NURSING CASE STUDY: Brain Tumor Grade III "ANAPLASTIC ASTROCYTOMA"
NURSING CASE STUDY: Brain Tumor Grade III "ANAPLASTIC ASTROCYTOMA"
NURSING CASE STUDY: Brain Tumor Grade III "ANAPLASTIC ASTROCYTOMA"
College of Nursing
Tigatto Road, Buhangin Davao City
Presented to:
4th year level clinical instructors of DMMA College of Southern
Philippines
Presented by:
Cagabhion, Joanna Mae; Apurada,Ingrid Katrina;
Padilla,Chucky Angelo; Arevalo,Hanneli Mae;
Falco, Gracelyn Joy; Cubero, Elden Joy;
Martin, Joani Joel; Bermoy, Floridel;
Caluban, Lilibeth; Lumasag, Mark;
Callar, Jonna
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The family, particularly two of her daughters, have been very helpful
in providing us details and giving us a clearer picture of who Mrs.
Maruja is, speaking in behalf of their now incoherent and
incapacitated mother.
Our clinical instructress during the ICU exposure, Ms. Rizza Lei
Loreto, R.N…
She has given us insights and background of the disease, and has
spared us some time to gather and collate data relevant to this case.
Her positive outlook and caring nature has helped us look past beyond
our faults and shortcomings, pushing us to do better and learning from
our mistakes. Thank you, Ma’am.
For laying the foundation of our knowledge and skills needed for us to
be efficient nurses and effective proponents of this noble profession;
for disciplining us to be responsible for every action we do, and for
looking out for our safety and security.
Namely the physicians, nurses, and nursing assistants, who were kind
enough to allow us to use the patient’s data to aid us in the
presentation of this case.
Our groupmates…
For accomplishing each task assigned to them; for the many wonderful
memorable moments and the bond that we share.
Above all, our God Almighty, the supreme ruler of the universe,
in whom all things find their purpose.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. Acknowledgement--------------------------------------------- ii
B. Introduction------------------------------------------------ 1
C. Objectives-------------------------------------------------- 3
a. General objectives
b. Specific objectives
D. Personal information----------------------------------------- 5
a. Patient’s Data
b. Family Health History
c. Genogram
d. Past Health History
e. Present Health History
f. Developmental Data
E. Physical Assessment----------------------------------------- 10
F. Anatomy & Physiology---------------------------------------- 14
G. Pathophysiology--------------------------------------------- 18
a. Etiology
b. Symptomatology
c. Diagram
d. Narrative
H. Medical Management------------------------------------------ 28
a. Doctor’s Order
b. Laboratory & Diagnostic Exams
c. Drug Study
I. Nursing Management------------------------------------------ 46
a. Nursing Care Plans (3 Actual & 2 High Risk)
b. Prognosis
c. Discharge plan
J. Bibliography------------------------------------------------ 65
INTRODUCTION
General Objectives:
That within our four weeks E.R./I.C.U. exposure (Medical Mission
Group of Hospital, Davao Adventist Hospital, Medical Center of Digos
Cooperative), we may be able to choose a case study that will
contribute and expand our knowledge and improve our skills on specific
procedures concerning our recent concept which is Acute Biologic
Crisis/Emergency-Disaster Nursing.
Our group has formulated the following Specific Objectives to
guide us towards the completion of this case study. That within our
four weeks E.R./I.C.U. exposure (MMGH, DAH, and MCDC), we may be able
to:
Select a relevant subject for our case study;
Name: Maruja
Birth date: May 25, 1948
Age: 61 years old
Sex: Female
Birthplace: Digos City
Address: B28, L32 Emily Homes Digos City
Civil Status: Widow
Religion: Roman Catholic
Nationality: Filipino
Educational Attainment: College Graduate-BSed
Siblings: 9 Siblings
Children: 9 Children
Chief Complaints: Fever and Chills
Diagnosis: Brain Tumor Grade III “Anaplastic Astrocytoma
Attending Physician: Dr. Robles
Date of Admission: September 25, 2009
Time of Admission: 9:45 PM
HEALTH HISTORY
GENERAL SURVEY
Received this patient, a 61 year old woman who is lying in bed,
not in respiratory distress. She appears slightly older than her
stated age. Awake, with IVF of #4 PNSS 1L @ 80cc/hour, infusing well
at right arm. Glascow Coma Scale of 7/15.
During assessment she is conscious but cannot verbalize.
