Nursing Care of Patients with Ovarian Cancer: A Comparative Case Study of Two Cases

Abstract

     This study aimed to compare nursing care provided to two patients with ovarian cancer undergoing surgery who differed in disease severity and complications. A comparative case study of two patients admitted to a gynecology ward. Data were collected from medical records, interviews with patients and relatives, observation, and physical examination, and were analyzed using Gordon's 11 functional health patterns together with the five-step nursing process across the preoperative, postoperative, and discharge phases.

     Results: Case 1 was a 59-year-old Thai woman with a history of right breast cancer treated surgically, presenting with three days of lower abdominal pain (pain score 5–6). CA 125 was 607 IU/mL and CT of the whole abdomen showed a 7.8 × 3.7 × 7.8 cm mass without ascites. Principal nursing problems were preoperative anxiety and postoperative wound discomfort; she recovered uneventfully and was discharged as planned. Case 2 was a 40-year-old Thai woman with an old cerebrovascular accident and left-sided weakness, presenting with ten days of abdominal distension and fullness together with left leg swelling. CA 125 was 902.1 IU/mL and CT showed a 14.9 × 23.1 × 25.4 cm mass with approximately 5,000 mL of ascites, left lower-extremity deep vein thrombosis, hyponatremia and hyperkalemia. She developed hypovolemic shock from intraoperative blood loss, required intensive monitoring, and subsequently recovered without further complications.