Nursing care plan for metastatic breast cancer

Introduction to Nursing Care Plan for Metastatic Breast Cancer

Metastatic breast cancer, also known as advanced breast cancer or Stage IV breast cancer, is a form of breast cancer which has spread to other parts of the body, away from the site of origin. Metastatic breast cancer is not curable, but can be managed with supportive care and hormone treatment.

Assessment

Manifestations: The primary manifestation of metastatic breast cancer is pain in the affected sites. Other possible symptoms may include fatigue, loss of appetite, vomiting, low grade fever, insomnia and weight loss.

Family Dynamics: It is important to understand the family dynamics that affect the patient’s ability to cope with the cancer diagnosis, manage the symptoms, and identify resource for social and emotional support.

Nursing Diagnosis

Pain: The patient has persistent pain related to metastatic cancer lesions.

Fatigue: The patient has fatigue related to anemia and metabolic changes associated with cancer.

Insomnia: The patient has difficulty sleeping related to anxiety surrounding the cancer diagnosis.

Outcomes

Patient will be able to: the patient should maintain adequate pain control, experience decreased fatigue, restful sleep, adequate nutrition and anti-anxiety.

Interventions

Pharmaceutical: Administer analgesics and other medications as indicated.

Cognitive-Behavioral: Provide relaxation techniques such as visual imagery, progressive muscle relaxation and deep breathing.

Supportive: Refer the patient to support groups and educational resources as needed.

Rationales

Analgesics: These medications will provide pain relief and enable the patient to sleep more comfortably.

Relaxation Techniques: These techniques reduce anxiety and enable the patient to have a better quality of life.

Support Groups: These groups provide emotional and spiritual support which can aid the patient in coping with the cancer diagnosis.

Evaluation

The nurse will assess the patient’s response to interventions by evaluating the level of pain, fatigue, anxiety and sleep pattern.

Conclusion

Nursing care plans for metastatic breast cancer focus on pain management, reducing fatigue and insomnia, emotional support and providing educational resources. The nursing interventions are tailored to the individual patient needs and can help maximize the quality of life.

FAQs

• What is metastatic breast cancer? - Metastatic breast cancer is a form of advanced breast cancer which has spread to other parts of the body away from the original site.
• Is metastatic breast cancer curable? - Metastatic breast cancer is not curable, but can be managed with supportive care and hormone treatment.
• What are the primary manifestations of metastatic breast cancer? - The primary manifestation of metastatic breast cancer is pain in the affected sites.
• What types of interventions help manage metastatic breast cancer? - Pharmaceutical, cognitive-behavioral and supportive interventions may be used to manage metastatic breast cancer.
• How is the patient's response to interventions assessed? - The nurse will assess the patient's response to interventions by evaluating the level of pain, fatigue, anxiety and sleep patterns.