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NURSING PROCESS

Nursing Process: Approach to Care

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Nursing Process: Approach to Care

As per the Centers for Disease Control and Management, "over than 1.6 million

individuals were infected with cancer, and about 600,000 individuals die from it, making it the

nation's second-largest cause of death" (2020). Nurses play a critical role in cancer prevention

and early detection, as well as diagnosis and treatment, by employing the nursing processes'

methodical problem-solving strategy. The goal of this study is to help in cancer diagnosis and

management. List cancer dangers, adverse therapeutic impacts, and ways to alleviate the

cognitive and emotional implications of the disease; evaluate the American Cancer Society's

assistance and training, the nursing profession, and how liberal arts and scientific studies help to

yearly incidence and mortality levels; examine the American Cancer Society's assistance and

training, and explore how liberal arts and science studies related with nursing as a profession.

Diagnosis and Staging Cancer 

Both patients and caretakers learn that cancer is likely a stressful experience. Patients

may be subjected to diagnostic tests for several days to weeks. The location and kind of

presumed cancer dictate the procedures used to diagnose and stage cancer. Physical

examinations, imaging studies, laboratory testing, and pathology reports are all diagnostic tests.

Data from diagnostic investigations are utilized to stage cancer after the identification and kind

are understood. Grading and staging are the two most used ways of categorizing malignancies

(Norris, 2020). Grading categorizes cancer based on cellular features, whereas staging

categorizes cancer-based on how far it has progressed clinically. This aids the clinician in

determining a prognosis as well as a therapy or care strategy. Diagnostic testing, for instance, is

used to diagnose breast cancer (Mayo Clinic, 2020).

• Physical assessment of the breasts 

Looking for lumps or other abnormalities

• Screening mammogram (imaging test)

The use of an X-ray as a screening instrument

After detection from the screening, diagnostic mammography is used to do an in-depth

examination.

The lump is imaged using ultrasound.

• Tissue biopsy and cytological studies

The doctor removes the lump for additional laboratory examination.

• A test in the laboratory

Assess if the cells are malignant and, if so, what level of aggressiveness (grade) they

have.

• Reports on pathology

They are used to describe the stage of cancer.

Establish a prognosis as well as a therapy or care strategy.

Stage 0, cancer in situ; Stage I, confined tumor development; Stage II, limited local

dissemination; Stage III, significant local and regional development; Stage IV, metastasis are the

phases used to identify the degree and spread of the illness s (Harding, 2020). This categorizes

patients based on the severity of their illness. It may be used to create a personalized therapy

plan, estimate prognosis, and compare different treatment programs. In the case of breast cancer,

if somehow cancer has gone to the lymph nodes, it is considered stage III.

"The American Joint Committee on Cancer's (AJCC) tumour, node and metastasis system is the

most widely used approach for cancer staging." The tumor components are used to classify the

illness into three phases: size and invasiveness (T), participation of regional lymph nodes (N),
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and amount of metastasis (M) (M). Staging the illness can be performed at any time, but clinical

staging is conducted at the end of the diagnostic process to help guide treatment. Following the

pathology report, the clinical examination of the breast cancer example was finished.

Postsurgical resection-pathologic staging, surgical assessment staging, secondary treatment

processing, and investigation staging are the staging times. The postsurgical resection-pathologic

assessment of breast cancer was an instance of periodic staging.

Psychological Effects of Cancer

Complications

Depression: cancer patients may develop depression due to the worry and anguish of

uncertainty, as well as the unpleasant consequences of therapy. Many people feel helpless and

give up attempting to beat the sickness, which negatively impacts their healing. Distress in

cancer patients has been treated by counseling, medicine, or a combination of the two.

Cognitive Decline: Patients' intelligence quotient can often be harmed due to hazardous

treatment's side effects. Chemo brain refers to the mental alterations that occur prior, throughout,

and after chemotherapy and is frequently identified as cloudiness or fog. The most frequent

cause of chemo brain is chemotherapy; however, it can also be caused by radiation. Patients may

experience difficulties with their memory and concentration. Even though the brain recovers

typically with time, the consequences might be temporary or long-lasting. The consequences can

be devastating; the treatments might result in short-term and long-term cognitive issues. Chemo

brain can be treated with cognitive rehabilitation, fitness, and mindfulness.

