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Unit 3
Applying concepts from the nursing process
Nursing interventions
2. Explore potential impact of hair
loss on self-image, interpersonal
relationships and sexuality.
3. Prevent or minimise hair loss through
the following:
a. Use scalp hypothermia and scalp
tourniquets, if appropriate.
b. Cut long hair before treatment.
c. Use mild shampoo and conditioner,
gently pat dry, and avoid excessive
shampooing.
d. Avoid electric curlers, curling irons,
dryers, clips, barrettes, hair sprays,
hair dyes and permanent waves.
e. Avoid excessive combing or
brushing; use wide-toothed comb.
4. Prevent trauma to scalp.
a. Lubricate scalp with vitamins A&D
ointment to decrease itching.
b. Have patient use sunscreen or wear
hat when in the sun.
5. Suggest ways to assist in coping with
hair loss:
a. Purchase wig or hairpiece before
hair loss.
b. If hair loss has occurred, take
photograph to wig shop to assist in
selection.
c. Begin to wear wig before hair loss.
d. Contact a cancer body for donated
wigs or a store that specialises in
this product.
e. Wear hat, scarf or turban.
6. Encourage patient to wear own
clothes and retain social contacts.
7. Explain that hair growth usually begins
again once therapy is completed.
Rationale
2. Facilitates coping.
3. Retains hair as long as possible.
a. Decreases hair follicle uptake
of chemotherapy (not used
for patients with leukaemia or
lymphoma because tumour cells
may be present in blood vessels or
scalp tissue).
b–e. Minimises hair loss due to the
weight and manipulation of hair.
4. Preserves tissue integrity.
a. Assists in maintaining skin integrity.
b. Prevents ultraviolet light exposure.
5. Minimises change in appearance.
a. Wig that closely resembles hair
colour and style is more easily
selected if hair loss has not begun.
b. Facilitates adjustment.
e. Conceals loss.
6. Assists in maintaining personal
identity.
7. Reassures patient that hair loss is
usually temporary.
Expected outcomes
• Identifies positive and negative
feelings and threats to self-image.
• Verbalises meaning that hair and
possible hair loss has.
• States rationale for modifications in
hair care and treatment.
• Uses mild shampoo and conditioner
and shampoos hair only when
necessary.
• Avoids hair dryer, curlers, sprays, and
other stressors on hair and scalp.
• Wears hat or scarf over hair when
exposed to sun.
• Takes steps to deal with possible hair
loss before it occurs; hires, borrows,
purchases wig or hairpiece.
• Maintains hygiene and grooming.
• Interacts and socialises with others.
• States that hair loss and necessity of
wig are temporary.
Plan of Nurs ing Care
Care of patient with cancer
(
continued
)
CHART
11-4
Nursing interventions
1. Assess the patient’s previous
experiences and expectations of
nausea and vomiting, including causes
and interventions used.
2. Adjust diet before and after drug
administration according to patient
preference and tolerance.
Rationale
1. Identifies patient concerns,
misinformation, potential strategies for
intervention. Also gives patient sense
of empowerment and control.
2. Each patient responds differently
to food after chemotherapy. A diet
containing foods that relieve the
patient’s nausea or vomiting is most
helpful.
Expected outcomes
• Identifies previous triggers of nausea
and vomiting.
• Exhibits decreased apprehension
and anxiety.
• Identifies previously used successful
interventions for nausea and
vomiting.
Nursing problem:
Imbalanced nutrition, less than body requirements, related to nausea and vomiting
Goal:
Fewer episodes of nausea and vomiting before, during and after chemotherapy
