Treatments for Stomach cancer
Treatments for Stomach cancer
The list of treatments mentioned in various sources
for Stomach cancer
includes the following list.
Always seek professional medical advice about any treatment
or change in treatment plans.
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Biological therapy
- Treatment is adapted to fit each person's individual needs and depends on the size, location, and extent of the tumor, the stage of the disease, and general health. Treatment may include
- Surgery, Chemotherapy and Radiation therapy
Stomach cancer: Is the Diagnosis Correct?
The first step in getting correct treatment is
to get a correct diagnosis.
Differential diagnosis list for Stomach cancer may include:
Hidden causes of Stomach cancer may be incorrectly diagnosed:
Stomach cancer: Marketplace Products, Discounts & Offers
Products, offers and promotion categories available for Stomach cancer:
Curable Types of Stomach cancer
Possibly curable types of Stomach cancer may include:
Stomach cancer: Research Doctors & Specialists
Research all specialists including ratings, affiliations, and sanctions.
Drugs and Medications used to treat Stomach cancer:
Note:You must always seek professional medical advice about any prescription drug, OTC drug, medication, treatment
or change in treatment plans.
Some of the different medications used in the treatment of Stomach cancer include:
- Cisplatin
- Platinol-AQ
- Blastolem
- Tecnoplatin
- Flourouracil
- Efudix
Unlabeled Drugs and Medications to treat Stomach cancer:
Unlabelled alternative drug treatments for Stomach cancer include:
Latest treatments for Stomach cancer:
The following are some of the latest treatments for Stomach cancer:
Hospital statistics for Stomach cancer:
These medical statistics relate to hospitals, hospitalization and Stomach cancer:
- % (29,489) of hospital consultant episodes were for malignant neoplasm of stomach in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
- 83% of hospital consultant episodes for malignant neoplasm of stomach required hospital admission in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
- 71% of hospital consultant episodes for malignant neoplasm of stomach were for men in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
- 29% of hospital consultant episodes for malignant neoplasm of stomach were for women in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
- more hospital information...»
Hospitals & Medical Clinics: Stomach cancer
Research quality ratings and patient incidents/safety measures
for hospitals and medical facilities in specialties related to Stomach cancer:
Hospital & Clinic quality ratings » »
Choosing the Best Treatment Hospital:
More general information, not necessarily in relation to Stomach cancer,
on hospital and medical facility performance and surgical care quality:
Medical news summaries about treatments for Stomach cancer:
The following medical news items
are relevant to treatment of Stomach cancer:
Discussion of treatments for Stomach cancer:
What You Need To Know About Stomach Cancer: NCI (Excerpt)
Treatment for stomach cancer may
include surgery ,
chemotherapy ,
and/or radiation
therapy . New treatment approaches such as biological
therapy and improved ways of using current methods are
being studied in clinical trials. A patient may have one form
of treatment or a combination of treatments.
Surgery is the most common treatment for stomach
cancer. The operation is called gastrectomy .
The surgeon removes part (subtotal or partial gastrectomy) or
all (total gastrectomy) of the stomach, as well as some of the
tissue around the stomach. After a subtotal gastrectomy, the
doctor connects the remaining part of the stomach to the
esophagus or the small intestine. After a total gastrectomy,
the doctor connects the esophagus directly to the small
intestine. Because cancer can spread through the lymphatic
system, lymph nodes near the tumor are often removed during
surgery so that the pathologist can check them for cancer
cells. If cancer cells are in the lymph nodes, the disease may
have spread to other parts of the body. (Source: excerpt from What You Need To Know About Stomach Cancer: NCI)
What You Need To Know About Stomach Cancer: NCI (Excerpt)
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer
cells. This type of treatment is called systemic
therapy because the drugs enter the bloodstream and
travel through the body.
Clinical trials are in progress to find the best ways to
use chemotherapy to treat stomach cancer. Scientists are
exploring the benefits of giving chemotherapy before surgery
to shrink the tumor, or as adjuvant
therapy after surgery to destroy remaining cancer
cells. Combination treatment with chemotherapy and radiation
therapy is also under study. Doctors are testing a treatment
in which anticancer drugs are put directly into the abdomen
(intraperitoneal
chemotherapy ). Chemotherapy also is being studied as a
treatment for cancer that has spread, and as a way to relieve
symptoms of the disease.
