oncology rounds......I need help!

[ybstressed, LVN]

I need a little help. I start my first clinical tomorrow on the oncology floor at a local hospital. We were told that we were going to be able to pick patients the day before but our instructor changed his mind. So, to make a long story short, I need some help! I would like to know some common meds used on the oncology/ tele floor and what I should read over to prepare. I'm really nervous I don't know what to expect.

[SolaireSolstice, BSN, RN]

There is no way to list all the possible medications. Many people are admitted and kept on their home meds as well as whatever is used to treat them. However...

Expect patients in pain (pain medications) and nausous (anti-emetics/antinausea) often with mouth sores (some doctors still order a triple medication called Pink magic (can't remember the three meds, but I think lidocaine, benadryl and .. something? to coat the mouth, others go with the baking soda and water swish and spit, or salt water swish and spit). If they are neutropenic or have low blood counts, you may get some with antibiotics (any of them), procrit or neupogen. Many patients may receive blood/platelet transfusions, so expect some pre-meds given for those (benadryl/tylenol). Oncology is a high acuity med-surg floor, with chemotherapy, which you won't give at all (must be chemo certified to give chemo, except the oral ones, like tamoxyphen).

[ybstressed, LVN]

Thanks. I'm just a little freaked out right now. I just don't want to be the lost student that everyone worries about:icon_roll.

[serenity1]

I feel for you. I am just finishing up oncology which has been difficult--emotionally. Antibiotics, pain meds, antiemetics, antidepressants/anxiety meds, and antineoplastic meds are what have been most common. It all depends on the type of cancer. Good luck!

[midcom]

and nausous (anti-emetics/antinausea) often with mouth sores (some doctors still order a triple medication called Pink magic (can't remember the three meds, but I think lidocaine, benadryl and .. something? to coat the mouth,

I think you're missing Maalox in that combo.

Dixie

[rachelgeorgina]

Endone - and variants of in various forms.

& Maxalon/variants.

[notthereyet0]

We have been on an "oncology" floor but it is a floor reserved for people who do have cancer, or had cancer, or have conditions that might lead to cancer (Crohns...). We have had overloads of normal patients when there were no other beds in the hospital. Needless to say that you might be seeing any drugs in your orificenal! Good luck!!

[SlightlyMental_RN]

Just wanted to pipe in and say that I did my last semester internship in oncology. I think that what others have suggested for meds is good. Also--review your PCA and cental line material. Oh, and blood transfusion procedures and feeding tubes (g- and j- tubes) and chest tubes would also be good to review.

[ybstressed, LVN]

So today was great! I almost lost my breakfast before going in but after that I was great. It was a little slow but I loved every minute of it. I had to laugh at myself afterwards because now that I look back I realize how silly I looked. I was nervous when flushing, hanging meds, even finger sticks. LOL Now that it is over I realize that I just need a little more confidence in myself.