Lung Cancer Nursing Care Plan Sample
Lung Cancer Nursing Care Plan Sample
How to Complete the Lung Cancer Nursing Care Plan
Lung cancer care plan template
Part 1: Template for Data collection and Assessment (include patient perception)
Introduction (patient demographics) xxxxxxxx is a 72-year-old Asian female diagnosed with advanced metastatic non-small cell lung carcinoma 1 year ago. On Sunday night she was admitted to the medical-surgical unit for management of nausea, vomiting, and pain. Religion: Buddhist.
Pertinent social history: Widow, lives alone in small apartment. Two daughters live close by and are involved in her care. Information about patient
Most recent Vital signs
Most recent Lab values
Plan of care:
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Pathophysiology of lung cancer, Symptoms, Lung cancer diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention |
Nursing care plan
Formulate One Nursing Diagnoses (include ‘related to’ and ‘as ‘evidenced by’) refer to NANDA | Develop Two short goals for your Nursing Diagnose. | Develop 6 interventions in total for your ND three for each or mix it up. | Rationale for each intervention with APA referencing Where did you find this information? | Evaluation How would the goals be tested for effectiveness of the interventions? |
Patient education about Lung cancer and conclusion
SOLUTION FOR THE LUNG CANCER CARE PLAN TEMPLATE
Lung Cancer Nursing Care Plan
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliation
Date
Lung Cancer Care Plan
Part 1: Template for Data collection and Assessment (include patient perception)
Introduction (Patient demographics)
MD is a 70-year-old Asian female admitted to the facility after being diagnosed with advanced metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. She was admitted to the medical-surgical unit of the facility on Sunday night after complaining of vomiting, nausea, and pain.
Religion: Buddhist
Social history: The patient is a widow who lives alone in her apartment. She has three daughters who live in the neighborhood. They are responsible for providing much-needed care to their mother.
Name of patient: MD
Gender: Female
Age: 70 years
Ethnicity: No known history
Religion: Buddhist
Code status: Full code
Allergies: No known history
Past medical history: The patient has a history of bronchitis and pneumonia. She was also diagnosed with varicella and malaria as a child. No major surgeries except that for cancer treatment. The patient is on blood pressure medication.
Smoking history: The patient was a heavy smoker, smoking 52 packs per year
Most recent vital signs
Temperature=36.6oC, Blood pressure 115/63mmHg, Pulse 94bpm, Respiratory rate: 19bpm, SPO2=98%, pain 3/10
Oxygen therapy: Yes.
Mode: Nasal cannula, LPM 3LPM.
Fall risk: High risk
Diet: Low fat, bland diet.
Most recent lab values
Hgb 151g/L | For female normal ( 115–155 g/L) |
Hct 0.44 proportion of 1.0 | For female normal (37%-47%) |
RBC MCV 83 fL | Normal MCV is between 80-100 fL |
WBC 8.20 x10/L | Normal value (3.5–10.5 × 109/L) |
Neutrophils 5.17 x10/L | Normal value 2.0–7.5 × 109/L |
Lymphocytes 2.25 x10/L | For female Normal value ( 0.8–3.3 × 109/L) |
Monocytes 0.47 x10/L | Normal value (0.1–1.0 × 109/L) |
Eosinophils 0.23 x10/L | Normal value ( 0–0.5 × 109/L) |
Basophils 0.08 x10/L | Normal value ( 0–0.1 × 109/L) |
Pathophysiology of lung cancer
Lung cancer can be divided into primary and secondary lung cancer. Patients diagnosed with primary lung cancer exhibit uncontrolled growth of tumor cells that arise from the bronchi. Secondary lung cancer results from excessive deposits of cancer-causing cells in the lungs. Primary lung cancer is divided into small-cell lung cancer and non-small-cell lung cancer. Small cell lung cancer is the deadliest sub-type of lung cancer whose pathophysiology is complex and not well understood. However, extensive molecular genetic studies have revealed that repeated exposure to carcinogens, such as cigarette smoke induces a step-wise accumulation of genetic and epigenetic abnormalities leads in the lung epithelium (Gazdar, 2018). Continued exposure to cigarette smoke results in genetic mutations that affect the process of protein synthesis. This in turn disrupts the cell cycle and promotes carcinogenesis. Some of the most common genetic mutations that cause small-cell lung cancer include MYC, BCL2, and p53.
