Care Plan for Cancer Management
Care Plan for Cancer Management
Category / Primary Body System
- Oncology
Problem
- Diagnosis of cancer.
Goals
- Resident will experience limited side effects from radiation and/or chemotherapy for 90 days.
- Resident will be able to express feelings regarding care for 90 days.
Plan/Approach
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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.
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Psychological Support
- Arrange for a psychiatric consult as needed to provide mental health support.
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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.
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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
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Medication and Pain Management
- Effective management of side effects and pain improves the patient's quality of life and ability to tolerate ongoing treatments.
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Psychological Support
- Addressing psychological needs is crucial for overall well-being and coping with the stress of a cancer diagnosis and treatment.
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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.
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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
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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.
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Psychological Support
- Arrange psychiatric consultations when needed and ensure follow-up on recommendations from mental health professionals.
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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.
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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.