The nursing process is a tool that puts knowledge into practice. By utilizing this systematic problem-solving method, nurses can determine the health care needs of an individual and provide personalized care.
Write a paper 1,750 word on cancer and approach to care based on the utilization of the nursing process. Include the following in your paper:
- Describe the diagnosis and staging of cancer.
- Describe at least three complications of cancer, the side effects of treatment, and methods to lessen physical and psychological effects.
- Discuss what factors contribute to the yearly incidence and mortality rates of various cancers in Americans.
- Explain how the American Cancer Society (ACS) might provide education and support. What ACS services would you recommend and why?
- Explain how the nursing process is utilized to provide safe and effective care for cancer patients across the life span. Your explanation should include each of the five phases and demonstrate the delivery of holistic and patient-focused care.
- Discuss how undergraduate education in liberal arts and science studies contributes to the foundation of nursing knowledge and prepares nurses to work with patients utilizing the nursing process. Consider mathematics, social and physical sciences, and science studies as an interdisciplinary research area.
You are required to cite to a minimum of four sources to complete this assignment. Sources must be published within the last 5 years and appropriate for the assignment criteria and relevant to nursing practice.
Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.
This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. Refer to the LopesWrite Technical Support articles for assistance.
Benchmark Information
This benchmark assignment assesses the following programmatic competencies:
RN-BSN
2.1: Incorporate liberal arts and science studies into nursing knowledge.
3.1 Utilize the nursing process to provide safe and effective care for patients across the life span.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction: Cancer is a critical health condition that requires personalized care and attention. The nursing process is an essential framework that promotes the utilization of a systematic problem-solving method to cater to the healthcare needs of cancer patients. This paper will explore the nursing process as a tool for providing safe and effective care for cancer patients across the life span.
1. Diagnosis and Staging of Cancer
Cancer diagnosis and staging are crucial in determining the most effective treatment approach. Diagnosis entails conducting biopsy tests that target suspicious areas, such as lumps or tumors. Staging, on the other hand, entails determining the extent of tumor growth and whether it has metastasized to other parts of the body. Staging seeks to identify the size of the tumor, the extent of lymph node involvement, and whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
2. Complications, Side Effects, and Methods to Lessen Effects of Treatment
Cancer complications vary from one patient to the other and can range from physical to psychological effects. Fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and pain are common physical effects, while psychological effects include anxiety, depression, and fear of the unknown. Treatment for cancer, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, can cause side effects such as hair loss, skin problems, and immune system suppression. Some of the methods to lessen the physical and psychological effects of cancer include nutrition therapy, counseling, and meditation.
3. Factors Contributing to the Yearly Incidence and Mortality Rates of Various Cancers in Americans
Numerous factors contribute to the yearly incidence and mortality rates of various cancers in Americans. These factors include lifestyle choices such as smoking, exposure to carcinogens, sun damage, and genetic predisposition. Other factors include age, gender, and socio-economic status.
4. The Role of the American Cancer Society (ACS) in Cancer Education and Support
The American Cancer Society (ACS) plays a significant role in cancer education and support. The ACS provides various services, including education on cancer prevention, screening, and treatment. Additionally, the ACS offers a support system for cancer patients, families, and caregivers. The ACS services recommended include counseling services, patient support groups, and assistance with financial support.
5. The Utilization of the Nursing Process to Provide Safe and Effective Care for Cancer Patients Across the Life Span
The nursing process is a critical tool in providing safe and effective care for cancer patients across the life span. The five phases of the nursing process, including assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation, ensure that personalized and holistic care is provided to cancer patients. Assessment seeks to identify the specific needs of the patients, diagnosis works to ensure accurate categorization of the patient’s condition, planning promotes the prioritization of the patient’s needs, implementation of interventions, and evaluation facilitates the development of customized care plans for the patient.
6. Undergraduate Education in Liberal Arts and Science Studies and its Contribution to Nursing Knowledge
Undergraduate education in liberal arts and science studies informs the foundation of nursing knowledge by equipping nurses with an interdisciplinary perspective. Mathematics, social and physical sciences, and science studies provide a critical framework necessary for nurses to work effectively with patients utilizing the nursing process. The acquisition of knowledge and skills from these disciplines promotes critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities necessary for providing safe and effective care.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the nursing process is an invaluable tool necessary for providing safe and effective care to cancer patients across the life span. Cancer is a complex condition that demands personalized attention, and the application of the nursing process ensures that patient needs are prioritized. Undergraduate education in liberal arts and science studies enhances the knowledge and skills that nurses require to work with patients utilizing the nursing process. Education and support through the American Cancer Society are critical components of the comprehensive care that cancer patients require.
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