Risk factors for small cell lung cancer
The risk of developing lung cancer increases as one is exposed to environmental and occupational pollutants. Cigarette smoking accounts for almost 90% of all lung cancer cases while occupational exposure accounts for 9-15% of lung cancer cases. Indeed, the development of small cell lung cancer is directly linked to the number of cigarettes smoked, years of smoking, and the amount of tar and nicotine in cigarettes. Asbestos is the most common occupational pollutant that leads to the development of small-cell lung cancer. Diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, and TB are associated with an increased risk for the development of lung cancer. Furthermore, radiation for non-lung cancer treatments such as breast cancer, and exposure to metals such as arsenic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons increases one’s likelihood of developing cancer.
Symptoms
Lung cancer is asymptomatic at the early stages and can only be diagnosed when the cancer is at advanced stages. Symptoms of the disease may be caused by endobronchial growth and distant metastases. The symptoms of the disorder include cough, hemoptysis, chest pain, wheezing, dyspnea, stridor, upper airway obstruction, pleural effusion, and dysphagia (Hammerschmidt & Wirtz, 2009). Early signs of the disease include weight loss, night sweats, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, fever, headache, and bone pains.
Lab Tests and Diagnostic procedures
Screening is one of the evidence-based methods for early detection to allow the treatment of at-risk patients. Low-dose CT (LDCT) is one of the methods used for lung cancer screening. Laboratory testing for lung cancer includes complete blood count, serum chemistries, liver function testing, chest radiography, and chest CT (Nooreldeen & Bach, 2021). Diagnostic procedures for lung cancer include histological confirmation of diagnosis, staging, and analysis of a patient’s functional status. Histological diagnostic methods for lung cancer include bronchoscopy and lung tissue biopsy, MRI, PET-CT, pulmonary function tests, blood circulating antigen tests, ultrasonography, contrast-enhanced chest and upper abdominal CT scan, liquid biopsy, and transthoracic puncture guided by ultrasound, and computed tomography (Hammerschmidt & Wirtz, 2009; Nooreldeen & Bach, 2021).
Treatment
Small-cell lung cancer is treatable. Common treatment approaches include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. However, Hammerschmidt & Wirtz (2009) argue that lung cancer treatment is multi-modal and hence the need to administer chemotherapy and radiotherapy simultaneously. Lung cancer can be prevented by reducing exposure to cigarette smoking and occupational pollutants.
Medication
- Celebrex 200mg PO BID
- Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate 4mg IV BID
- Lactulose solution 300 ml PO TID
- Senokot 1 tablet PO BID
- Metoclopramide 10 mg IV Q6H
- Potassium phosphate/sodium phosphate (neutral-phos) 1
PRN Medications:
- Morphine sulfate PCA 0.5mg Q10 minutes PRN
- Ambien 5 mg PO Bedtime PRN
- Ondansetron 4mg IV Q6H PRN
Dose, frequency, route, side effects, nursing considerations, patient teaching. Be patient specific.
- Celebrex 200mg PO BID
Generic Name: Celecoxib
Brand Name: Celebrex
- This medication belongs to a class of NSAIDs called COX-2 inhibitors. The drug is used to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Common side effects of the medication included bloating, sore throat, constipation, cold symptoms, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.
- Nursing considerations and assessment when using the medication include assessing the patient for allergic reactions, range of motion, inflammation, and pain severity in the affected areas. Patients who are allergic to NSAIDs should not use this medication. The nurses should also assess and monitor for signs of fever, rash, and swelling in the face to discontinue the medication. The medication is contraindicated in patients with heart failure, and therefore, must not be prescribed to this drug. Monitor the patient’s blood pressure since the drug may cause an elevation of blood pressure.
