Radiotherapy is one of the most important means in the treatment of cancer. About 50-70% of cancer patients need radiotherapy. During radiotherapy, patients need not only professional treatment, but also comprehensive care to reduce side effects and improve the quality of life. This article will introduce the nursing knowledge during radiotherapy to help patients and their families better understand and cooperate with the treatment.
1. Nursing
before radiotherapy 1.1
Psychological care Before radiotherapy, patients often feel nervous and fearful. Nurses need to explain the importance, process and possible reactions of radiotherapy to patients and their families, so as to eliminate the tension and fear of patients. Strengthening nurse-patient communication, encouraging patients to express their feelings, and the care and support of family members and friends are also very important.
1.2
Oral pretreatment For patients with head and neck tumors, oral treatment must be done well before radiotherapy, including conservative treatment of teeth within the scope of irradiation, filling of dental caries, extraction of teeth and residual roots that are difficult to cure in a short period of time, and active treatment of severe gingivitis, so as to avoid inducing complications of radiotherapy.
2. Nursing
during radiotherapy
2.1 Dietary guidance During radiotherapy, patients should drink more green tea to reduce the damage of radiation to normal tissues, drink more water (3000 ml per day) to help discharge toxins, and eat high-calorie, high-protein, high-vitamin, low-fat, digestible and nutrient-rich food, and eat a small number of meals.
2.2
Skin care During radiotherapy, the skin in the irradiation field will have different degrees of reactions. Patients should wear soft, wide and hygroscopic cotton underwear, avoid the use of irritating cosmetics and drugs, protect the exposed skin, and avoid exposure to the sun.
2.3 Functional exercise Complications such as difficulty in opening mouth, dry mouth and neck stiffness may occur after radiotherapy for head and neck tumors, so corresponding functional exercises should be insisted on to improve the quality of life.
3. Nursing
after radiotherapy 3.1 Treatment of
decreased hemogram Radiotherapy can affect hematopoietic cells. When the number of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets is abnormal, patients may feel tired and tired. During this period, patients should take their temperature at least once a day, avoid public places where people gather, be extra careful when using sharp tools, and wash their hands in time before and after going to the toilet and eating.
3.2 Dietary adjustment During radiotherapy, it is necessary to increase the intake of nutrients, mainly high-quality animal protein and various bean products, fruits, vegetables, etc. Attention should be paid to the need to drink more water during radiotherapy, preferably more than 2000 ml of water per day, and weigh once a week.
3.3 Nursing of
skin changes The skin in the radiotherapy area may be red, swollen, hot and slightly itchy. The skin may turn black and begin to have dry desquamation. Some patients may have small blisters or even ulceration. Patients should wear soft and loose cotton clothes with good air permeability to avoid friction stimulation of hard collars and sweaters.
The nursing of patients with
tumor radiotherapy is a comprehensive process, involving many aspects such as psychology, diet, skin and functional exercise. Scientific nursing measures can reduce the toxic reaction of patients, prevent complications, and improve the compliance and therapeutic effect of patients with radiotherapy. It is hoped that this article can provide practical nursing knowledge for patients with cancer radiotherapy and their families, and help patients get through the treatment period better.