Most anticancer drugs are given by injection; some are
taken by mouth. The doctor may use one drug or a combination
of drugs. Chemotherapy is given in cycles: a treatment period
followed by a recovery period, then another treatment, and so
on. Usually a person receives chemotherapy as an outpatient
(at the hospital, at the doctor's office, or at home).
However, depending on which drugs are given and the patient's
general health, a short hospital stay may be needed. (Source: excerpt from What You Need To Know About Stomach Cancer: NCI)
What You Need To Know About Stomach Cancer: NCI (Excerpt)
Radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy) is the
use of high-energy rays to damage cancer cells and stop them
from growing. Like surgery, it is local
therapy ; the radiation can affect cancer cells only in
the treated area. Radiation therapy is sometimes given after
surgery to destroy cancer cells that may remain in the area.
Researchers are conducting clinical trials to find out whether
it is helpful to give radiation therapy during surgery (intraoperative
radiation therapy ). Radiation therapy may also be used
to relieve pain or blockage.
The patient goes to the hospital or clinic each day for
radiation therapy. Usually treatments are given 5 days a week
for 5 to 6 weeks. (Source: excerpt from What You Need To Know About Stomach Cancer: NCI)
What You Need To Know About Stomach Cancer: NCI (Excerpt)
Biological therapy (also called immunotherapy) is a
form of treatment that helps the body's immune system attack
and destroy cancer cells; it may also help the body recover
from some of the side effects of treatment. In clinical
trials, doctors are studying biological therapy in combination
with other treatments to try to prevent a recurrence of
stomach cancer. In another use of biological therapy, patients
who have low blood cell counts during or after chemotherapy
may receive colony-stimulating
factors to help restore the blood cell levels.
Patients may need to stay in the hospital while receiving some
types of biological therapy. (Source: excerpt from What You Need To Know About Stomach Cancer: NCI)
Buy Products Related to Treatments for Stomach cancer
Book Excerpts: Treatment of Stomach cancer
Treatments of Stomach cancer: Online Medical Books
16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE!
Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration,
for more information about the treatments of Stomach cancer.
Abdominal Pain in Lower Quadrants:
Treatment
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)
-
Hemodynamically unstable patients require immediate resuscitation
–Replace volume with normal saline and possibly a blood transfusion
–Evidence of hemorrhage (e.g., ruptured AAA, ruptured ectopic pregnancy) or early sepsis (e.g., perforated diverticulitis, perforated bowel) may be a life-threatening emergency that requires urgent surgical intervention
-
Place nasogastric tube for obstruction or persistent vomiting
-
Administer broad-spectrum empiric antibiotics if a perforated viscus or intra-abdominal infection is suspected
-
Direct treatment toward the specific condition
-
Consider gynecology or surgery referral
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004
Abdominal Pain in Upper Quadrants:
Treatment
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)
-
Rule out or treat serious causes of pain (e.g., bowel obstruction, cholangitis, MI, PE)
-
Urgent surgical intervention may be indicated for aortic aneurysm, splenic infarct, perforated viscus, and intestinal obstruction or infarct
-
Esophagitis, gastritis, PUD, and GERD are primarily treated with lifestyle changes (e.g., avoid causative foods or medications) and PPIs or H2 blockers
–Rule out malignancies in older patients or those with suggestive histories
-
Pancreatitis: Aggressive IV hydration for lost fluids and third spacing; antibiotics; nasogastric tube insertion if vomiting; bowel rest; and narcotics for pain
-
Gastroenteritis: Rehydration, correct electrolytes
-
Intestinal obstruction: Bowel rest, surgery
-
Cardiac and pulmonary etiologies are treated per protocols (e.g., supplemental O2, aspirin, β-blocker, nitrates for MI;
O2, heparin and/or thrombolytics for PE; O2, appropriate
antibiotics for pneumonia)
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004
Abdominal Pain with Rebound Tenderness:
Treatment
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)
-
Hemodynamically unstable patients require immediate resuscitation
–Replace volume with normal saline and/or blood transfusion
–Evidence of hemorrhage (e.g., ruptured AAA, ruptured ectopic pregnancy) or early sepsis (e.g., perforated diverticulitis, perforated bowel) may represent a life-threatening emergency that requires urgent surgical intervention
Place nasogastric tube for obstruction or persistent vomiting
Administer broad-spectrum empiric antibiotics if a perforated viscus or intra-abdominal infection is suspected
Direct treatment toward the underlying condition
–Definitive surgical repair of ruptured aneurysm, bowel perforation, ectopic pregnancy, or other pathology
–Bowel rest and possible colon resection for diverticulitis or bowel obstruction
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004
Abdominal Masses:
Treatment