- Patient and family teaching includes the need to use the medication as prescribed and to avoid using more than one NSAID at a time as this may increase GI toxicity. The patient should notify her health care provider immediately when she notices signs of GI toxicity such as black stool, skin rash, edema, and abdominal pain. The patient should discontinue the medication in case of symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, lethargy, and flu-like symptoms. The medication can cause stroke and therefore, the patient should be advised to report symptoms such as chest pain, breathing difficulties, shortness of breath, and swelling of the face.
- Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate 4mg IV BID
Generic Name: Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate
Trade Name: Decadron, Diodex, Maxidex
- Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate is a glucocorticoid that belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids. This prescriptive drug is used to treat several conditions including immune disorders, ulcerative colitis, arthritis, hypercalcemia associated with cancer, skin problems, asthma, inflammation, and allergy. The medication has been prescribed for the patient to help her manage nausea and vomiting and reduce her inflammation.
- The common side effects of the drug include shortness of breath, electrolyte disturbances, hemorrhage and elevated blood pressure, wheezing, swelling of extremities, black stools, fever, muscle weakness, rash, and itching on the skin.
- Several nursing considerations and assessments must be undertaken in patients undertaking this medication. Firstly, the drug causes allergic reactions in patients who are allergic to sulfur products. Therefore, it is important to monitor for signs such as difficulty breathing, wheezing, swelling in most body parts, and skin rash. The patient should stop using the drug and report to her healthcare provider in case she notices these symptoms. Secondly, nurses should assess and monitor the patient’s urea, electrolytes, and glucose levels since the medication causes electrolyte disturbances. Thirdly, the drug causes an elevation of blood pressure, hence the need to monitor the patient’s blood pressure at least three times a day. Lastly, it is important to assess for level of consciousness.
- Patient/ family teaching includes advising the patient not to stop using the medication without consulting her healthcare provider, and report unusual symptoms such as weight gain, swelling of extremities, black stools, fever, and muscle weakness. In case treating an inflamed joint, advise the patient not to overuse the joint even after the pain has ceased. Lastly, the patient should avoid vaccinations when using the medication and should report any worsening symptoms such as pain, itching, and failure of the condition to improve even after using the drug.
- Lactulose solution 300 ml PO TID
Generic Name: Lactulose solution
Trade Name(s): Enolose, Constulose, & Kristalose
- This drug is a synthetic sugar used to treat constipation. The medication is also used to prevent complications of liver disease and to improve mental status.
- The common side effects of the drug include dehydration, diarrhea, elevated sodium levels, abdominal cramping, belching, flatulence, nausea, and omitting.
- Nursing considerations and assessments in the use of the drug include monitoring for electrolyte imbalance, assessing for abdominal distension, bowel sounds and functions, and mental statuses such as orientation and consciousness.
- The patient should be aware of the serious side effects of the medication such as severe diarrhea, belching, flatulence, nausea, and gas, and report these symptoms to a healthcare provider. The patient should be educated on the importance of the medication and therefore the need to use the medication as prescribed. Lastly, the patient should be educated on alternative forms of bowel movement such as increasing fluid intake mobility.
- Senokot 1 tablet PO BID
Generic Name: Sennosides Capsules and Tablets (SEN oh sides)
Brand Name: Senna-Lax, Senokot
- The drug belongs to a class of medications called stimulant laxatives and is used to treat constipation.
- Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, discoloration of body fluids including urine and stool, abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, and skin rash.
- Nursing assessment activities include monitoring of electrolyte balance, and assessment of bowel sounds, patterns, and movements. The color, amount, and consistency of the stool produced should also be assessed.
- Patients who are allergic to Senna, and those with undiagnosed abdominal pain, fever, nausea, rectal bleeding, and weakened muscles should be advised to avoid using Senokot. Patients with mild side effects should discuss with their primary care provider regarding the risks and benefits of the medication. Prolonged use of Senokot may cause diarrhea, which may affect the body fluids and electrolyte balance. Therefore, the patient should use the drug for a short time and inform her primary care provider in case of symptoms such as excessive thirst, muscle pain, dry mouth, numbness in the hands and feet, and elevated heartbeat. Lastly, the patient should avoid using the drug when she is experiencing pain, vomiting, or fever.
