Cancer Treatment and Chemotherapy Complications

Overview

• Focus on common complications: Neutropenia, Anemia, and Thrombocytopenia.

Neutropenia

• Definition: Insufficient number of neutrophils (low white blood cell count), increasing infection risk.
• Precautions:
  • Implement neutropenic precautions (reverse isolation).
  • Use protective gear to prevent patient exposure.
  • Monitor patient's temperature closely.
  • Restrict visitors who are ill.
  • No fresh plants or flowers in the room.
  • Keep dedicated equipment, e.g., vital signs machine, in the patient's room.
• Medication:
  • Filgrastim: Boosts neutrophil count ("fill up" on neutrophils).
• Patient Teaching:
  • Take temperature daily and report if over 100°F.
  • Avoid crowds and sick people.
  • Avoid consuming raw foods, yard work, gardening.
  • Don't change cat litter box.
  • Wash dishes in hot water or use a dishwasher.
  • Clean toothbrush in a dishwasher daily or use a bleach solution.

Anemia

• Definition: Decreased red blood cell counts.
• Medications:
  • Epoetin alfa: Increases red blood cell count.
  • Ferrous sulfate: Iron supplement, vital for red blood cells.
• Patient Teaching:
  • Increase intake of foods high in iron, folate, and B12.
  • Allow for extra rest periods due to fatigue.

Thrombocytopenia

• Definition: Decreased platelet counts, increasing bleeding risk.
• Monitoring:
  • Check for blood in stool, urine, and vomit.
  • Avoid IVs and injections when possible; apply prolonged pressure if necessary.
• Patient Teaching:
  • Use an electric razor instead of a straight razor.
  • Use a soft toothbrush.
  • Avoid vigorous nose blowing.
  • Avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen due to GI bleeding risk.
  • Implement safety precautions to prevent falls.

Conclusion

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