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)
-
Immediate attention to life-threatening causes (e.g., ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm)
-
Most cases of abdominal masses are treatable once the etiology is identified
-
Many malignant and benign masses (e.g., fibroids, hernia) require surgical intervention
-
Infectious causes require antibiotics and may require operative intervention (e.g., abscess drainage)
-
Constipation is typically treated with laxatives, enemas, and increased dietary fiber and fluids; manual disimpaction is reserved for fecal impaction; discontinue offending medications (e.g., narcotics)
-
Hirschsprung's disease may require operative treatment
-
Ogilvie's syndrome responds to decompression by rectal tube or IV neostigmine
-
Organomegaly typically resolves once the underlying process is treated (e.g., mononucleosis resulting in splenomegaly)
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004
Abdominal Pain:
Treatment
(In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)
-
If concerned about “surgical abdomen,” consult surgery
–Appendicitis, ovarian torsion, hydrometrocolpos
-
Treat infections with antibiotics
-
Eliminate offending carbohydrate in intolerance
–Lactase supplementation for lactose intolerance
-
Irritable bowel syndrome or functional pain
–Identifying stressors may be helpful
–Antispasmodics have similar action to placebo
–Tricyclic antidepressants at low doses are helpful
particularly if pain is associated with diarrhea
-
Counseling may be needed for chronic pain
-
Stop offending drugs if possible
-
Constipation
–Disimpaction if significant fecal mass
–Stool softeners/laxatives, increased dietary fiber
-
Drain abscess
-
PUD/GERD: Acid blockade therapy
-
Pancreatitis: Bowel rest, pain management
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Abdominal Masses:
Treatment
(In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)
-
Depends on specific etiology
-
Respiratory and hemodynamic stability of the patient must be secured before any evaluation or treatment
-
Prompt involvement of a pediatric surgeon, neurosurgeon, oncologist, urologist/urologic surgeon, gynecologist, or gastroenterologist will help streamline the approach
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Abdominal distention:
Emergency interventions
(Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))
If the patient displays abdominal distention, quickly check for signs of hypovolemia, such as pallor, diaphoresis, hypotension, a rapid thready pulse, rapid shallow breathing, decreased urine output, and altered mentation. Ask the patient if he’s experiencing severe abdominal pain or difficulty breathing. Find out about any recent accidents, and observe him for signs of trauma and peritoneal bleeding, such as Cullen’s sign or Turner’s sign. Then auscultate all abdominal quadrants, noting rapid and high-pitched, diminished, or absent bowel sounds. (If you don’t hear bowel sounds immediately, listen for at least 5 minutes in each of the four abdominal quadrants.) Gently palpate the abdomen for rigidity. Remember that deep or extensive palpation may increase pain.
If you detect abdominal distention and rigidity along with abnormal bowel sounds and if the patient complains of pain, begin emergency interventions. Place the patient in the supine position, administer oxygen, and insert an I.V. line for fluid replacement. Prepare to insert a nasogastric tube to relieve acute intraluminal distention. Reassure the patient and prepare him for surgery.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition), 2006
Abdominal mass:
Emergency interventions
(Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))
If the patient has a pulsating midabdominal mass and severe abdominal or back pain, suspect an aortic aneurysm. Quickly take his vital signs. Because the patient may require emergency surgery, withhold food or fluids until he’s examined. Prepare to administer oxygen and to start an I.V. infusion for fluid and blood replacement. Obtain routine preoperative tests, and prepare the patient for angiography. Frequently monitor blood pressure, pulse, respirations, and urine output.
Be alert for signs of shock, such as tachycardia, hypotension, and cool, clammy skin, which may indicate significant blood loss.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition), 2006
Abdominal pain:
Emergency interventions
(Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))
If the patient is experiencing sudden and severe abdominal pain, quickly take his vital signs and palpate pulses below the waist. Be alert for signs of hypovolemic shock, such as tachycardia and hypotension. Obtain I.V. access.
Emergency surgery may be required if the patient also has mottled skin below the waist and a pulsating epigastric mass or rebound tenderness and rigidity.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition), 2006
Gastric cancer:
Treatment
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))
In many cases, surgery is the treatment of choice. Excision of the lesion with appropriate margins is possible in over one-third of patients. Even in patients whose disease isn't considered surgically curable, resection offers palliation and improves potential benefits from chemotherapy and radiation.
