Introduction
Colon cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the large intestine and can also be referred to as bowel cancer, colorectal cancer, or rectal cancer. This disease is one of the most common forms of cancer worldwide. A nursing care plan for colon cancer should outline appropriate interventions to properly manage the symptoms of the disease.
Assessment
When assessing patients with colon cancer, healthcare professionals should assess their overall health status first by hydrating the patient, helping them improve their nutrition, and screening for any problems related to the colon cancer. It is important to screen for pain, fatigue, anemia, and any other potential problems related to the disease.
Nursing Diagnosis
A diagnosis of colon cancer is made when a biopsy of the large intestine is done and the results confirm the presence of malignant cells. The most common nursing diagnosis for colon cancer are:
- Ineffective Health Maintenance
- Ineffective Coping
- Risk for Infection
- Ineffective Tissue Perfusion
- Pain
Outcomes
The objective of the nursing care plan for colon cancer is to address how to manage the symptoms associated with the disease, and to provide support to the patient. Patients should receive thorough instruction on how to manage their own health care and what services are available to them as they move through diagnosis and treatment.
Interventions
Interventions may include education about the disease and its symptoms, nutritional management, pain management, activities of daily living support, psychosocial support, and wound care.
Rationales
It is important for the nurse to explain why certain treatments are necessary for the patient. For example, it is important for the patient to understand why proper nutrition is important for their overall health. They also need to understand why certain medications and treatments may be needed to control their symptoms.
Evaluation
To evaluate the patient’s progression through management of the disease, the nurse should monitor the patient’s response to the interventions. This includes assessing clinical signs of the disease such as pain levels, functional ability, and nutrition status. Additionally, the nurse should monitor the patient’s emotional and psychological wellbeing.
Conclusion
Colon cancer is a serious medical condition that requires dedicated and coordinated care. The nurse’s role in the overall plan of care is essential in providing quality care to the patient and supporting them through their disease progression.
FAQs
- What should I expect from a nursing care plan for colon cancer?
- How can I best manage my symptoms of colon cancer?
- What are some common interventions used in a nursing care plan for colon cancer?
- What types of support can I expect from my healthcare team?
- How is my progress evaluated with a nursing care plan for colon cancer?
Answers:
- You should expect comprehensive assessments, nursing diagnoses, interventions, and evaluations tailored to your individual needs.
- You can best manage your symptoms by following the instructions of your healthcare team, including medication regimens, diet modifications, lifestyle changes, and stress management.
- Common interventions used in a nursing care plan may include education, nutritional management, pain management, psychosocial support, and wound care.
- You can expect your healthcare team to provide comprehensive support throughout all stages of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery from colon cancer.
- Your progress will be evaluated by monitoring your physical and emotional responses to interventions, assessing any changes in your condition, and evaluating the effect of treatments.
Leave a Reply