- Metoclopramide 10 mg IV Q6H
Trade Name: Primperan, Reglan, Octamide.
- Metoclopramide belongs to a class of medications known as prokinetic agents used to treat heartburn, and gastroparesis and to minimize symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.
- Common side effects of the drug include dizziness, sleep disturbances, tiredness, headache, diarrhea, confusion, restlessness, uncontrolled muscle movement, difficulty walking, breast tenderness, and swelling of hands and feet.
- Nursing consideration and assessment for the patient include assessing the patient for alertness, blood sugar levels, falling risk, gastrointestinal complaints, and drug interactions.
- The patient should be advised to report any side effects including rash, swelling of feet and hands, severe dizziness, and trouble breathing. The drug makes one feel dizzy and drowsy, and therefore, patients under this medication should avoid driving or using any machinery until when they are stable. Furthermore, the patient should avoid alcohol and marijuana intake as they may increase dizziness. Lastly, the patient needs to report to their primary care attendant any overdose and the fact that they are using the medication before any surgical operation.
- Potassium phosphate/sodium phosphate (neutral-phos) 1
Generic Name: Potassium Phosphate and Sodium Phosphate
Brand Name: K-Phos M.F., Vis-Phos N, Klor-Con, Klorvess, Klotrix, Neutral, K- Phos No. 2, etc
- Potassium Phosphate belongs to a class of mediation known as saline laxatives and works by preventing kidney stones caused by excessive calcium from forming in the body. It is also used to correct potassium deficiency and to treat cardiac arrhythmias.
- Common side effects of the drug include blood in urine, burning, itching, and tickling sensation, changes in the color of the skin, blurred vision, chest pains, mood disturbances, irregular heartbeat, and increased urination.
- Nursing considerations and assessments in the use of the drug include assessing urine for blood, vision, skin color, urination, and electrolyte balance. Nurses should also assess for allergy, symptoms of hypokalemia, renal function, injection sites for necrosis, cardiac rhythm, bowel sounds, and urinary PH and output.
- Patient/ family teaching entails advising the patient to report adverse effects such as rash, hyperkalemia, local necrosis vomiting, diarrhea, and GI obstruction to a healthcare provider. Secondly, the patient should not chew, crush, or cut the drug. It must be swallowed whole. Thirdly, it is the need to take the medication after meals using adequate water to reduce GI upset. Lastly, the patient should avoid salt substitutes and should endeavor to periodically undertake blood tests to assess for adverse side effects.
- Morphine sulfate PCA 0.5mg Q10 minutes PRN
Generic Name: Morphine Sulfate
Brand Names: Arymo ER, Kadian, MorphaBond ER, MS Contin
- The drug is a Schedule II controlled substance belonging to the class of medication called opioid agonists. The medication is used to treat moderate to chronic pain.
- The common adverse effects of the drug include constipation, central nervous system depression, nausea, skin rash, urticarial, bradycardia, vomiting, urinary retention, respiratory depression, sedation, dizziness, euphoria, agitation, dry mouth, anorexia, hypotension, and right upper quadrant pain.
- The patient should be monitored not to develop dependence, addiction, and drug abuse. Nurses should also assess the patient’s pain, respiration, blood pressure, mental status, consciousness, blood pressure, pulse rate, bowel function and urine output, constipation, and symptoms of hypotension.
- The patient should be advised that the medication causes dependence and addiction and therefore should be used as prescribed. Secondly, the patient should be advised to report any adverse effects such as respiratory depression, constipation, and severe nausea and vomiting to their primary care providers. Advise the patient not to stop using this drug at once as this may cause withdrawal symptoms. The patient should report any withdrawal symptoms to her healthcare provider. When used for a prolonged time, the medication may stop working, hence the need to inform the care provider to change the drug or increase the dosage. The patient should also be advised to change her sitting and lying position frequently to prevent hypotension. Lastly, teach the patient the importance of dietary fiber, drinking adequate water, and exercise in preventing constipation.
