Nursing Care for Colorectal Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy: Two Case Studies

Abstract

     This study aimed to provide the nursing care guidelines for colorectal cancer patients receiving
chemotherapy. It was a comparative study of two case studies before, during, and after chemotherapy treatments. Data were collected based on the concept of patient assessment according to Gordon’s 11 functional health patterns to find out the patients’ problems and determine nursing diagnoses for planning nursing practice, summarizing, and evaluating nursing outcomes.
     Results: In this study, two colorectal cancer patients who received chemotherapy and developed complications that may affect their life and quality of life were compared. These two patients were admitted to the Female Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy Ward at Khon Kaen Hospital. After receiving chemotherapy,
the first patient had complications, namely Hand Foot Syndrome gr.3, numbness of the hands and feet, Lt 5th digit gangreen, and received Lt 5th Toe amputation surgery. The second patient had Hand Foot Syndrome gr.1 and hypersensitivity while receiving chemotherapy. Both patients were quickly assessed for complications and there was preparation before, during and after giving chemotherapy. As a result, the patients did not develop serious complications that may lead to death, and they also had a good quality of life.