VITAL SIGNS
Patient has temperature of 36.7 degrees Celsius, axillary, with
heart rate (HR) of 121 beats per minute, pulse rate (PR) of 120 beats
per minute; regular respiratory rate (RR) of 21 breaths per minute;
BP-100/70 mmhg. GCS of 7/15
SKIN
The skin is light cool and dry. Scattered lentigens are present
all over the body. No nail abnormalities present. Skin turgor noted to
be poor.
HEAD
The head is deformed on the craniotomy/craniectomy site.
Patient’s hair assumes the color white, is observed to be fine in
consistency and soft in texture. The scalp is dry with evidence of
scars and lesions. Patient has symmetrical facial features. Upon
command, patient cannot move eyebrows, frown, close eyelids tightly
and smile.
EYES
The client’s eyelids and eyebrows are symmetrical in alignment.
The pupils are round and are reactive to light. Accommodation was not
well seen. Patient cannot see peripherally, she is using central
vision only. The visual fields by confrontation cannot be assessed.
Patient cannot follow the direction anymore. Lid margins are clear,
lacrimal duct openings are evident at the nasal side the upper and
lower lids.
EARS
Auricles have the same color as the facial skin. They are
symmetrical and are aligned with the outer canthus of the eyes.
Auricles are flexible, firm, and nontender. Upon assessment, no
redness or purulent discharges were seen on the external canal.
Patient is only able to hear when spoken to in a loud tone.
NOSE
The nares of the patient’s nose upon assessment appear to be
normal with its septum in midline. The mucosa is pinkish in color and
both nares are patent. Symmetrical olfactory organs, thus, in good
condition.
MOUTH
Lips appear to be dry and pale. The mucosa of the oral cavity is
pale and without masses, leukoplakia or other lesions. There is good
dentition and good dental hygiene. The tongue is in midline and does
not deviate to other side. The rest of the other parts of the mouth
and throat appear to be normal.
PHARYNX
The patient’s uvula is in midline. Tonsils noted to be
obstructive. Thus, patient’s appetite is not good. Patient has
difficulty swallowing.
NECK
The patient’s neck is symmetrical. Upon palpation, lymph nodes in
the neck are not swollen. Thyroid glands not tender and not enlarged.
Neck muscles are equal in size. Trachea is positioned in the midline
upon palpation.
HEART
The apical beat of the heart is heard over the apex of the heart
which is located at the fifth intercostal space (point of maximal
impulse). Heart sounds are regular at S1-S2 base. No murmurs or skip
beats noted.
ABDOMEN
The abdomen is generally symmetrical in configuration and has
normal growling sounds of 12. Upon percussion, the abdomen is tympanic
in sound. No masses or pain noted upon palpation.
GENITO- URINARY
Children said there is no problem with the genitals. There are no
lesions as verbalized by their children. Excretion and elimination of
waste is daily. Patient is currently in diapers. Stool yellowish in
color and urine is light yellow in color.
BACK AND EXTREMITIES
The peripheral pulses are regular when assessed. Her nails and
nail beds appear to be pinkish in color. Range of motion not noted.
Her muscle tone and strength on both extremities are weak. Spine is in
midline. Stature and gait is unassessed due to her bedridden state.
Cranial Nerves
Olfactory: The client was able to identify the aroma of served foods.
Optic: The client was not able to read reading materials.
Occulomotor: The client was not able to follow moving objects
gradually.
Trochlear: The client was not able to follow any moving objects
gradually.
Trigeminal: The client can feel pain, she can’t differentiate cold and
hot temperature. And was able to move his jaw during mouth opening
gradually.
Abduscens: The client was able to move his eyes laterally in slow
motion.
Facial: The client can’t express any facial expression.
Vestibulocochlear: The client can’t maintain equilibrium with
assistance and can’t hear words clearly.
Glossopharyngeal: The client can swallow food and not able to move his
tongue in different ways.
Vagus: The client was able to swallow normally.
Spinal Accessory: The client was able to move his head and shoulders
in a moderate manner.
Hypoglossal: The client was able to move his tongue gradually.
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
Brain
The brain is a soft, spongy mass of nerve cells and supportive
tissue connected to the spinal cord. The brain of an adult weighs
approximately three pounds. In the center of the brain are four
connected hollow spaces called ventricles. The ventricles contain a
liquid called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that circulates throughout the
CNS. The brain controls our five senses in addition to our emotions,
thoughts, speech, physical coordination, movement, and sensation.
Spinal Cord
The spinal cord is a long, cylindrical mass of nerves that
extends from the brain stem down the length of the spine. The spinal
cord controls movement and sensation.
