(^110) Medical-Surgical Nursing Demystified
- Monitor intake and output fluids.
- Explain to the patient:
- The importance of turning, coughing, and deep-breathing exercises.
- How to administer oxygen therapy.
- Avoid exposure to irritants and people with infections.
Lung Cancer
WHAT WENT WRONG?
Lung cancer is the abnormal, uncontrolled cell growth in lung tissues, resulting in
a tumor. A tumor in the lung may be primary when it develops in lung tissue. It
may be secondary when it spreads (metastasizes) from cancer in other areas of the
body, such as the liver, brain, or kidneys. There are two major categories of lung
cancer—small cell and non-small cell. Repetitive exposure to inhaled irritants
increases a person’s risk for lung cancer. Cigarette smoke, occupational exposures,
air pollution containing benzopyrenes, and hydrocarbons have all been shown to
increase risk.- Small cell:
- Oat cell—fast-growing, early metastasis
- Non-small cell:
- Adenocarcinoma—moderate growth rate, early metastasis
- Squamous cell—slow-growing, late metastasis
- Large cell—fast-growing, early metastasis
PROGNOSIS
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death. Many patients with lung cancer
are diagnosed at a later stage, leading to the long-term (5-year) survival rate of less
than 20 percent. Earlier diagnosis is more beneficial for treatment and outcome.
The longer the cancer has been in the lungs, the greater the likelihood of metasta-
sis to other areas.9