NUR 322 Lecture 10: Chapter 33
Document Summary
Chapter 33: caring for the child with cancer. Cancer: abnormal cellular growth (called neoplasm) is caused by one or a combination of three factors: external or environmental stimuli, viruses that can alter the immune system and allow cancer growth, chromosomal and gene abnormalities. Pattern of tumor progression: originates as single, transformed cell somewhere in the body, cell undergoes countless divisions to form mass. Each new cell needs steady supply of nutrients to keep growing. Tumor may not be directly next to a capillary, but close enough for oxygen and nutrients to diffuse through tissue to tumor cells. Acute lymphocytic leukemia: most common type of cancer in children fever occurs in 50% of cases fatigue and lethargy s/s. Presenting sign and symptoms vary widely, depending on degree of infiltration. Onset usually acute, but signs and symptoms may appear slowly. Bone or joint pain present in >1/3 of younger children.