The nature and extent of the lesion determine what kind of surgery is most appropriate. Common surgical procedures include subtotal gastric resection (subtotal gastrectomy) and total gastric resection (total gastrectomy). When carcinoma involves the pylorus and antrum, gastric resection removes the lower stomach and duodenum (gastrojejunostomy or Billroth II). If metastasis has occurred, the omentum and spleen may also have to be removed.
If gastric cancer has spread to the liver, peritoneum, or lymph glands, palliative surgery may include gastrostomy, jejunostomy, or a gastric or partial gastric resection. Such surgery may temporarily relieve vomiting, nausea, pain, and dysphagia, while allowing enteral nutrition to continue.
Chemotherapy for GI cancers may help to control symptoms and prolong survival. Adenocarcinoma of the stomach has responded to several agents, including fluorouracil, paclitaxel, doxorubicin, cisplatin, methotrexate, and mitomycin. Antiemetics can control nausea, which increases as the cancer advances. In the more advanced stages, sedatives and tranquilizers may be necessary to control overwhelming anxiety. Opioids are commonly necessary to relieve severe and unremitting pain.
Radiation has been particularly useful when combined with chemotherapy in patients who have unresectable or partially resectable disease. It should be given on an empty stomach and shouldn't be used preoperatively because it may damage viscera and impede healing.
Treatment with antispasmodics and antacids may help relieve GI distress.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Malignant spinal neoplasms:
Treatment
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))
Treatment of spinal cord tumors generally includes decompression or radiation. Laminectomy is indicated for primary tumors that produce spinal cord or cauda equina compression; it isn't usually indicated for metastatic tumors. If the tumor is slowly progressive or if it's treated before the cord degenerates from compression, symptoms are likely to disappear, and complete restoration of function is possible. In a patient with metastatic carcinoma or lymphoma who suddenly experiences complete transverse myelitis with spinal shock, functional improvement is unlikely, even with treatment, and his outlook is ominous. If the patient has incomplete paraplegia of rapid onset, emergency surgical decompression may save cord function. Steroid therapy with dexamethasone minimizes cord edema and temporarily relieves symptoms until surgery can be performed. Partial removal of intramedullary gliomas, followed by radiation, may alleviate symptoms for a short time. Metastatic extradural tumors can be controlled with radiation, analgesics and, in the case of hormone-mediated tumors (breast and prostate), appropriate hormone therapy. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) may control radicular pain from spinal cord tumors and is a useful alternative to opioid analgesics. In TENS, an electrical charge is applied to the skin to stimulate large-diameter nerve fibers and thereby inhibit transmission of pain impulses through small-diameter nerve fibers. Chemotherapy generally hasn't proven effective against most spinal tumors, but may be recommended in some cases.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Abdominal distention:
Emergency interventions
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
If the patient displays abdominal distention, quickly check for signs of hypovolemia, such as pallor, diaphoresis, hypotension, rapid and thready pulse, rapid and shallow breathing, decreased urine output, poor capillary refill, and altered mentation. Ask the patient if he’s experiencing severe abdominal pain or difficulty breathing. Find out about any recent accidents, and observe the patient for signs of trauma and peritoneal bleeding, such as Cullen’s sign or Turner’s sign. Then auscultate all abdominal quadrants, noting rapid and high-pitched, diminished, or absent bowel sounds. (If you don’t hear bowel sounds immediately, listen for at least 5 minutes.) Gently palpate the abdomen for rigidity. Remember that deep or extensive palpation may increase pain.
If you detect abdominal distention and rigidity along with abnormal bowel sounds, and the patient complains of pain, begin emergency interventions. Place the patient in the supine position, administer oxygen, and insert an I.V. line for fluid replacement. Prepare to insert a nasogastric tube to relieve acute intraluminal distention. Reassure the patient and prepare him for surgery.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Abdominal mass:
Emergency interventions
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
If the patient has a pulsating midabdominal mass and severe abdominal or back pain, suspect an aortic aneurysm. Quickly take his vital signs. Because the patient may require emergency surgery, withhold food or fluids until the patient is examined. Prepare to administer oxygen and to start an I.V. infusion for fluid and blood replacement. Obtain routine preoperative tests, and prepare the patient for angiography. Frequently monitor blood pressure, pulse rate, respirations, and urine output.
Be alert for signs of shock, such as tachycardia, hypotension, and cool, clammy skin, which may indicate significant blood loss.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Abdominal pain:
Emergency interventions
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
If the patient is experiencing sudden and severe abdominal pain, quickly take his vital signs and palpate pulses below the waist. Be alert for signs of hypovolemic shock, such as tachycardia and hypotension. Obtain I.V. access.