The CNS uses billions of nerve cells, nerve fibers and supportive
cells to relay messages to the rest of our body. The CNS is different
from the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The PNS is made up of nerves
that connect the CNS to the sensory organs, muscles, blood vessels,
and glands. The brain and spinal cord are protected by the skull, the
spinal column, and the meninges.
Skull
The skull is a framework of eight cranial and 14 facial bones
that protect the brain from being damaged. The cranium, the part of
the skull that covers the brain, is made up of four major bones: the
frontal, occipital, sphenoid, and ethmoid bones. There are four other
bones in the cranium: two temporal bones, which are located on the
sides and base of the skull, and two parietal bones, which fuse at the
top of the skull. The areas where the bones in the skull meet are
called suture lines.
Spinal Column
The spinal column is composed of 33 irregular, spool shaped bones
called vertebrae that are stacked one on top of the other. The spinal
column is divided into five sections that extend from the base of the
skull to the tailbone: the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral and
coccygeal. The spinal column protects the spinal cord.
Three membranes, or layers of tissue called meninges, surround the
brain and spinal cord.
Ventricles
The ventricles are four connected, fluid-filled cavities located
in the center of the brain. The ventricles contain the choroid plexus,
structures that produce cerebrospinal fluid.
Cerebrum
The cerebrum is the largest area of the brain. It has two
sections called the right and left hemispheres. The right cerebral
hemisphere typically controls the left side of the body, whereas the
left cerebral hemisphere controls the right side of the body. Each
hemisphere is further divided into four sections called lobes: the
frontal, parietal, temporal and occipital lobes. Each lobe controls
different behaviors and sections of the body. The outer layer of the
brain is called the cortex. It is made up of bodies of nerve cells
known as gray matter. Much of the brain’s activities occur in the gray
matter. The internal layers of the cerebrum are made up of nerve
fibers called axons or white matter. The white matter contains nerve
fibers that allow communication between the brain and various parts of
the body. The cerebrum also houses many internal nerve structures,
such as the thalamus, hypothalamus and pituitary gland. These
structures are responsible for processing different messages being
sent to the brain and for sending messages from the brain to other
parts of the body.
Frontal Lobes
The frontal lobes make up the front portion of the cerebral
hemisphere. The frontal lobes control many of the brain’s activities
including attention, abstract thought, problem solving, reasoning,
judgment, initiative, inhibition, memory, parts of speech, moods,
major body movements, and bowel and bladder control.
Parietal Lobes
The parietal lobes are in the upper central portion of the
cerebral hemispheres. The parietal lobes process all messages being
sent to and from the brain regarding physical sensations. The parietal
lobes are responsible for interpreting the meaning of physical
sensations to determine such factors as size, shape, weight, texture
and consistency. They interpret spatial orientation and how we are
aware of the parts of our own body. The parietal lobes also help us to
make calculations, read and write.
Temporal Lobes
The temporal lobes form the lower portion of the cerebral
hemispheres. The temporal lobes manage most auditory activities in the
brain by translating words into meaning. There is also a small,
important section of the temporal lobe that controls the brain’s
ability to form long-term memory patterns. The left temporal lobe
controls language comprehension in most people. For this reason, the
left temporal lobe is considered the dominant lobe.
Occipital Lobes
The occipital lobes are in the back portion of the cerebral
hemispheres. The occipital lobes control vision. The right occipital
lobe processes what is seen out of the left field of vision, and the
left occipital lobe processes what is seen out of the right field of
vision.
Cerebellum
The cerebellum, located behind the brain stem, has many
connections to the brain and the spinal cord. The cerebellum is
responsible for coordinating muscle groups and controlling small
movements and balance.
ETIOLOGY
SYMPTOMATOLOGY
Precipitating Factors:
• Diet- Meat Eater, Grilled
Meats (sinugbang Bangus)
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
• Illnesses- DM II Since 1994
• Injuries-motorcycle accident
Predisposing factors: last 2006
• Genetics- Maternal side • Allergens-Chalk
grandfather prostate
• Substance abuse-Tobacco 1
cancer
stick per meal
• Age- 61 yrs. old • Ionizing radiation-Radiation
• Geography and Ethnicity Therapy for 12 days
• Sex • Environment-Exposed to
Pollution-Commuter
Multi-bit
Hypothesis:
• Ionizing
radiation Glial cells in the brain.
