Z.O. is a 3-year-old boy with no significant medical history. He is brought into the emergency department (ED) by the emergency medical technicians after experiencing a seizure lasting 3 minutes. His parents report no previous history that might contribute to the seizure. Upon questioning, they state that they have noticed that he has been irritable, has had a poor appetite, and has been clumsier than usual over the past 2 to 3 weeks. Z.O. and his family are admitted for diagnosis and treatment for a suspected brain tumor. A CT scan of the brain shows a 1-cm mass in the posterior fossa region of the brain, and Z.O. is diagnosed with a cerebellar astrocytoma. The tumor is contained, and the treatment plan will consist of a surgical resection followed by chemotherapy.
Z.O. returns to the unit after surgery. He is arousable and answers questions appropriately. His pupils are equal and reactive to light. He has a dressing to his head with small amount of serosanguineous drainage. His IV is intact and infusing to a new central venous line as ordered. His breath sounds are equal and clear, and O 2 saturations are 98% on room air. You get him settled in his bed and leave the room.
Z.O.'s wound and neurologic status are monitored, and he continues to improve. Z.O. is transferred to the Oncology Service on postoperative day 7 for initiation of chemotherapy.
5. Outline a plan of care that addresses common risks secondary to chemotherapy, describing at least two nursing interventions that would be appropriate for managing risks for infection, bleeding, dehydration, altered growth and nutrition, altered skin integrity, and body image.
Z.O. is a 3-year-old boy with no significant medical history. He is brought into the emergency department (ED) by the emergency medical technicians after experiencing a seizure lasting 3 minutes. His parents report no previous history that might contribute to the seizure. Upon questioning, they state that they have noticed that he has been irritable, has had a poor appetite, and has been clumsier than usual over the past 2 to 3 weeks. Z.O. and his family are admitted for diagnosis and treatment for a suspected brain tumor. A CT scan of the brain shows a 1-cm mass in the posterior fossa region of the brain, and Z.O. is diagnosed with a cerebellar astrocytoma. The tumor is contained, and the treatment plan will consist of a surgical resection followed by chemotherapy.
Z.O. returns to the unit after surgery. He is arousable and answers questions appropriately. His pupils are equal and reactive to light. He has a dressing to his head with small amount of serosanguineous drainage. His IV is intact and infusing to a new central venous line as ordered. His breath sounds are equal and clear, and O 2 saturations are 98% on room air. You get him settled in his bed and leave the room.
Z.O.'s wound and neurologic status are monitored, and he continues to improve. Z.O. is transferred to the Oncology Service on postoperative day 7 for initiation of chemotherapy.
5. Outline a plan of care that addresses common risks secondary to chemotherapy, describing at least two nursing interventions that would be appropriate for managing risks for infection, bleeding, dehydration, altered growth and nutrition, altered skin integrity, and body image.