Emergency surgery may be required if the patient also has mottled skin below the waist and a pulsating epigastric mass or rebound tenderness and rigidity.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Gastric cancer:
Treatment
(Handbook of Diseases)
Surgery is commonly the treatment of choice. Excision of the lesion with appropriate margins is possible in more than one-third of patients. Even in patients whose disease isn’t considered surgically curable, resection offers palliation and improves potential benefits from chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Surgery
The nature and extent of the lesion determine what kind of surgery is most appropriate. Common surgical procedures include subtotal gastrectomy and total gastrectomy.
When cancer involves the pylorus and antrum, gastrectomy removes the lower stomach and duodenum (gastrojejunostomy or Billroth II). If metastasis has occurred, the omentum and spleen may also have to be removed.
If gastric cancer has spread to the liver, peritoneum, or lymph glands, palliative surgery may include gastro-stomy, jejunostomy, or a total or subtotal gastrectomy. Such surgery may temporarily relieve vomiting, nausea, pain, and dysphagia while allowing enteral nutrition to continue.
Other treatments
Chemotherapy for GI cancers may help to control symptoms and prolong survival. Adenocarcinoma of the stomach has responded to several agents, including fluorouracil, carmustine, doxorubicin, cisplatin, methotrexate, and mitomycin.
Antiemetics can control nausea, which increases as the cancer advances. In the more advanced stages, sedatives and tranquilizers may be necessary to control overwhelming anxiety. Narcotics are necessary in many cases to relieve severe and unremitting pain.
Radiation therapy has been particularly useful when combined with chemotherapy in patients who have unresectable or partially resectable disease. It should be given on an empty stomach and shouldn’t be used preoperatively because it may damage viscera and impede healing.
Treatment with antispasmodics and antacids may help relieve GI distress.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
Abdominal pain:
Nursing considerations
(Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series)
Help the patient find a comfortable position to ease his distress. A supine position, with his head flat on the table, arms at his sides, and knees slightly flexed, will relax the abdominal muscles. Monitor him closely because abdominal pain can signal a life-threatening disorder.
ALERT: Be particularly vigilant for such indications as tachycardia, hypotension, clammy skin, abdominal rigidity, rebound tenderness, a change in the pain’s location or intensity, or sudden relief from the pain, which indicate a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. Notify the physician immediately and prepare the patient for emergency surgery. Initiate oxygen therapy, verify that a patent I.V. line is in place, and administer fluids or blood products as ordered.
Withhold analgesics to avoid masking symptoms that may help to determine the diagnosis; also, withhold food and fluids because the patient may require surgery. Prepare for I.V. infusion and insertion of a nasogastric or other intestinal tube. Peritoneal lavage or abdominal paracentesis may also be required.
Patient teaching
Inform the patient that pain relief medications may not be ordered immediately because such agents can mask findings that would facilitate diagnosis. Analgesics can also interfere with surgical medications and might therefore be withheld until it’s determined whether surgery will be necessary. Teach the patient how to use positioning to help alleviate discomfort. Inform him about what to expect from diagnostic testing, which may include pelvic and rectal examinations, X-rays and computed tomography scans, barium studies, and collection of blood, urine, and stool samples. Ultrasonography, endoscopy, and biopsy may also be performed. If surgery is needed, provide preoperative teaching.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series, 2007
Abdominal distention:
Emergency Actions
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
If the patient displays abdominal distention, quickly check for signs of hypovolemia, such as pallor; diaphoresis; hypotension; rapid, thready pulse; rapid, shallow breathing; decreased urine output; poor capillary refill; and altered mentation. Ask the patient if he’s experiencing severe abdominal pain or difficulty breathing. Find out about any recent accidents, and observe the patient for signs of trauma and peritoneal bleeding, such as Cullen’s sign or Turner’s sign. Then auscultate all abdominal quadrants, noting rapid and high-pitched, diminished, or absent bowel sounds. (If you don’t hear bowel sounds immediately, listen for at least 5 minutes.) Gently palpate the abdomen for rigidity. Remember that deep or extensive palpation may increase pain.