• Cellular Glioblastoma-most common brain tumor.
telephones Anaplastic astrocytoma is common among
• Head trauma elderly people. (Smeltzer & Bare)
• Age
• Genetics
• Illnesses
• Injuries
• Diet
• Substance
abuse
Cellular Damage
Apoptosis
Persistence of Multi-
bit Factors
Point mutation
Chromosomal
translocation
Chromosomal
amplification
Chromosomal change
Gene silencing
Progression
If not treated:
If treated:
Medical-Surgical management
• Surgery-
Craniectomy/Craniotomy
last March 2009
• Radiotherapy-Radiation
therapy for 12 days
• Chemotherapy
POOR PROGNOSIS
(Patient up to this level only)
Inflammation
Cardiac/respiratory
arrest Arrest in capillary
bed organs
Transport interaction
DEATH with other blood
elements
Adherence of tumor
cells
Metastasis
DEATH
NARRATIVE PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
The cause of brain tumor is unknown. The only known risk factor
is exposure to ionizing radiation, Additional possible causes (multi
hit hypothesis) have been investigated, but results of studies are
conflicting and convincing; suggested causes have included use of
cellular telephones, exposure to high tension wires, use of hair dyes,
head trauma, and dietary exposure to such factors as nitrates C found
in some processed and barbecued foods.
In this particular case study, the tumor originated within the
brain tissue (e.g. glioma) specifically in the frontal lobe. Maruja’s
brain tumor was graded III “Anaplastic Astrocytoma”.
Glial cells are cells that make up the structure and support
system of the brain and spinal cord. These cells are damage due to
different factors (Multi hit hypothesis) and their will be a
programmed cell death or apoptosis. There is persistence of this multi
hit factors. The effect would be point mutation, chromosomal
translocation, chromosomal amplification, chromosomal changes and gene
silencing. Cellular aberration will then occur. The abnormal glial
cells form a clone and begin to proliferate abnormally, ignoring
growth regulating signals in the environment surrounding the cell.
Thus, tumor growth occurs. Then there would progression of the tumor.
The tumor increases in size. There will be consumption of nutrients by
tumor and tumor will grow to different areas of the brain. Then the
effect would be increased intracranial pressure and there will be
compression of the brain.
If the brain tumor is treated with surgery, radiation and
chemotherapy, the patient will likely to have poor prognosis. If the
tumor is not treated then Death or Metastasis will occur.
DOCTOR’S ORDERS
9/25/09
10:15PM Pls. admit under the service of Dr. Robles
V/S q2°
NPO temporarily
Labs : CBC, typing
U/A
RBS ↑ 27.8
FBS
Na, K
Crea
ECG
Stool exam with occult blood
Vit. K 1 tablet OD
Hold platelet monitoring
9/27/09
↓ dopamine to 15 gtts/min
12:10 am
Nebulize with Combivent q8°
6:45 am
10:20 am
Medical Certificate
Maruja was admitted @ DDH from 8/7/09 to 8/22/09 due to ICP for
Grade 3 Anaplastic Astrocytoma for radiotherapy.
John E. Mata, M.D.
08/06/09
The sella and CP angles are normal for the patient’s stated age.
NSG. RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Instruct patient to take medication as directed for the full course
of therapy, even if feeling better.
2. Advise patients taking OTC preparations not to take the maximum
dose continuously for more than 2 weeks. Without consulting health
care professional.
3. Inform patient that smoking interferes with the action of histamine
antagonist.
4. May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Caution patient to avoid driving
or other activities requiring alertness until response to the drug is
known.
GENERIC NAME: Phytonadione
SIDE EFFECTS: GI: gastric upset, unusual taste, DERM: flushing, rash,
urticaria, HEMA: hemolytic anemia, LOCAL: Erythema, pain at injection
site, swelling.
NSG. RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Instruct patient to take medication as directed for the full
course of therapy, even if feeling better.
2. Cooking does not destroy substantial amounts of Vit. K. Patient
should not drastically alter diet while taking Vit. K.
3. Emphasize the importance of frequent lab test to monitor
coagulation factors.
4. Advise patient to report any unusual bleeding (bleeding gums,
nosebleed, black tarry stool, excessive menstrual flow.)
5. Advise patient to carry identification at all times describing
disease process.
GENERIC NAME: Dopamine
NSG. RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Explain to patient the rationale for instituting this medication
and the need for frequent monitoring.
2. Advise patient to inform nurse immediately if chest pain; dyspnea:
numbness; tingling or burning of extremities occur.
3. Instruct patient to inform nurse immediately of pain or discomfort
@ IV site.
4. Monitor urine output frequently throughout administration. Repeat
decreases in urine output promptly.
