Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Colorectal Cancer (Colon Cancer)

Lesson Objective for Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Colorectal Cancer (Colon Cancer)

 

To provide nursing professionals with a comprehensive approach for managing patients with colorectal cancer. The plan emphasizes understanding the disease’s pathophysiology, recognizing its symptoms, and implementing effective nursing interventions for symptom management, complication prevention, and emotional support.

 

Pathophysiology for Colorectal Cancer (Colon Cancer)

 

Colorectal cancer, also known as colon cancer, typically develops from polyps within the colon or rectum. It may start as a small, noncancerous (benign) clump of cells and over time become cancerous (malignant). Colon cancer cells can invade and destroy normal tissue nearby and spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body.

 

Etiology for Colorectal Cancer (Colon Cancer)

 

Risk factors for colorectal cancer include:

• Age: 
  • Mostly diagnosed in older adults, though incidence in younger people is rising.
• Personal or Family History of Colon Cancer or Polyps.
• Inflammatory Intestinal Conditions (like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease).
• Low-fiber, High-fat Diet.
• Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, heavy alcohol use, and a sedentary lifestyle.

 

Desired Outcomes for Colorectal Cancer (Colon Cancer)

 

• Effective management of gastrointestinal symptoms, including pain, altered bowel habits, and bleeding.
• Prevention or management of complications such as bowel obstruction or perforation.
• Maintenance of nutritional status and body weight.
• Patient and family understanding of the disease process and treatment options.

Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Colorectal Cancer (Colon Cancer)

 

Subjective Data:

1. Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or a change in stool consistency.
2. Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool.
3. Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas, or pain.
4. A feeling that the bowel doesn’t empty completely.

 

Objective Data:

1. Anemia detected through blood tests.
2. Positive fecal occult blood test.
3. Colonoscopy results revealing polyps or cancer.
4. Imaging studies (CT, MRI) indicating tumor size, location, and possible metastasis.

 

Nursing Assessment for Colorectal Cancer (Colon Cancer)

 

• Gastrointestinal Assessment: 
  • Monitor bowel habits, presence of blood in stool, and any signs of intestinal obstruction.
• Pain Assessment: 
  • Evaluate the location, intensity, and nature of abdominal pain.
• Nutritional Status Assessment: 
  • Monitor for signs of weight loss, malnutrition, or anemia.
• Psychosocial Assessment: 
  • Assess the patient’s emotional and psychological response to the diagnosis and treatment.
• Abdominal assessment – bowel sounds, distension, tenderness and masses.

 

Nursing Diagnosis for Colorectal Cancer (Colon Cancer)

 

• Altered Bowel Elimination related to the presence of tumor and gastrointestinal symptoms.
• Acute Pain related to tumor growth and gastrointestinal disturbances.
• Imbalanced Nutrition: 
  • Less Than Body Requirements related to decreased appetite and cancer metabolism.
• Anxiety related to cancer diagnosis and treatment uncertainties.

 

Nursing Interventions and Rationales for Colorectal Cancer (Colon Cancer)

 

Nutritional Support: Collaborate with a dietitian to ensure dietary needs are met, especially if the patient experiences loss of appetite, nausea, or changes in bowel habits.

 

• Rationale: Adequate nutrition is crucial for maintaining strength and supporting the body during treatment.

 

Pain Management: Administer prescribed analgesics and implement non-pharmacological pain relief methods.

 

• Rationale: Effective pain management improves patient comfort and quality of life.

 

Anxiety Reduction: Provide emotional support and counseling referrals as necessary.

 

• Rationale: Psychological support helps patients cope with the stress and uncertainty of cancer.

 

Stoma Care Education: If applicable, educate the patient and family on colostomy care and skin maintenance.

 

• Rationale: Proper stoma care is essential to prevent complications and promote healing.

 

Bowel Management: Implement strategies to manage constipation or diarrhea, including medication management and dietary modifications.

 

• Rationale: Maintaining regular bowel function can improve comfort and prevent complications.

 

Nursing Evaluation for Colorectal Cancer (Colon Cancer)

 

• Bowel Function: 
  • Regularly assess and document bowel habits and the effectiveness of interventions.
• Pain Management Effectiveness: 
  • Routinely  evaluate pain levels and the effectiveness of pain management strategies.
• Nutritional Status: 
  • Monitor dietary intake, weight stability, and signs of nutritional adequacy.
• Patient and Family Understanding and Coping: 
  • Assess their comprehension of the condition, treatment plan, and their coping strategies.

 

Further Reading and Verification:

1. [NURSING.com – Colorectal Cancer](https://www.nursing.com)
2. [Mayo Clinic – Colorectal Cancer](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/colon-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20353669)
3. [NIH.gov – Colorectal Cancer](https://www.cancer.gov/types/colorectal)

 

This care plan provides a holistic approach to managing colorectal cancer, with a focus on gastrointestinal symptom relief, maintaining nutritional status, managing pain, and providing emotional and educational support. Personalizing care based on individual patient needs is key for effective management and improved quality of life.