Monitoring skin at radiation sites prevents and manages radiation-induced dermatitis.
   • Assessing nutritional status helps prevent malnutrition, which can complicate treatment and recovery.

4. Patient Engagement and Communication

   • Encouraging open communication allows the patient to express concerns and preferences, leading to more patient-centered care.
   • Providing educational resources empowers the patient and family to participate actively in care decisions and management.

Actions

1. Medication and Pain Management

   • Administer prescribed medications as needed, documenting their effects and any side effects.
   • Perform regular pain assessments using a standardized pain scale, adjusting pain management strategies as necessary.

2. Psychological Support

   • Arrange psychiatric consultations when needed and ensure follow-up on recommendations from mental health professionals.

3. Monitoring and Assessment

   • Monitor for medication side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and report any severe or persistent issues to the physician.
   • Perform lab tests as ordered, including complete blood count (CBC), electrolytes, liver function tests, and others relevant to the patient's treatment plan.
   • Inspect skin at radiation therapy sites daily, documenting any signs of breakdown or irritation and applying appropriate treatments.
   • Assess and document nutritional intake, consulting with a dietitian if necessary to develop an appropriate nutritional plan.

4. Patient Engagement and Communication

   • Encourage the patient to discuss their feelings and concerns about their care, providing active listening and emotional support.
   • Provide written and verbal educational materials about the cancer diagnosis, treatment options, potential side effects, and self-care strategies.