Nursing Management for Patient Undergoing Cancer Surgery

The patient undergoing surgery for cancer requires general perioperative nursing care, as described in Unit 4, along with specific care related to the patient’s age, organ impairment, nutritional deficits, disorders of coagulation, and altered immunity that may increase the risk for postoperative complications. Combining
other treatment methods, such as radiation and chemotherapy, with surgery also contributes to postoperative complications, such as infection, impaired wound healing, altered pulmonary or renal function, and the development of deep vein thrombosis. In these situations, the nurse completes a thorough preoperative assessment for all factors that may affect patients undergoing surgical procedures. 

The patient undergoing surgery for the diagnosis or treatment of cancer is often anxious about the surgical procedure, possible findings, postoperative limitations, changes in normal body functions, and prognosis. The patient and family require time and assistance to deal with the possible changes and outcomes resulting from the surgery.

 The nurse provides education and emotional support by assessing patient and family needs and exploring with the patient and family their fears and coping mechanisms, encouraging them to take an active role in decision making when possible. When the patient or family asks about the results of diagnostic testing and surgical procedures, the nurse’s response is guided by the information the physician previously conveyed to them. The patient and family may also ask the nurse to explain and clarify information that the physician initially provided but that they did not grasp because they were anxious at the time. It is important for the nurse to communicate frequently with the physician and other health care team members to be certain that the information provided is consistent. 

After surgery, the nurse assesses the patient’s responses to the surgery and monitors for possible complications, such as infection, bleeding, thrombophlebitis, wound dehiscence, fluid and electrolyte imbalance, and organ dysfunction. The nurse also provides for patient comfort. Postoperative teaching addresses wound care, activity, nutrition, and medication information.

Plans for discharge, follow-up and home care, and treatment are initiated as early as possible to ensure continuity of care from hospital to home or from a cancer referral center to the patient’s local hospital and health care provider. Patients and families are also encouraged to use community resources such as the American Cancer Society or Make Today Count for support and information. (Medical and Surgical Nursing; Brunner & Suddarth10th Edition)

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