(^112) Medical-Surgical Nursing Demystified
the body. Pain control is an integral component of care in any type of cancer treat-
ment. Appropriate pain management needs to be individualized for the patient.
- Surgical removal of affected area of the lung (wedge resection, segmental
resection, lobectomy) or total lung (pneumonectomy). - Radiation therapy to decrease tumor size.
- Chemotherapy often with a combination of drugs:
- cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, etoposide, cisplatin
- may see relapse after treatment
- Oxygen therapy to supplement the needs of the body.
- High-protein, high-calorie diet to meet the needs of the body.
- Administer antiemetics to combat side effects of chemotherapy:
- ondansetron, prochlorperazine
- Administer analgesics for pain control:
- morphine, fentanyl
NURSING DIAGNOSES
- Anxiety
- Activity intolerance
- Impaired gas exchange
NURSING INTERVENTION
- Monitor respiratory status, looking at rate, effort, use of accessory muscles,
and skin color; auscultate breath sounds. - Monitor pain and administer analgesics appropriately.
- Monitor vital signs for changes, elevated pulse, elevated respiration, change
in BP, and elevated temperature, which may signal infection. - Monitor pulse oximetery for decrease in oxygenation levels.
- Assist patient with turning, coughing, and deep-breathing exercises.
- Place patient in semi-Fowler’s position to ease respiratory effort.
- Explain to the patient:
- The importance of taking rest periods.