Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Colorectal Cancer (Colon Cancer)
Included In This Lesson
Study Tools For Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Colorectal Cancer (Colon Cancer)
Outline
Lesson Objective for Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Colorectal Cancer (Colon Cancer)
To provide nursing professionals with a comprehensive approach for managing patients with colorectal cancer. The plan emphasizes understanding the disease’s pathophysiology, recognizing its symptoms, and implementing effective nursing interventions for symptom management, complication prevention, and emotional support.
Pathophysiology for Colorectal Cancer (Colon Cancer)
Colorectal cancer, also known as colon cancer, typically develops from polyps within the colon or rectum. It may start as a small, noncancerous (benign) clump of cells and over time become cancerous (malignant). Colon cancer cells can invade and destroy normal tissue nearby and spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body.
Etiology for Colorectal Cancer (Colon Cancer)
Risk factors for colorectal cancer include:
- Age:
- Mostly diagnosed in older adults, though incidence in younger people is rising.
- Personal or Family History of Colon Cancer or Polyps.
- Inflammatory Intestinal Conditions (like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease).
- Low-fiber, High-fat Diet.
- Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, heavy alcohol use, and a sedentary lifestyle.
Desired Outcomes for Colorectal Cancer (Colon Cancer)
- Effective management of gastrointestinal symptoms, including pain, altered bowel habits, and bleeding.
- Prevention or management of complications such as bowel obstruction or perforation.
- Maintenance of nutritional status and body weight.
- Patient and family understanding of the disease process and treatment options.
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Colorectal Cancer (Colon Cancer)
Subjective Data:
- Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or a change in stool consistency.
- Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool.
- Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas, or pain.
- A feeling that the bowel doesn’t empty completely.
Objective Data:
- Anemia detected through blood tests.
- Positive fecal occult blood test.
- Colonoscopy results revealing polyps or cancer.
- Imaging studies (CT, MRI) indicating tumor size, location, and possible metastasis.
Nursing Assessment for Colorectal Cancer (Colon Cancer)
- Gastrointestinal Assessment:
- Monitor bowel habits, presence of blood in stool, and any signs of intestinal obstruction.
- Pain Assessment:
- Evaluate the location, intensity, and nature of abdominal pain.
- Nutritional Status Assessment:
- Monitor for signs of weight loss, malnutrition, or anemia.
- Psychosocial Assessment:
- Assess the patient’s emotional and psychological response to the diagnosis and treatment.
- Abdominal assessment – bowel sounds, distension, tenderness and masses.
Nursing Diagnosis for Colorectal Cancer (Colon Cancer)
- Altered Bowel Elimination related to the presence of tumor and gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Acute Pain related to tumor growth and gastrointestinal disturbances.
- Imbalanced Nutrition:
- Less Than Body Requirements related to decreased appetite and cancer metabolism.
- Anxiety related to cancer diagnosis and treatment uncertainties.
Nursing Interventions and Rationales for Colorectal Cancer (Colon Cancer)
Nutritional Support: Collaborate with a dietitian to ensure dietary needs are met, especially if the patient experiences loss of appetite, nausea, or changes in bowel habits.
- Rationale: Adequate nutrition is crucial for maintaining strength and supporting the body during treatment.
Pain Management: Administer prescribed analgesics and implement non-pharmacological pain relief methods.
- Rationale: Effective pain management improves patient comfort and quality of life.
Anxiety Reduction: Provide emotional support and counseling referrals as necessary.
- Rationale: Psychological support helps patients cope with the stress and uncertainty of cancer.
Stoma Care Education: If applicable, educate the patient and family on colostomy care and skin maintenance.
- Rationale: Proper stoma care is essential to prevent complications and promote healing.
Bowel Management: Implement strategies to manage constipation or diarrhea, including medication management and dietary modifications.
- Rationale: Maintaining regular bowel function can improve comfort and prevent complications.
Nursing Evaluation for Colorectal Cancer (Colon Cancer)
- Bowel Function:
- Regularly assess and document bowel habits and the effectiveness of interventions.
- Pain Management Effectiveness:
- Routinely evaluate pain levels and the effectiveness of pain management strategies.
- Nutritional Status:
- Monitor dietary intake, weight stability, and signs of nutritional adequacy.
- Patient and Family Understanding and Coping:
- Assess their comprehension of the condition, treatment plan, and their coping strategies.
Further Reading and Verification:
- [NURSING.com – Colorectal Cancer](https://www.nursing.com)
- [Mayo Clinic – Colorectal Cancer](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/colon-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20353669)
- [NIH.gov – Colorectal Cancer](https://www.cancer.gov/types/colorectal)
This care plan provides a holistic approach to managing colorectal cancer, with a focus on gastrointestinal symptom relief, maintaining nutritional status, managing pain, and providing emotional and educational support. Personalizing care based on individual patient needs is key for effective management and improved quality of life.
Example Nursing Diagnosis For Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Colorectal Cancer (Colon Cancer)
- Altered Bowel Elimination related to the presence of tumor and gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Acute Pain related to tumor growth and gastrointestinal disturbances.
- Imbalanced Nutrition:
- Less Than Body Requirements related to decreased appetite and cancer metabolism.
- Anxiety related to cancer diagnosis and treatment uncertainties.
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