ABSTRACT
Preparing an additional nursing unit to care for brachytherapy patients at our institution presented a challenge with regard to overcoming fears and misconceptions about radiation exposure. A collaborative effort among the nursing, radiation oncology, radiation safety, and social work departments was successful in educating and supporting the staff and overcoming potential barriers to providing quality care for patients receiving brachytherapy.
Subject(s)
Brachytherapy/nursing , Fear , Nursing Staff, Hospital/education , Occupational Exposure , Radiation Protection/methods , Education, Nursing, Continuing/organization & administration , Humans , Nursing Staff, Hospital/psychologyABSTRACT
Healthcare professionals increasingly are using vena cava filters to prevent pulmonary emboli (PE) in patients with cancer. Patients with cancer are predisposed to developing thrombosis and subsequent PE for a variety of reasons. These patients commonly have contraindications to anticoagulant therapy because of their disease or cancer treatment; therefore, vena cava filters are an appealing option for managing potential emboli. This article describes the etiologies of thrombosis in patients with cancer; problems associated with conventional anticoagulant therapy; vena cava filters and placement procedures; complications associated with filter placement; and related nursing implications pre- and postinsertion and during long-term follow-up.
Subject(s)
Neoplasms/complications , Pulmonary Embolism/nursing , Vena Cava Filters/standards , Anticoagulants/adverse effects , Anticoagulants/therapeutic use , Humans , Neoplasms/blood , Nursing Assessment , Oncology Nursing , Patient Care Planning , Postoperative Complications/nursing , Pulmonary Embolism/etiology , Pulmonary Embolism/therapy , Recurrence , Vena Cava Filters/adverse effectsABSTRACT
Although a number of reports have suggested clinical efficacy of low-dose Ara-C (LoDAC) in the treatment of acute non-lymphocytic leukemia (ANLL) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), this therapy remains controversial. Clinical trials presently are being conducted to determine the efficacy of LoDAC in these hematologic disorders. Patient education related to self-administration of the agent and monitoring of potential toxicities are primary components of nursing management. It is likely that nurses in acute care, ambulatory, and community settings will be involved in the management of patients receiving this therapy.
