DEFINITIONS AND CHARACTERISTICS From the earliest associations of nursing with religious orders to the emerging field of parish nursing, nurses, especially oncology nurses, have recognized the importance of spirituality in…
PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS Type B lactic acidosis is considered a rare metabolic oncologic emergency; if left untreated, it can be fatal. It generally is a complication seen with advanced disease; however,…
PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS The brain controls how the body moves by sending electrical signals. Seizures occur when the normal signals from the brain are changed. These signals are caused by hyperactivity…
PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS Hyperkalemia is a potentially life-threatening metabolic problem caused by the inability of the kidneys to excrete potassium, impairment of the mechanisms that transfer potassium from the circulation into…
PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) can be caused by numerous surgical and medical problems. The skull is a closed compartment, therefore an increase in volume can lead to symptoms…
PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS The term typhlitis (from the Greek word typhlon, for cecum) was first used by Wagner and colleagues (1970) to describe a necrotizing inflammation of the cecum that was…
PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS The human body is approximately 60% water, which is contained within two major compartments, the extracellular fluid and the intracellular fluid (Guyton & Hall, 2000). The fluid inside…
PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS Superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) is a partial or complete obstruction of the blood flow returning to the heart from the head, neck, upper thorax, and upper extremities….
PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS Suicide is the act of killing oneself on purpose. The term suicide stems from the Latin words sui, meaning “self,” and caedere, meaning “to kill.” Suicidal ideation is…
PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS Spinal cord compression (SCC) is an oncologic emergency that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. Delays in diagnosis result in loss of mobility, loss of bladder function, and decreased…
