Constipation is no fun for anyone, but for patients with cancer this all-too-common side effect is especially troublesome. Oncology nurses need to know how to advise patients when they bring up this somewhat uncomfortable subject.
I think it's helpful to be able to educate your patients on the reasons for receiving each individual drug in a combination regimen. Although leucovorin is not a chemotherapy agent or generally used as a stand-alone drug, it certainly is important. Leucovorin has a specific function, and you should be able to explain its purpose.
5-Fluorouracil, or more commonly referred to as simply 5-FU, is a cytotoxic chemotherapy drug that is classified as an antimetabolite and, within that class, belongs to the pyrimidine analogue family.
Worldwide, cancer is one of the leading causes of death, but a new study reported in PLoS One has found that most people ignore cancer warning signs, attributing them to symptoms of less serious illnesses.
Unintended weight loss and anorexia in patients with cancer is associated with decreased performance status, reduced response and tolerance to treatment, decreased survival, and reduced quality of life.
Oxaliplatin is a cytotoxic (toxic to normal cells) chemotherapy drug that is classified as an alkylating agent as well as a platinum analogue. It is indicated for a number of different cancers including colorectal, esophageal, gastric, hepatobiliary, Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, ovarian, pancreatic, and testicular cancer.
Oncology nurses know a few things about patients with cancer and their reactions to treatment. In fact, one could say that the oncology nurse is really the expert, having seen it all. But, it is nice to have things written down simply to improve health literacy.
My community hospital serves patients from several, small rural counties and many of the patients that I meet do not have a clear understanding of what palliative care is. Many are afraid of this term and by mentioning it, I have turned the conversation into a negative.
Oncology nursing is a field in which you are challenged on a regular basis to expand your knowledge because of the constantly changing field of treatments being used. Whether you are new or seasoned, it can be difficult to stay on top of the numerous agents used for varying diagnoses.
