This course has been approved for 6 clock hours by the Commission on Case Manager Certification from January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2009 and January 15, 2010 through December 31, 2012.
The purpose of this course is to provide nurses with an overview of the concepts of cancer and a basic foundation in the nursing care of adult patients receiving chemotherapy. After studying the information presented here, you will be able to —
- Discuss three myths about cancer.
- Identify two phases of cancer development.
- List the three major forms of cancer treatment and whether their effects are local or systemic.
- Define adjuvant chemotherapy.
- Describe the rationale for combination chemotherapy and the schedule of administration requiring repeated administration of the drugs.
- Identify three guidelines for the nurse administering chemotherapy IV.
- Describe a patient situation in which combination chemotherapy is being administered and list one point each for patient education specific to mucositis, alopecia and peripheral neurotoxicity.
- Discuss two nursing interventions each for the patient experiencing neutropenia and thrombocytopenia.
- Identify mechanisms of nausea and vomiting related to physiological causes and anticipatory anxiety.
Synopsis
This home study course presents an overview of basic concepts of cancer and the nursing care of adult patients receiving chemotherapy. Topics include theories of carcinogenesis, normal and cancer-cell biology, diagnosis and staging of cancer, treatment modalities, mechanisms of drug actions, administration guidelines, adverse effects and preventive and symptomatic psychosocial and physiological patient care.
Nurses who are not specialized in the care of cancer patients will find this course especially valuable. Oncology nurses will find this course to be a good review.