5. Palpate peripheral pulses and assess appearance of extremities
routinely throughout dopamine administration. Notify physician if
quality of pulse deteriorates of if extremities become cold or
mottled.
GENERIC NAME: Insulin
NSG. RESPONSIBILITIES:
1.Explain to patient that this medication controls hyperglycemia but
does not cure diabetes. Therapy is long term.
2. Emphasize the importance of compliance with nutritional guidelines
and regular exercise as directed by health care professional.
3. Instruct patient on signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia and
hyperglycemia and what to do if they occur.
4. Patient with diabetes mellitus should carry a source of
sugar( candy, sugar packets) and identification describing their
disease and treatment regimen at all times.
5.Advise patient to consult health care professional prior using
alcohol or other medications currently with insulin.
GENERIC NAME: Dexamethasone
CLASSIFICATION(S): Cortecosteroids
NSG. RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Instruct patient it should be taken with food.
2. Corticosteroids cause immunosuppression and may mask symptoms of
infection.
3. Instruct patient to avoid people with known contagious illnesses
and to report possible infections immediately.
4. Advise patient to notify health care professional of medication
regimen before treatment.
5. Explain need for continued medical follow-up to assess
effectiveness and possible side-effects of medication.
GENERIC NAME: Phenytoin
CLASSIFICATION(S): Anti-convulsant
NSG. RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Instruct patient may be taken with or without food.
2. Advise patient to take medication exactly as directed.
3. Tell patient that medication may cause daytime drowsiness.
4. Caution patient to avoid taking alcohol or other CNS depressant
concurrently with this medication.
5. Advise patients on prolonged therapy not to discontinue medication
without consulting health care professional.
GENERIC NAME: Tranexamic acid
CLASSIFICATION(S): Hemostatic
NSG. RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Check for the platelet count before administering the
medication.
2. Report S&S of hypersensitivity ie; wheezing, chest tightness,
itching hives, decrease BP and shock.
3. Avoid activities that may cause injury such as contact sports
and falling activities
4. Report any unusual swelling/ joint pains or adverse effects.
NSG. RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Advise patient to take medication exactly as directed.
2. Asses patient for signs of vitamin deficiency before and
periodically throughout therapy.
3. Asses nutritional status through 24-hr diet recall.
4. Determine frequency of consumption of vitamin-rich food.
NSG. RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Caution patient to healthcare professional before taking antacid,
more than 2 weeks if problem is reccuring.
2. Advise patient not to take this medication not to take this
medication within 2 hr. of taking other medication.
3. Some antacids contain large amount of Na. caution patient of Na
restricted diet o check Na content when long term high dose therapy.
NURSING CARE PLANS
Nursing Impaired physical mobility related to sensory motor disturbance.
Diagnosis
Cause Analysis Tumors can directly destroy brain cells. They can also indirectly damage cells by
producing inflammation, compressing other parts of the brain as the tumor grows,
causing swelling in the brain, and increasing pressure within the skull. Headaches,
seizures, weakness in one part of the body, and changes in the person's mental
functions are most common.
Cues Needs Objectives Intervention Rationale Evaluation
1. Assist in range -Enhances
Objective Cues: A After 8 hours of of motion exercises circulation, Goal partially
-Weak C nursing on all extremities restores or met since patient
-Muscle atrophy T interventions, and joints, using maintains muscle was able to
-Irritability I the patient will slow, smooth tone and joint participate
V be able to do a movements. mobility, and through out the
I passive ROM prevent muscle assisted
T exercises to atrophy. exercises. Thus
Y avoid muscle she still has
- atrophy. 2. Elevate lower -Loss of vascular difficulty to
E extremities at tone and muscle perform exercise
X intervals when in action results in by herself alone.
E chair, or raise foot pooling of blood
R of bed when and venous stasis
C permitted in in the lower
I individual abdomen and lower
S situation. Assess extremities, with
E for edema of feet increase risk of
and ankles. hypotension and
thrombus
formation.
MEDICATIONS
Discuss all take home medications to the patient and
significant others.
Encourage to take drugs with food if not contraindicated.
Inform them that the drugs may exhibit undesirable side
effects.
This enables them to know what drugs to be taken and its
desired doses.
Some drugs may cause GI irritation if taken with empty
stomach.
Adverse reaction is with life threatening effects to the
patient. Immediate consultation is necessary to prevent
untoward injuries.
Activity
Have adequate rest and sleep.
DIET
HYGIENE
WWW.NursingCrib.com
WWW.NursesPDR.com/database2008
www.mayoclinic.com
www.cancer.org
www.emedlineplus.com