Most desquamation: Cancers that indicate radiation treatment might cause patients to

have undesirable skin responses. In 36 percent of patients who undergo radiation, wet

desquamation is a problem. In the latent phase, skin alterations range from reddening and peeling
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to necrosis, blistering, and ulceration (Suresh et al., 2019). Infection is the main issue with

blistering and ulcerations, which can be harmful to immune-compromised individuals. Among

patients taking therapy for breast cancer, cleansing with a 0.5 percent chlorhexidine remedy,

debridement, application of an antimicrobial foam dressing to the wound, and ongoing wound

care demonstrate significant progress in treating wet desquamation in 3 to 4 days.

Side Effects of Treatment 

The consequences can be devastating. Treatments might result in short- and long-term

side effects. In addition to the previously mentioned negative consequences of treating cancer,

chemotherapy is another remedy with several impacts. Chemotherapy is a potent medication

treatment that destroys cancer cells and kills normal tissue, resulting in severe consequences. In

contrast to radiation, chemotherapy is a systemic treatment that affects the entire body by

travelling via the bloodstream. Anaemia, bleeding, infections, change in appetite, lethargy,

confusion, loss of hair, mouth sores, nausea, and vomiting are common short-term adverse

effects. Heart issues, infertility, renal issues, peripheral neuropathy, lung tissue destruction, and

the chance of a second malignancy are among the long-term negative impacts. Whereas most

adverse impacts will go away after the diagnoses are finished, some may be controlled with

medicine, while others cause lasting alterations or organ failure; nothing can be done to prevent

adverse effects (National Cancer Institute, 2020). Negative effects of radiation therapy increase

when chemotherapy and radiation therapy are put together. A weakened immune system is one

of the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatment. White blood cell counts drop with

chemotherapy and radiation interventions, leaving the person susceptible to diseases. The

neutropenia caused by cancer therapy causes infection. Blood transfusions, pharmacotherapy,

and preventing or postponing treatments are common treatments. Individuals can also prevent

germs by undergoing therapy in clean conditions.

Physical and Psychological Effects 

People with cancer face a lot of uncertainties, such as the dread of lack of control and

independence, family and personal stress, financial strain, and mortality. These doubts can have

negative psychological consequences, such as increased anxiety, sadness, and pessimism.

Anxiety and dread can develop at any time during or after treatment for cancer, even at the time

of diagnosis. Prior coping abilities, social support, demography, and religious or spiritual views

are all elements that might impact coping. Body image issues related to side effects such as loss

of hair, skin issues, and so on might have negative psychological consequences. These variables

combine to make cancer a challenging disease to deal with (National Cancer Institute, 2020).

Psychotherapy, medication, and peer support are therapeutic options ready to aid individuals

manage their conditions.

Factors Contributing to Annual Incidence and Mortality Rates 

As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "more than 1.6 individuals have

been diagnosed with cancer, and about 600,000 individuals die from it, causing it the nation's

second-largest cause of death." Blacks have a substantially higher cancer prevalence and death

proportion than Europeans and other minority communities. Although racial differences in

cancer mortality rates have narrowed, blacks inevitably die at a greater rate than whites.

Compared to whites, African Americans are more likely to have an advanced illness at the

beginning of treatment (American Cancer Society, 2020). Tobacco use, obesity, food, lack of

exercise, sunburns and other kinds of radiation, virus infections, and heredity are all factors that

contribute to the occurrence of cancer in the United States.

Education and Support

The American Cancer Society is one of the country's oldest international community-

based volunteer health organizations. They are dedicated to cancer prevention via research and

eliminating cancer. Furthermore, they can produce precise and up-to-date details for cancer

healthcare professionals and patients thanks to their research. The evidence-based approach

includes the information and skills required for educational programs. "Through research,

teaching, and advocacy, the American Cancer Society promotes health and reduces cancer-

related suffering." Yes, I would refer the American Cancer Society to my patient; a sample of the

various services available is listed below. A Cancer Information Specialist from the American

Cancer Society can give correct, up-to-date information to patients and health practitioners at any

point in the cancer journey. Learning the particular diagnosis of cancer, possible treatment

choices, how to manage side effects, support for living with the illness, present clinical testing,

screening, and preventative measures are just some of the topics covered. In addition, resources

like peer support, internet communities, hospital instruments, and transportation can be found.

