Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Breast Cancer
Included In This Lesson
Study Tools For Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Breast Cancer
Outline
Lesson Objective for Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Breast Cancer
To guide nursing professionals in effectively managing patients with breast cancer. This care plan focuses on understanding breast cancer’s pathophysiology, recognizing its symptoms, and implementing comprehensive nursing interventions for symptom management, complication prevention, emotional support, and patient education.
Pathophysiology for Breast Cancer
Breast cancer originates in the breast tissue, commonly in the milk-producing ducts (ductal carcinoma) or the glandular tissue (lobular carcinoma). It may start as localized cancer and can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. Early detection and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes.
Etiology for Breast Cancer
Factors that may increase the risk of breast cancer include:
- Gender:
- Being female is the main risk factor.
- Age:
- Increased risk with age, particularly after menopause.
- Family History of breast or ovarian cancer.
- Genetic Mutations:
- Such as BRCA1 and BRCA2.
- Personal History of breast cancer or certain non-cancerous breast diseases.
- Lifestyle Factors:
- Including obesity, alcohol consumption, and lack of physical activity.
Desired Outcomes for Breast Cancer
- Effective management of symptoms related to breast cancer and its treatment.
- Prevention or management of treatment-related complications.
- Maintenance of body image and self-esteem.
- Patient and family understanding of the disease process, treatment options, and lifestyle adaptations.
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Breast Cancer
Subjective Data:
- Reports of a lump or thickening in the breast or underarm area.
- Change in the size or shape of the breast.
- Skin changes on the breast, such as dimpling or redness.
- Nipple discharge or changes in the nipple, like inversion.
- Report of pain in breast tissue/ nipple
Objective Data:
- Palpable mass in the breast on physical examination.
- Mammography, CT scan, MRI, or ultrasound findings indicating abnormalities.
- Biopsy results confirming the presence of cancer cells.
- Lymph node involvement or signs of metastasis in advanced cases.
Nursing Assessment for Breast Cancer
- Breast and Lymph Node Assessment:
- Check for lumps, skin changes, and lymph node enlargement.
- Pain Assessment:
- Evaluate pain in the breast, chest wall, or affected areas.
- Psychosocial Assessment:
- Assess emotional and psychological responses to the diagnosis and treatment.
- Nutritional Status Assessment:
- Monitor for signs of weight loss or malnutrition.
Nursing Diagnosis for Breast Cancer
- Impaired Skin Integrity related to surgical treatment or radiation therapy.
- Acute Pain related to cancer growth, surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy.
- Disturbed Body Image related to changes in physical appearance and breast loss.
- Anxiety related to cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
Nursing Interventions and Rationales for Breast Cancer
Body Image Enhancement: Provide support and counseling regarding changes in body image and sexuality.
- Rationale: Addressing body image concerns can improve emotional well-being and self-esteem.
Pain Management: Administer prescribed analgesics and encourage the use of non-pharmacological pain relief methods.
- Rationale: Effective pain management enhances comfort and facilitates recovery.
Anxiety Reduction: Offer emotional support and provide information about support groups and counseling services.
- Rationale: Psychological support is crucial in helping patients cope with the stress and uncertainty of cancer.
Lymphedema Prevention: Educate about lymphedema risk and management strategies, including exercises and skin care.
- Rationale: Early intervention can prevent or minimize lymphedema development.
Fatigue Management: Encourage energy-conserving techniques and balanced activity-rest periods.
- Rationale: Managing fatigue improves quality of life and ability to participate in daily activities.
Nursing Evaluation for Breast Cancer
- Wound Healing:
- Regularly assess surgical sites for signs of healing and infection.
- Pain Management Effectiveness:
- Routinely evaluate pain levels and the effectiveness of pain management strategies.
- Body Image and Emotional Well-being:
- Assess the patient’s coping mechanisms and satisfaction with body image.
- Patient and Family Understanding and Adherence:
- Evaluate their understanding of the disease, treatment plan, and adherence to recommended lifestyle modifications.
