Nursing Care Plan for Liver Cancer: A Complete Guide for Indian Nurses and Families
Liver cancer is one of the cancers that is rising most quickly in India. It is one of the top ten cancers in Indian males. The National Cancer Registry Programme (ICMR-NCDIR) reports that more than 30,000 new cases are registered annually in India. It is mostly diagnosed at advanced stages, which complicates treatment and survival.
A rational and responsive nursing care plan for liver cancer is required. This planned structure facilitates symptom control, directs action, and psychologically benefits patients. Nurses are frequently the first healthcare professionals patients meet and are central to chronic care.
This blog is intended for Indian caregivers, students, and nurses. It contains a complete guide that entails checking, diagnosing, actions to be performed, and patient education. It is consistent with Indian healthcare practice and aims at enhancing patient care.
What is liver cancer?
Liver cancer begins in the liver cells. The most frequent type is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It usually happens in individuals with chronic liver disease.
Common etiologies are:
- A chronic infection with hepatitis B or C
- Cirrhosis caused by alcohol or fatty liver disease
- Exposure to aflatoxin from contaminated grains
- Smoking and obesity
Symptoms of liver cancer:
- Pain or lump in the right upper abdomen
- Unexplained weight loss
- Not feeling hungry.
- Yellowing of eyes and skin (jaundice)
- Weakness and fatigue
Most of them are diagnosed late since their first symptoms are nonspecific. This, therefore, increases the role of the nurse.
Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Liver Cancer
A liver cancer nursing care plan is an individualised plan of care. It consists of five steps: assessment, diagnosis, goals, interventions, and evaluation.
Purpose of a nursing care plan:
- Manage pain and discomfort.
- Monitor liver function and symptoms.
- Facilitates hydration and nutrition
- Offer emotional and psychological care
- Prevent infection and issues.
Each of the patient's nursing plans of care for liver cancer should be tailored and revised constantly. This enables patients to receive effective and comprehensive care.
Learn more about Nursing Care Plans for Lung Cancer Patients.
Nursing Evaluation for Liver Cancer
A thorough nursing assessment facilitates comprehension of the patient's status. It also identifies changes or issues.
Patient's own account:
- Pain in the belly or right shoulder
- Weakness or fatigue
- Not feeling hungry or being easily satisfied.
- Nausea and vomiting
- Anxiety and worry about the diagnosis
Objective measurement (nurse-measured):
- Jaundice or pale stools
- Distended abdomen (ascites)
- Muscle wasting or weight loss
- Altered liver enzymes and bilirubin concentration
- Mental status alteration (liver-associated brain syndrome)
In India, assess the patient's ability to pay and access to health care. This helps develop realistic care plans.
Learn more about Nursing Care Plans for Cervical Cancer Patients.
Nursing Diagnosis for Liver Cancer
Nursing diagnoses assist in prioritising care requirements. They define the patient's reaction to sickness, rather than the sickness.
Common diagnoses are:
- Serious pain due to tumour development or liver expansion.
- Unbalanced diet: below body needs due to nausea and loss of appetite.
- Risk for haemorrhage secondary to compromised liver function and synthesis of clotting factors.
- Fatigue caused by metabolic changes and tumour burden.
- Apprehension about the prognosis and intricate treatment processes.
Every nursing care plan for a patient with liver cancer should address at least three of these diagnoses and be revised frequently.
Learn more about Nursing Care Plans for Breast Cancer Patients.
Nursing Interventions and Rationale for Liver Cancer
Nursing interventions are particular actions that are used to improve health. Each action must be justified by a reason grounded on clinical knowledge.
1. Pain Management
- Give prescribed painkillers and record relief
- Permit resting positions and relaxed postures.
- Use a warm washcloth if permitted.
Rationale: Relief of pain facilitates daily activity and decreases distress.
2. Nutrition Support
- Provide small, frequent, and gentle feedings.
- Encourage high-protein, low-sodium foods
- Adhere to a dietitian's guidance for particular diet plans.
Reason: Proper diet maintains energy and helps in liver recovery.
3. Reducing Bleeding Risk
- Track platelet count and INR level
- Avoid aggressive interventions unless absolutely required
- Teach the patient to report signs of bleeding
Rationale: Liver cancer most often causes clotting disorders; prevention is necessary.
4. Controlling Fatigue
- Encourage energy-saving measures
- Promote brief, repeated bouts of rest
- Prevent unnecessary hospital transfer
Reason: Saving energy assists patients in managing everyday living.
5. Support from Family and Friends
- Provide information on disease progression
- Communicate openly with your family.
- Seek psychological or palliative counselling
Reason: One needs to look after emotions in order to enhance life.
All liver cancer nursing care plans have to include these and be tailored to hospital or home environments.
Nursing Evaluation of Liver Cancer
Evaluation assists in determining whether the goals of nursing were achieved. It also identifies areas requiring change or additional assistance.
Example evaluation criteria:
- Pain score decreased to acceptable values
- Patient received ≥ 1500 kcal per day
- No internal or external haemorrhage evidence
- The patient can do basic tasks without getting very tired.
- The anxiety level decreased following counselling.
In hospitals in India, frequent team appraisals ensure care is consistent when shifts and departments change.
Related Learning: Nursing Care Plan for Cancer Patients
Conclusion: Why Olive Elder Care for Geriatric Counselling
Liver cancer is a challenging disease. A good nursing care plan for liver cancer can actually make a difference. It is good for the patients both physically and mentally, and assists in managing the side effects of treatment.
We at Olive Elder Care subscribe to individualised, compassionate care for the chronically ill and the elderly. We have nurses trained in palliative care and with experience in liver cancer care. We provide nutritional guidance, counselling of an emotional kind, and holistic management.
Our personnel make sure that families get the help they need at all times. You are able to access elder counselling in Olive Elder Care and provide your loved ones with the respect and care that they deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
It encompasses liver function monitoring, prevention of complications, symptom management, nutritional and psychological support.
These consist of pain, nutritional problems, risk of bleeding, fatigue, and anxiety.
Treatment can be surgical resection, liver transplant, or local treatments based on stage and liver function.
The most frequent etiologies include hepatitis B/C infection, cirrhosis, alcohol, and aflatoxin exposure.
New treatments include immunotherapy, targeted therapies, and combined therapies such as transarterial chemoembolisation (TACE).
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