- Ambien 5 mg PO Bedtime PRN
Trade Name – Ambien
Generic Name: Zolpidem tartrate
- Ambien is a drug classified as a sedative or hypnotic and is used to treat insomnia.
- The common side effects of the drug includes drowsiness, dizziness, chest pain, false sense of well-being, fever, irritability, lack of appetite, loss of interest, unsteady, anxiety, cough, decreased awareness, elevated breathing, cloudy urine, dark stool, skin rash, nausea, skin rash, fainting, and increases the risk for falls.
- The medication can cause serious allergic reactions, and therefore, the nurse should assess the patient for any signs of anaphylaxis or angioedema. The nurse should also assess the patient’s breathing pattern, walking, balance, temperature, frequency of urination, stool, and urine color, the risk for falls, pain, withdrawal symptoms, and mood.
- Patient teaching includes advising the patient to avoid unnecessary movements, driving, or operating machinery since the drug causes dizziness, and drowsiness and increases her risk for falls. Indeed, older adults are more affected by these side effects compared to the younger generation. Secondly, patients using this medication should never use alcohol. Thirdly, the patient should be advised to take the medication as prescribed since overdose and overuse may result in dependence and mental problems. The medication works well when swallowed whole, and therefore, the patient should not crush, break, or chew the tablet. Lastly, the patient needs to note that the tablet should be taken on an empty stomach and nay adverse effects must be reported promptly.
- Ondansetron 4mg IV Q6H PRN
Generic Name: Ondansetron
Trade Name: Zofran
- Ondansetron belongs to a class of medication known as serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonists and is used to prevent nausea and vomiting in patients who have undergone chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery.
- The common side effects of the medication include headache, constipation, tiredness, drowsiness, itching, breathing difficulties, chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, agitation, hallucinations, hives, fever, confusion, seizures, nausea, vomiting, and excessive sweating.
- Nursing consideration and assessment in the use of the medication entails the need to assess the patient’s respiration, pulse rate, ECG, heartbeat, chest and stomach pains, bowel sounds, lung sounds, temperature, and liver function test.
- Patient teaching should encompass the need to maintain adequate fluid intake and report symptoms such as breathing difficulties, chest pains, and irregular heartbeat.
Systems Assessment
- Neurologic: the patient is a wake, alert, and well oriented to person, place and not time.
- Cardiac: irregular rate and rhythm
- Respiratory: The patient is experiencing diminished lung sounds.
- GI/GU: The patient voids three times a day without difficulties. However, her stool is dark and cloudy.
- Integumentary: Intact. Mucous membranes dry and tender.
- Mobility: The patient is experiencing muscle weakness, and therefore unable to ambulate without external support.
- Social status: The patient is a widow. However she has two daughters who live in the neighbourhood. They provided the much needed emotional and social support required by the client. These are the only support system the patient has as of today.
- Emotional State: the patient is anxious about her condition. However, based on the teaching she has received regarding her disorder, the patient has been able to accept her condition and is ready to live with it.
- Sleeping status: The patient has been experiencing sleeping disturbances. She has been managing her insomnia by using medications.
Plan of Care
Formulate One Nursing Diagnoses (include ‘related to’ and ‘as ‘evidenced by’) refer to NANDA | Develop Two short goals for your Nursing Diagnose. | Develop 6 interventions in total for your ND three for each or mix it up. | Rationale for each intervention with APA referencing Where did you find this information? | Evaluation How the goals would be tested for effectiveness of the interventions? |
Nursing Diagnosis:Acute pain related to disease process, chemotherapy and radiation therapy treatment, tumor growth, and inflation as evidenced by distractive and expressive behaviour, positioning to ease pain, and change in vital signs. | The patient will report a decrease in pain in two weeks | Intervention 1Assess causative factors of the pain and determine the pain characteristics (Vera, 2023).