Further Reading and Verification:
- [NURSING.com – Breast Cancer](https://www.nursing.com)
- [Mayo Clinic – Breast Cancer](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/breast-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20352470)
- [NIH.gov – Breast Cancer](https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast)
This care plan provides a holistic approach to managing breast cancer, focusing on symptom management, complication prevention, emotional and psychological support, and patient and family education. Tailoring interventions to individual patient needs is essential for effective care and improved quality of life.
Example Nursing Diagnosis For Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Breast Cancer
- Impaired Skin Integrity related to surgical treatment or radiation therapy.
- Acute Pain related to cancer growth, surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy.
- Disturbed Body Image related to changes in physical appearance and breast loss.
- Anxiety related to cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
Tiona RN
Concepts Covered:
- Studying
- Medication Administration
- Adult
- Emergency Care of the Cardiac Patient
- Intraoperative Nursing
- Microbiology
- Cardiac Disorders
- Vascular Disorders
- Nervous System
- Upper GI Disorders
- Central Nervous System Disorders – Brain
- Immunological Disorders
- Fundamentals of Emergency Nursing
- Dosage Calculations
- Understanding Society
- Circulatory System
- Concepts of Pharmacology
- Hematologic Disorders
- Newborn Care
- Adulthood Growth and Development
- Disorders of Pancreas
- Postoperative Nursing
- Pregnancy Risks
- Neurological
- Postpartum Complications
- Noninfectious Respiratory Disorder
- Peripheral Nervous System Disorders
- Learning Pharmacology
- Prenatal Concepts
- Tissues and Glands
- Developmental Considerations
- Factors Influencing Community Health
- Childhood Growth and Development
- Prenatal and Neonatal Growth and Development
- Developmental Theories
- Basic
- Neonatal
- Pediatric
- Gastrointestinal
- Newborn Complications
- Labor Complications
- Fetal Development
- Terminology
- Labor and Delivery
- Postpartum Care
- Communication
- Basics of Mathematics
- Statistics
- Basics of Sociology
- Cardiovascular
- Shock
- Shock
- Disorders of the Posterior Pituitary Gland
- Endocrine
- Disorders of the Thyroid & Parathyroid Glands
- Liver & Gallbladder Disorders
- Lower GI Disorders
- Respiratory
- Delegation
- Perioperative Nursing Roles
- Acute & Chronic Renal Disorders
- Respiratory Emergencies
- Disorders of the Adrenal Gland
- Documentation and Communication
- Preoperative Nursing
- Legal and Ethical Issues
- Oncology Disorders
- Female Reproductive Disorders
- Musculoskeletal Trauma
- Renal Disorders
- Male Reproductive Disorders
- Sexually Transmitted Infections
- Infectious Respiratory Disorder
- Integumentary Disorders
- Emergency Care of the Trauma Patient
- Urinary Disorders
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
- EENT Disorders
- Neurological Emergencies
- Disorders of Thermoregulation
- Neurological Trauma
- Basics of NCLEX
- Integumentary Important Points
- Multisystem
- Test Taking Strategies
- Urinary System
- Emergency Care of the Neurological Patient
- Central Nervous System Disorders – Spinal Cord
- Respiratory System
- Emergency Care of the Respiratory Patient
- Cognitive Disorders
- Anxiety Disorders
- Depressive Disorders
- Trauma-Stress Disorders
- Substance Abuse Disorders
- Bipolar Disorders
- Psychotic Disorders
- Concepts of Mental Health
- Eating Disorders
- Personality Disorders
- Health & Stress
- Psychological Emergencies
- Somatoform Disorders
- Prioritization
- Community Health Overview
- Gastrointestinal Disorders
- Integumentary Disorders
- Respiratory Disorders
- Neurologic and Cognitive Disorders
- Renal and Urinary Disorders
- Infectious Disease Disorders
- EENT Disorders
- Hematologic Disorders
- Cardiovascular Disorders
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders
- Oncologic Disorders
- Behavior
- Emotions and Motivation
- Growth & Development
- Intelligence and Language
- Psychological Disorders
- State of Consciousness
- Note Taking
- Concepts of Population Health
- Basics of Human Biology