Complete Guide to Nursing Care Plan for Lung Cancer Patients
Lung cancer is one of the most prevalent and fatal cancers in the world. In India, it constitutes about 5.9% of the total number of cancer cases. It is the leading cause of death from cancer in men. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), most cases of lung cancer in India are diagnosed at an advanced stage. It results in a poor prognosis and reduced survival rate.
Nurses are important in assisting and caring for lung cancer patients. A proper nursing care plan helps patients get the proper and customised care that they need. It helps them in their physical aspects, mental needs, and emotional battles. Knowing how to prepare and use a nursing care plan for lung cancer is very important to Indian families and medical professionals.
This blog details care strategies, assessment methods, and hands-on interventions. The hope is to improve care and make it more compassionate. The blog is written for Indian caregivers, nurses, and medical students.
What Is Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer is a condition in which lung tissues develop excessive growth of abnormal cells. These abnormal cells may form tumours and spread to other organs. Lung cancer also primarily occurs in individuals above 50 years of age. Young individuals are also prone to this because of pollution and cigarette smoking.
There are two primary types of lung cancer:
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): Most common type (about 85%).
- Small cell lung cancer (SCLC): Fast-growing and very aggressive.
Common causes are:
- Cigarette smoking (primary and secondhand smoking)
- Environmental exposure (pollution, asbestos, radon)
- Genetic susceptibility
Symptoms to monitor for:
- Recurring cough
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Blood in sputum
- Abrupt weight loss
A nurse's plan of care for a patient with lung cancer must be tailored to address early and late complications.
Related Learning: Nursing Care Plan for Breast Cancer
Nursing Care Plans and Management for Lung Cancer
A nursing care plan is a systematic way of directing patient care. It includes assessment, diagnosis, goals, interventions, and evaluations. In lung cancer, this is especially necessary. The disease can lead to complicated symptoms and emotional distress.
The overall objectives of a nursing care plan in lung cancer are:
- Symptom management, such as pain and dyspnea.
- Decreasing treatment side effects
- Assisting mental health
- Patient and family teaching
- Preventing complications
Indian nurses can provide care in hospitals, hospices, or at home. A typical plan maintains the care consistently.
Nursing Problem Priorities
Prioritisation of problems of the patient is important while designing a successful care plan. Some problems in lung cancer must be solved immediately.
High-priority issues:
- Impaired gas exchange: Because of tumour blockage or fluid collection.
- Acute pain: Occurs due to tumour growth or invasive interventions.
- Anxiety and fear: Prevalent among patients waiting for diagnosis or receiving treatment.
- Risk of infection: Due to immunosuppressive therapies like chemotherapy.
- Nutritional imbalance: From loss of appetite and treatment effects.
Low-priority issues:
- Fatigue and sleep disturbance
- Social withdrawal
- Inadequate treatment adherence
All nursing plans of care for lung cancer should tackle such problems in severity and impact on quality of life.
Nursing Assessment
The initial and most critical step is assessment. It informs us of the patient's condition and what he or she requires.
Patient's own assessment:
- Shortness of breath when working
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Sleep disorders
- Appetite alterations
- Suicidal thoughts or hopelessness
Objective measurement (nurse-assessed):
- Pale skin or cyanosis
- Breathing with the aid of additional muscles.
- Abnormal lung sounds
- Decreased oxygen saturation levels
- Fatigue and weight loss
Nurses in India must also take social and economic determinants into account. The majority of families cannot afford medicines or transportation for treatment. These factors impact care planning.
Nursing Diagnosis
A nursing diagnosis is a statement that identifies the patient's problem and why it occurs. It aids in planning care and goal-setting.
Some of the nursing diagnosis for lung cancer include:
Respiratory distress due to obstructed airways, as indicated by difficulty breathing and low oxygen saturation.
- Severe pain resulting from cancer metastasis or surgery.
- Anxiety due to fear of death or an unknown future.
- Risk of infection following chemotherapy-induced neutropenia.
Unbalanced diet: below body needs because of anorexia and nausea.
All nursing care plans of a patient with lung cancer must have a minimum of three correct diagnoses.
Related Learning: Nursing Care Plan for Cancer Patients
Nursing Objectives
Nursing objectives specify the desired result of the interventions. Nursing objectives must be specific, measurable, and time-framed.
Sample objectives:
- The patient will achieve oxygenation of more than 92% in 24 hours.
- The patient will report that they have less than 3 out of 10 pain after the medication.
- The patient will express fewer anxious feelings after counselling.
- The patient will be free from infection during hospitalisation.
- The patient will be consuming at least 1500 calories per day by the end of the week.
Realistic goals enable one to monitor progress and make changes.
Nursing Interventions and Actions
Interventions are particular actions taken in an attempt to achieve the objectives. All interventions have to be guided by clinical judgment and evidence.
1. Managing Breathing Disorders
- Watch for respiratory rate and oxygen saturation.
- Elevate the head of the bed to assist with breathing.
- Give oxygen as ordered.
- Encourage deep breathing and coughing.
Rationale: Such interventions assist in enhancing lung function and alleviating hypoxia.
2. Pain Relief
- Rate pain intensity on a baseline scale.
- Give analgesics as prescribed.
- Apply warm towels or soothing techniques.
- Limit activities that worsen pain.
Rationale: Pain management enhances patient mobility and comfort.
3. Infection Control
- Regularly monitor white blood cell counts.
- Wash your hands often and thoroughly.
- Educate the family members about preventing infections.
- Provide appropriate wound care following surgeries.
Rationale: Chemotherapy lowers immunity, increasing the infection risk.
4. Nutritional Support
- Eat regular, small meals with high protein content.
- Offer soft and palatable food options.
- Refer to a dietitian if possible.
- Watch for fluid intake and output.
Rationale: Proper nutrition aids in healing and immunity.
5. Emotional Support
- Encourage the expression of fears and worries.
- Employ a psychologist or counsellor.
- Practice positive affirmations and coping mechanisms.
- Discuss things with family members.
Rationale: Emotional health directly affects recovery and compliance.
These are variables that need to be re-evaluated and altered if necessary. Every nursing care plan for the lung cancer patient is individualised and needs to evolve over time.
Why Olive Elder Care for Elderly Counselling
Lung cancer is not only a problem in the lungs; it affects every part of a person's life. A clear and empathetic lung cancer nursing care plan is needed for better outcomes. It decreases the symptoms, enhances life, and helps families through a tough situation.
It is our aim at Olive Elder Care to deliver holistic care to elderly patients suffering from chronic conditions, such as cancer. Our nurses are educated in delivering individualised care plans. We deal with physical, emotional, and nutritional needs with professionalism and empathy. If your loved one requires comfort care or emotional care, we can assist. Avail elderly care services in Mumbai at Olive Elder Care and make a difference in your family's care path.
Frequently Asked Questions
It encompasses respiratory therapy, pain management, infection prevention, nutrition, and emotional counselling.
It is an organised process involving assessment, diagnosis, goal setting, interventions, and evaluation geared to the needs of the patient.
Keep the surroundings clean, assist with medications, be supportive of feelings, and ensure there are regular check-ups.
Oncology nurses, hospice nurses, and specially trained home-care nurses usually deliver cancer care.
It focuses on rehabilitation, emotional recovery, nutritional support, and frequent follow-up for any complications or recurrences.
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