They also provide a myriad of educational intervention products on themes like dealing,

preventative measures, cancer kinds, and recipes (American Cancer Society, 2020). The Cancer

Information Specialist is available for questions or assists the individual or healthcare

professional through cancer care via phone, email, or video conference twenty-four hours a day,

seven days a week.

The Nursing Process Applied to Cancer Care

The nursing process is divided into five stages. The first part is the evaluation phase,

which entails gathering information to determine the patient's health status, including

determining their biological, cognitive, and behavioural states. This phase involves assessing
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clinical symptoms environmental, and behavioral variables that may have an impact on quality of

care. Diagnosis entails identifying whether the symptoms are caused by an actual or prospective

health issue. The health history, along with a history of current disease, risk factors, physical

assessment, and particular diagnostic procedures are all part of this process. The requirement for

many diagnostic investigations and consultation may overburden or mislead individuals

throughout this period (National Cancer Institute, 2020).. Within this stage, patient-centered

treatment would involve assisting in the coordination of care among various professionals,

explaining the intent of needed tests and any distinctive preparation required for them. Aside

from attentively listening to their concerns and addressing misunderstandings to assist relieve

stress and keep people safe, elements relating to supplementary supportive treatment during

treatment may also need to be considered. Alcohol or drug usage, housing circumstances, social

assistance, and coping mechanisms for apparent pressures are all examples of further supportive

therapy.

The planning step includes selecting the optimal course of action for managing the

disease, which includes both short- and long-term objectives. The assessment information,

treatment, and objectives, as well as the social, economic, and spiritual components of the

patient, are published into the treatment plan throughout this stage. Patients and family members

or health practitioners, along with professionals, specialists, and therapists, are all involved in

selecting the treatment regimen in this stage of patient-centered therapy. The individual may also

choose to invite a spiritual leader for support and direction. The final step in the nursing process

is assessment. The care plan is examined at this point to see if the results and objectives have

been reached.

Contribution of Liberal Arts and Science Studies in Nursing

Rational thought, inventiveness, and care and support of well-versed medical knowledge

are all enhanced by liberal arts and sciences. Nurses learn how to calculate and reason rationally

using math. The nurse can use mathematics to figure out how much treatment to provide the

patient and how much the patient consumes or takes. This also aids in the establishment of

medication efficacy data. The social sciences assist clinicians in understanding how to interact

with others as well as with oneself. These abilities come in handy when it comes to listening to

the patient, dealing with emotions, and comprehending the patient's perspective. This also aids

the nurse in gaining patients' confidence. The physical sciences educate about the body's

structure, operations, and systems (Emory University, 2020). This equips you with the

knowledge you need to conduct evaluations and create comprehensive treatment strategies for

particular illness symptoms. Finally, scientific investigations give a research foundation for

determining the fundamental causes of diseases. They are a framework that may also be utilized

to avoid sickness. As a result, the blend of liberal arts and scientific disciplines aids in the

development of a comprehensive illness treatment strategy.

Conclusion

As per the Centers for Disease Control and Management, cancer is one of the illnesses

that cause high death rates worldwide, "causing it the nation's second largest reason of

mortality". The condition can be fatal if left untreated, especially if it goes unnoticed. This report

discussed cancer treatment and managing; complications, adverse impacts of medications, and

techniques to decrease the health consequences of cancer; factors have contributed to yearly

incidence and mortality rates; the American Cancer Society's education and support; the nursing

process; and how liberal arts and science studies make a contribution to nursing practice.
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References

American Cancer Society. (2020, June 5). Cancer Fact & Figures. Retrieved from:

[Link]

annual-cancer-facts-and-figures/2020/[Link]

Emory University. (2020, June 5). Emotional and Psychological Effects of Cancer. Retrieved

from: [Link]

Harding, M. K. (2020). Lewis's Medical-Surgical Nursing Assessment and Management of

Clinical Problems 11th Ed. Missouri: Elsevier

National Cancer Institute. (2020, June 4). Chemotherapy to Treat Cancer. Retrieved from:

[Link]

Mayo Clinic. (2020, June 5). Low blood cell counts: Side effects of cancer treatment. Retrieved

from: [Link]

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