cardinal signs of cancer in children
Unusual mass or swelling
Unexplained paleness and loss of energy
Sudden tendency to bruise
Persistent, localized pain or limping
Prolonged, unexplained fever or illness
Frequent headaches, often with vomiting
Sudden eye or vision changes
Unexplained excessive, rapid weight loss
care of child with cancer (immune system)
Risk for infection related to depressed body defenses: expected outcomes
The child exhibits no evidence of infection.
The child will not come in contact with infected persons.
Risk for infection related to depressed body defenses: interventions
Risk for injury (hemorrhage, hemorrhagic cystitis) related to interference with cell proliferation: expected outcome
The child exhibits no evidence of bleeding or hematuria.
Risk for injury (hemorrhage, hemorrhagic cystitis) related to interference with cell proliferation: interventions
Risk for fluid volume deficit related to chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: expected outcome
The child is adequately hydrated.
Risk for fluid volume deficit related to chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: interventions
Impaired Nutrition (less than body requirements) r/t chemotherapeutically induced anorexia: expected outcome
The child will have adequate nutritional intake.
Impaired Nutrition (less than body requirements) r/t chemotherapeutically induced anorexia: interventions
Altered mucous membranes related to administration of chemotherapeutic agents: expected outcome
The child exhibits no evidence of oral mucositis or rectal ulceration.
Altered mucous membranes related to administration of chemotherapeutic agents: interventions
Disturbed body image r/t changes caused by disease process and treatment: expected outcome
The child will exhibit positive coping skills.
Disturbed body image r/t changes caused by disease process and treatment: interventions
common dx procedures for cancer
Injections (IM, intradermal)
Bone marrow aspiration
Lumbar puncture
Implanted port access
Needle sticks (venipuncture)
possible interventions for dx procedure prep
Parents’ and caretakers’ presence
Developmentally appropriate non-pharmacological approaches
Pharmacological treatment
Proper timeline for pre-procedure preparation (age specific p. 681-682)
- infants/toddlers: not much prep needed
- school age: little bit of lee-way
- teenagers: as much time as possible
sedation may be used if child has to lay completely still
common, anticipated fears in children with heme/onc dx
fear of leaving parents: toddlers, preschoolers
fear of pain: school-age, adolescents
body image: adolescents
mild pain mngmnt (1, 2, 3 level)
moderate pain mngmnt (4, 5, 6)
severe pain mngmnt (7, 8, 9, 10)
pain mngmnt overview
Good working knowledge of non-opioid and opioid preparations
Use of interdisciplinary pain mgmt. team
Titrate dosing
Trial and error
dental health promotion
If ANC >500:
Regular brushing
Flossing
Fluoride
Dental checkups
if ANC <500:
Toothette
Wiping gums/teeth
Fluoride rinse
immunizations for cancer patients: health promotion
Omit live vaccines in patient until 6 months post-treatment
Encourage vaccinations in family members (including live)
Administer immune globulin if exposed
Antivirals if disease develops
Delay inactivated when possible
managing eating: considerations
Should you offer the child their favorite foods?
Does nutritional value matter?
Do you need to premedicate?