Explain principles of care for clients with oncological disorders.
Principles of care that are important to consider when caring for clients with oncological disorders includes:
Individualized care: Each person with cancer is unique and may have different needs and preferences for their care. It is important to consider these individual differences and provide care that is tailored to the person’s specific needs.
Collaborative care: Cancer care often involves a team of healthcare professionals, including oncologists, nurses, social workers, and others. It is important for all members of the care team to work together and coordinate care to ensure that the person with cancer receives the best possible care.
Patient education: It is important to provide education to the person with cancer and their family about the disease, treatment options, and self-care strategies to manage side effects.
Supportive care: In addition to cancer treatment, it is important to provide supportive care to address the physical and emotional needs of the person with cancer. This may include pain management, symptom management, and support for psychosocial and spiritual concerns.
Palliative care: For some people with cancer, the focus of care may shift from curative treatment to palliative care, which aims to provide relief from symptoms and improve quality of life. Palliative care may be provided alongside curative treatment or as the primary focus of care for those with advanced cancer.
Advance care planning: It is important to discuss and document the person’s preferences for end-of-life care, including treatment preferences and the designation of a healthcare proxy. This can help ensure that the person’s wishes are respected and that they receive care that is consistent with their values and goals.
Scenario
Anna is a 45-year-old female that presented to her physician’s office for her annual check-up. Anna has a history of diabetes, obesity, and noncompliance with diet and medications to control her diabetes. She a single mother of three teenagers and smokes regularly. During the history review, Anna shares with you that she has not been feeling like herself for the past six months, she has been unusually tired and thought that she felt a lump in her right breast during a self-breast exam around that same time. She stated, “I am very busy with my children; I haven’t had time to get it checked out.” She has recently been experiencing right nipple pain. Anna has a positive family history of breast cancer; both her mother and grandmother have been treated for breast cancer. Anna has never had a mammogram. During the breast examination, the practitioner palpated a lump in Anna’s right breast. No discharge from the nipple was observed. Anna’s right breast was tender upon palpation. No abnormalities were found in the left breast. Based on the physical findings Anna will undergo a diagnostic mammogram.
InstructionsIn a 2-page paper, describe the care that Anna would require and address the questions below.
What risk factors does Anna have that could predispose her to the development of cancer?
What signs and symptoms could indicate that Anna has developed cancer?
Based on Anna’s risk factors and presenting problems, identify three care strategies that you would use to provide quality care to Anna. Provide rationale to explain why you chose these strategies.
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