Intervention 2 Assess the patient’s verbal and non-verbal pain cues, and the pathophysiological and psychological causes of pain. Intervention 3 Evaluate the effectiveness of pain control measures at regular intervals
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Rationale 1Determining the causative factors will help in planning and implementing appropriate interventions for preventing pain. Furthermore, assessing the pain characteristics will help in evaluating the effectiveness of the drugs used to treat pain (Vera, 2023 and Wagner, 2023).
Rationale 2 This will help assist the nurse to determine the degree of pain and need for interventions for reducing the pain (Wagner, 2023). Rationale 3 This will ensure maximum pain control with minimum interference of activities of daily living (Vera, 2023 and Wagner, 2023). |
The patient should be able to verbalize the causes of her pain and a reduction in pain. |
Goal No. 2The patient will verbalize at least 2 methods of reducing pain | Intervention 1Encourage the patient to use nonpharmacological pain relief measures (Vera, 2023).
Intervention No. 2 Administer relief medications as prescribed. Intervention 3 Educate the pain about pain management plan such as rest periods and the need to stay in a quiet environment (Vera, 2023). |
Goal No. 1Massage, mediation, diversional activities, and heat are critical in promoting relation and reducing pain. Furthermore, complimentary strategies such as yoga, aromatherapy and acupuncture can help relieve pain (Wagner, 2023).
Goal No. 2 Medications such as Opioids and NSAIDs help relief pain among patients with lung cancer (Wagner, 2023). Goal No. 3 This will help reduced fatigue, external stimuli, and anxiety, thus conserving energy and improving the patient’s coping skills (Vera, 2023).
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The patient should be able to verbalize methods that can be implemented to reduce pain. |
Patient Education about Lung Cancer
What is lung cancer?
Lung cancer is a disorder characterized by uncontrolled and unregulated growth of cells that damage body tissues and organs. The main causative factor is cigarette smoking which accounts for at least 90% of all lung cancer cases. However, prolonged exposure to occupational pollutants such as asbestos, arsenic, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons increases one’s likelihood of developing cancer.
What are the symptoms of lung cancer?
Lung cancer has no specific signs and symptoms at its early stages. However, as the disease progresses, several symptoms associated with the tumor may develop. They include cough, hemoptysis, chest pain, wheezing, dyspnea, stridor, upper airway obstruction, pleural effusion, and dysphagia (Hammerschmidt & Wirtz, 2009). Early signs of the disease include weight loss, night sweats, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, fever, headache, and bone pains.
How can lung cancer be diagnosed?
Lung cancer can be diagnosed based on several diagnostic procedures including complete blood count, serum chemistries, liver function testing, bronchoscopy and lung tissue biopsy, MRI, PET-CT, pulmonary function tests, blood circulating antigen tests, ultrasonography, contrast-enhanced chest, and upper abdominal CT scan.
Lung cancer treatment option and Prevention
Treatment options for lung cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Prevention of the disorder entails stopping smoking and reducing exposure to second-hand smoke and occupational pollutants. Patients should also be educated about lung cancer and its symptoms and encouraged to attend cancer screening clinics at least once every year.
References
Hammerschmidt, S. & Wirtz, H. (2009). Lung cancer: Current diagnosis and treatment. Dtsch Arztebl Int., 106 (49), 809-820.
Gazdar, E. B. (2018). Pathogenesis of lung cancer signalling pathways: Roadmap for therapies. European Respiratory Journal, 33, 1485-1497.
Nooreldeen, R. & Bach, H. (2021). Current and future development in lung cancer diagnosis. International Journal of Molecular Science, 16, (8661), 1-18.
Vera, M. (2023). 8 Lung cancer nursing care plans. https://nurseslabs.com/lung-cancer- nursing-care-plans/
Wagner, M. (2023). Cancer nursing diagnosis and care plan. https://www.nursetogether.com/cancer-nursing-diagnosis-care-plan/