Background Noise, Coursework Example

The case narrative offers the perspective of a nurse encounter in a cancer care center, whereby a 33 year-old female patient was evaluated after receiving chemotherapy for colon

cancer. The student demonstrates knowledge of the different domains and competencies that are necessary to determine the patient’s current health status and diagnosis. Utilizing a collaborative approach to care and treatment in accordance with Domain 2, Competency 1 is critical in this case because her FOLFOX chemotherapy treatment must be evaluated for its degree of success in eradicating cancer cells (Bakitas, 2007). Due to the complexities and side effects of chemotherapy, evaluating the patient’s psychological state is necessary in order to ensure that she is obtaining proper guidance and support in the event of depression and the emotional response to the treatment, as it may lead to complex challenges for the patient’s overall health status (Gray et.al, 2014).

In accordance with the patient’s current health status, quality of life is a critical factor in her response to treatment and in overcoming cancer; however, this may be compromised by the treatment itself and the realities of having the disease without knowing a definitive outcome. Therefore, the assessment strategy for this patient is appropriate because although her physical health status is critical, her mental, psychological, and emotional wellbeing are key contributors to her quality of life. The complexities of the patient’s case demonstrate a need to further examine the physical side effects of her chemotherapy treatment, such as improved self-management in the areas of nutrition, exercise, meditation, and prescription medication to manage her depressive symptoms as best as possible. Furthermore, examining the patient’s medications, health history, response to FOLFOX treatment, and other conditions are critical in enabling her to experience the best possible outcomes to the treatment if the desired response is received.

References

Bakitas M A 2007 Background noise: the experience of chemotherapy-induced.Bakitas, M. A. (2007). Background noise: The experience of chemotherapy-induced. Nursing Research, 56(5), 323-331. doi:10.1097/01.NNR.0000289503.22414.79 201510201417401907768608

Gray N M Hall S J Browne S Johnson M Lee A J Macleod UCampbell N C 2014 Predictors of anxiety and depression in people with colorectal cancer.Gray, N. M., Hall, S. J., Browne, S., Johnson, M., Lee, A. J., Macleod, U.,…Campbell, N. C. (2014). Predictors of anxiety and depression in people with colorectal cancer. Support Care Cancer, 22(2), 307-314. doi:10.1007/s00520-013-1963-8 20151021131806369408011