What objective areas of assessment should the nurse focus on to determine signs of oral cancer
At the end of the chapter, the learner will: Show
I. Overview of Nutritional AssessmentProper nutrition is important to maintain health and prevent illness. It is essential for the health care provider to routinely evaluate patient’s nutritional status and to identify any nutritional problems or potential problems, so that appropriate referrals and interventions can be provided. Many physical conditions can cause disturbance of nutritional absorptions. For example, patients with gastrointestinal problems such as inflammatory bowel disease or liver cirrhosis may have malnutrition issues; patients with lung problems may not have enough oral intake due to difficulty breathing; diabetes patients will have inadequate glucose homeostasis; patients who have psychiatric disorders or depression may have functional impairments that cause poor nutritional intake; cancer patients may result cancer cachexia and malnutrition; patients who are in pain may decrease oral intake. Effects and adverse effects of many medications can interfere nutritional absorptions. For example, diuretics may cause dehydration and electrolyte abnormalities; narcotics/opioids may have adverse effects of nausea and vomiting; anticholinergic drugs may cause dry mouth and affect food intake. Malnutrition is defined as “deficiencies, excesses, or imbalances in a person’s intake of energy and/or nutrients” (WHO, 2021). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the following conditions can all be referred as malnutrition. These forms of malnutrition include,
Body Mass Index (BMI) is using the person’s weight and height to estimate body fat. Through many research findings, BMI is highly correlated with many metabolic and cardiovascular diseases (CDC, nd.). Click the link of BMI Calculator and follow the instructions to calculate your BMI (NHLBI, nd.).
II. Anatomy and PhysiologyDigestion begins in the mouth where chewing and mixing with saliva is the initial step in breaking down food. In stomach, foods mix with gastric juices and produce a mixture, chyme. Chyme passes to small intestine where most of the digestion takes place. In the small intestine, foods are dissolved, and nutrients are absorbed into the body. Unabsorbed wastes are passed down to the colon. Nutrients are divided into macronutrients and micronutrients. Macronutrients refer to carbohydrates, fats, and proteins that a person needs to consume daily to produce energy in order to function properly. Watch the following short video clip to review digestion in small intestines. Micronutrients refer to dietary minerals and vitamins that support metabolism of the body. The following short video clip provides knowledge on nutrients that are essential for life: minerals and vitamins. III. Medical Terminology
IV. Nutritional Assessment Nutritional assessment is an ongoing component for daily assessment especial for patients with nutritional concerns and patients who are at risk for nutritional deficits.
Access additional information to educate patients on healthy dietary patterns. The guidelines were developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide recommendations on healthy eating, and thus promote healthas well as prevent chronic illness. This guidelines include recommendations from birth through older adulthood, and also women who are pregnant or in breastfeeding.
V. Documentation of Assessment FindingsPatient was admitted with peptic ulcer this morning. Continues to experience decreased appetite and intermittent epigastric pain, rates 2 on 0-10 pain scale currently. Abdomen soft, distended, and tender to touch. Normal bowel sounds in all 4 quadrants. No bowel movement for 2 days. Pale skin color, warm, dry. Lips pale, oral mucosa moist and intact. Afebrile, BP 110/68, P 100, R 22. Denied shortness of breath. Clear lung sounds bilaterally. No acute distress. Declined pain medication. IV D5W in Left forearm at 50 mL/hr. NPO, wait for the scheduled upper endoscopy procedure. VI. Related Laboratory Values and Diagnostic FindingsNutritional assessment is an ongoing process for hospitalized patients. Through the assessment findings, if the patient is suspected to have nutritional concerns such as inadequate oral intake or poor wound healing, further diagnostic and laboratory tests may be proceeded to uncover the underlining causes and provide nutritional support. Some laboratory results can be reviewed to determine the patient’s nutritional status. Serum albumin and prealbumin levels can be used to decide the patient’s protein requirements. Electrolytes (such as serum calcium, magnesium, phosphorous), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine can be evaluated to assess the patient’s overall fluid volume status and the need for parental nutrition. If diet-related non communicable diseases or metabolic diseases are suspected, glucose and lipid levels may be assessed. Transferrin is a protein that transports iron through the blood to different tissues and organs. Serum transferrin levels may indicate protein status. Low transferrin may indicate iron deficiency and cause anemia. In evaluation of anemia, Complete blood count (CBC), serum iron level, serum vitamin B12 and folate levels will also be checked. Blood tests for specific vitamin deficiencies may be necessary in patients who have gastrointestinal malabsorption (Hinkle & Cheever, 2018). Click the link to access additional nutritional assessment OERs: Nutrition. VII. Learning ExercisesVIII. Attribution and References
What area of the mouth is prone to cancerous growth and is therefore important to assess when inspecting the oral cavity?Seventy-five percent of all head and neck cancers begin in the mouth, 30% of oral cancers originate in the tongue, 17% in the lip, and 14% in the floor of the mouth. (3) Most common regions of oral cancer involvement are the back of the throat, the sides of the tongue, and underneath the tongue.
What tests are done to check for oral cancer?The following tests may be used to diagnose oral or oropharyngeal cancer:. Physical examination. Dentists and doctors often find lip and oral cavity cancers during routine checkups. ... . Endoscopy. ... . Biopsy. ... . Oral brush biopsy. ... . HPV testing. ... . X-ray. ... . Barium swallow/modified barium swallow. ... . Computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan.. What area is one of the most common areas for oral cancer?Tongue cancer is the most common area of mouth cancer in the U.S. and occurs in the front two-thirds of the tongue (base of tongue cancer is known as an oropharyngeal or throat cancer). Tongue cancer is known to be high risk for spreading to the lymph nodes within the neck.
What is considered early detection of oral cancer?Takeaway. Early warning signs of oral cancer include mouth sores, white or red patches, and tenderness or pain. Anyone who experiences these symptoms should see their doctor. Early diagnosis means there is a higher chance of successful treatment.
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