Help with Cancer pt....

Oct 06, 2008 04:14 PM

by DN08

HEY GUYS! I need some help!!!! Im a student nurse and i haven't had any experience with cancer pt. and today I received a pt who Dx is Epiglottis CA SCCA stage 4. Pt has a trach, PEG tube, and foley. I am just a little confused because this pt has been in the hospital for 5 days and has yet to receive a biopsy or any cancer Tx. Just pain and NV meds. Am I missing something here?

If this helps at all
LABS: high WBC, MCV, MCH, RDW, neutrophils, Calcium
low RBC, lymphs.
No other tests were done

Can you tell me everything you know about epiglottis CA, apparently it isn't common.... Hopefully someone out there has seen this

Along with nursing interventions and key problems to address....

ANY help is greatly appreciated!

**EricJRN** · Oct 06, 2008, 05:40 PM

Re: Help with Cancer pt....

It may be that they are providing comfort care only. Epiglottic cancers can have a dismal prognosis (especially at Stage IV) and can involve quite a bit of discomfort. When faced with a situation where a cure is not likely, some patients choose to avoid the side effects, expense and time involved in aggressive cancer treatment.

Here's a good article on different types of supraglottic cancers:
http://www.emedicine.com/ent/topic687.htm

globalRN · Nov 11, 2008, 01:31 AM

Re: Help with Cancer pt....

yes, as explained by the previous poster...may well be palliative care at this stage.

2. the high wbc probably indicates infection and as you will learn...active chemo
is usually not used until said infection is cleaned up or u will have rampant infection.

3. the high wbc may also be linked to decadron if they are using steroids to manage obstruction/pain
from his cancer. steroids are used for symtom management in cancer care as well as for chemo protocols

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Help with Cancer pt....

Help with Cancer pt....

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