If you detect abdominal distention and rigidity along with abnormal bowel sounds and the patient complains of pain, begin emergency interventions. Place the patient in the supine position, administer oxygen, and insert an I.V. line for fluid replacement. Prepare to insert a nasogastric tube to relieve acute intraluminal distention. Reassure the patient, and prepare him for surgery.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Abdominal mass:
Emergency Actions
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
If the patient has a pulsating midabdominal mass and severe abdominal or back pain, suspect an aortic aneurysm. Quickly take his vital signs. Because the patient may require emergency surgery, withhold food and fluids until the patient is examined. Prepare to administer oxygen and to start an I.V. infusion for fluid and blood replacement. Obtain routine preoperative tests, and prepare the patient for angiography. Frequently monitor blood pressure, pulse, respirations, and urine output. Be alert for signs of shock, such as tachycardia, hypotension, and cool, clammy skin, which may indicate significant blood loss.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Abdominal pain:
Emergency Actions
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
If the patient is experiencing sudden and severe abdominal pain, quickly take his vital signs and palpate pulses below the waist. Be alert for signs of hypovolemic shock, such as tachycardia and hypotension. Obtain I.V. access. Emergency surgery may be required if the patient also has mottled skin below the waist and a pulsating epigastric mass or rebound tenderness and rigidity.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Abdominal distention:
Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
▪ Position the patient comfortably, using pillows for support.
▪ If the patient has flatus, place him on his left side to help flatus escape.
▪ If the patient has ascites, elevate the head of the bed to ease his breathing.
▪ Insert a nasogastric tube for bowel compression; monitor amount and type of drainage.
▪ Administer drugs to relieve pain, and offer emotional support.
▪ Prepare the patient for diagnostic tests, such as abdominal X-rays, endoscopy, laparoscopy, ultrasonography, computed tomography scan or, possibly, paracentesis.
▪ Prepare the patient for surgery, if indicated.
Patient teaching
▪ Teach the patient to use slow deep breathing to help relieve abdominal discomfort.
▪ If the patient has an obstruction or ascites, tell him which foods and fluids to avoid.
▪ Emphasize the importance of oral hygiene to prevent dry mouth.
▪ Explain the underlying disorder and treatment plan.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Abdominal mass:
Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
▪ Offer emotional support to the patient and his family as they await the results of diagnostic testing.
▪ Position the patient comfortably, and administer drugs for pain or anxiety as needed.
▪ If an abdominal mass causes bowel obstruction, watch for indications of peritonitis—abdominal pain and rebound tenderness—and for signs of shock, such as tachycardia and hypotension.
▪ Prepare the patient for surgery, if indicated.
Patient teaching
▪ Explain any diagnostic tests that are needed.
▪ Teach the patient about the cause of the abdominal mass, once a diagnosis is made. Also explain treatment and potential outcomes.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Abdominal pain:
Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
▪ Place the patient in a position of comfort.
▪ Monitor him for tachycardia, hypotension, clammy skin, abdominal rigidity, rebound tenderness, a change in the pain's location or intensity, or sudden relief from the pain since abdominal pain can signal a life-threatening disorder.
▪ Administer analgesics, as ordered, and evaluate their effect.
▪ Withhold food and fluids because surgery may be needed.
▪ Prepare for I.V. infusion and insertion of a nasogastric or other intestinal tube.
▪ Anticipate the need for peritoneal lavage or abdominal paracentesis.
▪ Prepare the patient for diagnostic procedures, such as a pelvic and rectal examination; blood, urine, and stool tests; imaging studies; barium studies; ultrasonography; endoscopy; and biopsy.
Patient teaching
▪ Explain the diagnostic tests the patient will need.
▪ Explain the underlying disorder and treatment plan.
▪ Explain which foods and fluids the patient shouldn't have.
▪ Tell the patient to report any changes in bowel habits.
▪ Instruct the patient how to position himself to alleviate symptoms.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Gastric cancer, more commonly known as stomach cancer, is one of the most common cancers in the world. Learn more about this cancer and what...
Not too long ago doctors thought stomach ulcers were caused by stress and spicy foods. In 1982 researchers discovered a bacteria that changed our...
Carcinoid disease is sometimes called "cancer in slow motion" because it can lurk in the body for decades. Learn how carcinoid tumors are different...
Turning red at a party can mean you've had one drink too many. But flushing is sometimes a sign of carcinoid disease. Learn about these...
See full list of 10 related videos
» Next page: Alternative Treatments for Stomach cancer
Rate This Website
What do you think about the features of this website?
Take our user survey and have your say:
Website User Survey
Medical Tools & Articles:
Next articles:
Tools & Services:
Medical Articles:
Forums & Message Boards
- Ask or answer a question at the Boards:
