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.
Nursing Care Plans
Concepts Covered:
- Basics of NCLEX
- Test Taking Strategies
- Central Nervous System Disorders – Brain
- Lower GI Disorders
- Pregnancy Risks
- Labor Complications
- Immunological Disorders
- Infectious Respiratory Disorder
- Respiratory Disorders
- Respiratory Emergencies
- Disorders of the Adrenal Gland
- Substance Abuse Disorders
- Cognitive Disorders
- Shock
- Hematologic Disorders
- Cardiac Disorders
- Anxiety Disorders
- Vascular Disorders
- Gastrointestinal Disorders
- Noninfectious Respiratory Disorder
- Emergency Care of the Cardiac Patient
- Neurologic and Cognitive Disorders
- Peripheral Nervous System Disorders
- Urinary Disorders
- Oncology Disorders
- Respiratory System
- Integumentary Disorders
- Integumentary Disorders
- Liver & Gallbladder Disorders
- Acute & Chronic Renal Disorders
- EENT Disorders
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Cardiovascular Disorders
- Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders
- Depressive Disorders
- Disorders of Pancreas
- Disorders of the Posterior Pituitary Gland
- Personality Disorders
- Eating Disorders
- Renal and Urinary Disorders
- Male Reproductive Disorders
- Urinary System
- Upper GI Disorders
- EENT Disorders
- Renal Disorders
- Disorders of the Thyroid & Parathyroid Glands
- Hematologic Disorders
- Disorders of Thermoregulation
- Microbiology
- Infectious Disease Disorders
- Postpartum Care
- Prenatal Concepts
- Newborn Complications
- Neurological
- Bipolar Disorders
- Central Nervous System Disorders – Spinal Cord
- Newborn Care
- Female Reproductive Disorders
- Trauma-Stress Disorders
- Postpartum Complications
- Labor and Delivery
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Sexually Transmitted Infections
- Psychotic Disorders
- Emergency Care of the Neurological Patient
- Musculoskeletal Trauma
- Somatoform Disorders
- Neurological Trauma
- Neurological Emergencies
- Psychological Emergencies