Pediatric Nursing Demystified

Chemotherapy in advance disease is controversial, but drugs of choice are:

• Vincristine


• Cisplatin


• Cyclophosphamide


• Adriamycin


• Etoposide
  Intrathecal chemotherapy may be used if central nervous system involvement.
  If bilateral eye involvement, radiotherapy to both eyes is performed.

Nursing Interventions

Prepare infant/child and family for diagnostic and treatment procedures.

Explain to parents that child’s vision may be less focused after treatment

and the eyes may be sensitive to light.

If enucleation is performed, prepare parents for sight of empty eye socket

and show pictures of postoperative child to show prosthesis in place.

Instruct parents on care of prosthesis with return demonstration.

Discuss possible hereditary aspect of disease and import of genetic test-

ing and counseling.

Encourage family to schedule follow-up visits and maintain regular

checkups.

4

CHAPTER 8/ Oncology Conditions^171

1. Tumor stages III and IV reveal benign tumors that can be completely removed. True
   or false?
   Answer:


2. Hair-loss, constipation and numbness of the extremities may all result from the
   neurotoxic effects of _____.
   Answer:

✔ ROUTINE CHECKUP 5

Conclusion

Cancer conditions in children cause many common concerns, and family-

centered care is required to address these concerns. Maintaining growth and

development is important for all pediatric clients, from infancy through ado-

lescence. Support for adequate nutrition during the early stage of diagnosis

through treatment is critical to helping the client and family cope with the phys-

ical stress of the condition. Emotional support for the client and the family is