CPD practice profile GETTY IMAGES
suitable for surgery or high-dose radiotherapy. Staging refers to the size and position of the tumour, lymph node involvement and presence of metastases. Histological sampling and accurate staging allow targeted therapies to be administered with less disruption to the patient’s life.
Treatment options
Lung cancer A CPD article helped Naomi Forsyth update her knowledge of the risk factors, diagnosis and treatment options As an agency nurse at a community hospital, I recently cared for a patient with cancer who had taken part in a clinical trial in which she had undergone chemotherapy. In rehabilitation, the patient was experiencing reduced mobility and an itchy rash on her trunk and legs. After reading the CPD article, I was able to discuss these problems with her and rule out the causes she feared were responsible. She said I was the first person to take an interest in her symptoms. Lung cancer is the most common cancer worldwide and smoking remains the biggest risk factor, even though one in six patients have never smoked. A family history of lung disease, and exposure to asbestos, radon and diesel exhaust fumes are also contributory factors. Symptoms include dyspnoea, chest pain, haemoptysis, unexplained cough, tiredness, anorexia and weight loss. The article described the array of investigations that can be
NURSING STANDARD
performed and the reasons for selecting particular diagnostic techniques. For individuals experiencing lung cancer symptoms and possibly with an abnormal chest X-ray, diagnosis involves a computed tomography (CT) scan to visualise organs and any abnormalities. Further investigations are aimed at tailoring treatment options. A positron emission tomography and CT scan measure cell activity in parts of the body with enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes. This technique is used to stage cancer in a patient who is regarded as
This practice profile is based on NS717 Bennett A, White J (2013) Improving care and quality of life for patients with lung cancer. Nursing Standard. 28, 9, 50-58.
Factors that may influence treatment include lung, cardiac, and renal function and the patient’s overall performance status. In determining treatment, the benefits are always balanced against the risks of harm and how quality of life will be affected. Chemotherapy is the first-line therapy for patients with small cell lung cancer, with surgery being the recommended treatment for non-small cell lung cancer. Patients with lung cancer symptoms are often encountered by non-specialist nurses who have an important role in promoting public awareness and early referral. After reading the CPD article, I realise how important it is to refer patients to specialist teams, as well as being there to offer support. I intend to become more informed regarding the side effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Reminded about how common lung cancer is, I am now aware of the symptoms, risk factors and the need for prompt referral NS Naomi Forsyth is an agency staff nurse in Reading
Write your own practice profile You can gain a certificate of learning by reading a Nursing Standard CPD article and writing a practice profile. Turn to page 51 for this week’s article and on page 62 you can find out how to present and submit your practice profile.
Visit the RCN Learning Zone The RCN Learning Zone is a FREE online service to help RCN members with their continuing professional development and professional portfolio management. The RCN Learning Zone can be found at www.rcn.org.uk/members/learningzone.php june 11 :: vol 28 no 41 :: 2014 61
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suitable for surgery or high-dose radiotherapy. Staging refers to the size and position of the tumour, lymph node involvement and presence of metastases. Histological sampling and accurate staging allow targeted therapies to be administered with less disruption to the patient’s life.
Treatment options
Lung cancer A CPD article helped Naomi Forsyth update her knowledge of the risk factors, diagnosis and treatment options As an agency nurse at a community hospital, I recently cared for a patient with cancer who had taken part in a clinical trial in which she had undergone chemotherapy. In rehabilitation, the patient was experiencing reduced mobility and an itchy rash on her trunk and legs. After reading the CPD article, I was able to discuss these problems with her and rule out the causes she feared were responsible. She said I was the first person to take an interest in her symptoms. Lung cancer is the most common cancer worldwide and smoking remains the biggest risk factor, even though one in six patients have never smoked. A family history of lung disease, and exposure to asbestos, radon and diesel exhaust fumes are also contributory factors. Symptoms include dyspnoea, chest pain, haemoptysis, unexplained cough, tiredness, anorexia and weight loss. The article described the array of investigations that can be
NURSING STANDARD
performed and the reasons for selecting particular diagnostic techniques. For individuals experiencing lung cancer symptoms and possibly with an abnormal chest X-ray, diagnosis involves a computed tomography (CT) scan to visualise organs and any abnormalities. Further investigations are aimed at tailoring treatment options. A positron emission tomography and CT scan measure cell activity in parts of the body with enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes. This technique is used to stage cancer in a patient who is regarded as
This practice profile is based on NS717 Bennett A, White J (2013) Improving care and quality of life for patients with lung cancer. Nursing Standard. 28, 9, 50-58.
Factors that may influence treatment include lung, cardiac, and renal function and the patient’s overall performance status. In determining treatment, the benefits are always balanced against the risks of harm and how quality of life will be affected. Chemotherapy is the first-line therapy for patients with small cell lung cancer, with surgery being the recommended treatment for non-small cell lung cancer. Patients with lung cancer symptoms are often encountered by non-specialist nurses who have an important role in promoting public awareness and early referral. After reading the CPD article, I realise how important it is to refer patients to specialist teams, as well as being there to offer support. I intend to become more informed regarding the side effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Reminded about how common lung cancer is, I am now aware of the symptoms, risk factors and the need for prompt referral NS Naomi Forsyth is an agency staff nurse in Reading
Write your own practice profile You can gain a certificate of learning by reading a Nursing Standard CPD article and writing a practice profile. Turn to page 51 for this week’s article and on page 62 you can find out how to present and submit your practice profile.
Visit the RCN Learning Zone The RCN Learning Zone is a FREE online service to help RCN members with their continuing professional development and professional portfolio management. The RCN Learning Zone can be found at www.rcn.org.uk/members/learningzone.php june 11 :: vol 28 no 41 :: 2014 61
Downloaded from RCNi.com by ${individualUser.displayName} on Nov 15, 2015. For personal use only. No other uses without permission. Copyright © 2015 RCNi Ltd. All rights reserved.
