Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Lung Cancer

Included In This Lesson
Study Tools For Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Lung Cancer
Outline
Lesson Objective for Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Lung Cancer
To provide nursing professionals with a comprehensive approach for managing patients with lung cancer. This plan emphasizes understanding the disease’s pathophysiology, identifying its symptoms, and implementing effective nursing interventions for symptom management, complication prevention, and emotional support.
Pathophysiology for Lung Cancer
Lung cancer originates in the lung tissues. It is often categorized into two main types: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which is more common and grows more slowly, and small cell lung cancer (SCLC), which grows more quickly and is more likely to spread to other parts of the body. Lung cancer can affect respiratory function and lead to a range of systemic symptoms due to local and metastatic spread.
Etiology for Lung Cancer
The primary causes and risk factors for lung cancer include:
- Smoking:
- The most significant risk factor.
- Exposure to Radon Gas, Asbestos, and Other Carcinogens.
- Family History of Lung Cancer.
- Personal History of Lung Disease (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
Desired Outcomes for Lung Cancer
- Effective management of respiratory symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, and chest pain.
- Prevention or management of complications such as pleural effusion, pneumonia, and metastasis.
- Maintenance of nutritional status and body weight.
- Patient and family understanding of the disease process and treatment options.
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Lung Cancer
Subjective Data:
- Reports of persistent cough or change in a chronic cough.
- Shortness of breath or wheezing.
- Chest pain, often worsening with deep breathing, coughing, or laughing.
- Fatigue and weakness.
Objective Data:
- Abnormal lung sounds on auscultation.
- Evidence of weight loss or muscle wasting.
- Imaging studies (e.g., chest X-ray, CT scan) showing lung masses or spread to other areas.
- Laboratory findings indicating anemia or elevated calcium levels in some cases.
Nursing Assessment for Lung Cancer
- Respiratory Assessment:
- Monitor respiratory rate, effort, cough, sputum, and auscultate for lung sounds.
- Pain Assessment:
- Evaluate the location, intensity, and nature of chest pain.
- Nutritional Status Assessment:
- Monitor for signs of weight loss, malnutrition, or difficulty eating.
- Psychosocial Assessment:
- Assess emotional and psychological responses to the diagnosis and treatment.
Nursing Diagnosis for Lung Cancer
- Impaired Gas Exchange related to lung tissue changes and tumor growth.
- Acute Pain related to tumor invasion and pleural involvement.
- Imbalanced Nutrition:
- Less Than Body Requirements related to decreased appetite and disease process.
- Anxiety related to the diagnosis of cancer and its prognosis.
Nursing Interventions and Rationales for Lung Cancer
Optimize Respiratory Function: Implement measures such as positioning, breathing exercises, and oxygen therapy as needed.
- Rationale: Enhances lung expansion and improves oxygenation.
Pain Management: Administer prescribed analgesics and evaluate their effectiveness.
- Rationale: Effective pain control improves the patient’s comfort and quality of life.
Infection Prevention: Monitor for signs of infection and implement protective measures.
- Rationale: Patients with lung cancer are at increased risk for infections.
Anxiety Reduction: Provide emotional support and refer to counseling services or support groups as appropriate.
- Rationale: Psychological support helps patients cope with the stress and uncertainty of cancer.
Nutritional Support: Collaborate with dietitians to address nutritional needs and preferences.
- Rationale: Proper nutrition supports overall health and can improve treatment outcomes.
Nursing Evaluation for Lung Cancer
- Respiratory Status:
- Continuously assess and document respiratory function and the effectiveness of interventions.
- Pain Management Effectiveness:
- Regularly assess pain levels and the effectiveness of pain management strategies.
- Nutritional Status:
- Monitor dietary intake, weight, 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 – Lung Cancer](https://www.nursing.com)
- [Mayo Clinic – Lung Cancer](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lung-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20374620)
- [NIH.gov – Lung Cancer](https://www.cancer.gov/types/lung)
This care plan is designed to provide a holistic approach to managing lung cancer, focusing on symptom relief, maintaining respiratory function, nutritional support, and providing emotional and educational support. Customizing care based on individual patient needs and the specific type of lung cancer is essential for effective management and improved outcomes.
Example Nursing Diagnosis For Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Lung Cancer
- Impaired Gas Exchange related to lung tissue changes and tumor growth.
- Acute Pain related to tumor invasion and pleural involvement.
- Imbalanced Nutrition:
- Less Than Body Requirements related to decreased appetite and disease process.
- Anxiety related to the diagnosis of cancer and its 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