Psychosocial Oncology Nursing Flashcards

What validated tool is recommended for screening cancer patients for psychological distress?

Answer: NCCN Distress Thermometer

The NCCN Distress Thermometer is a validated, single-item screening tool that allows patients to rate their distress on a 0-10 scale, with an accompanying problem checklist identifying sources of distress.

At what point on the NCCN Distress Thermometer should a referral for psychosocial support be considered?

Answer: A score of 4 or higher

A score of 4 or higher on the Distress Thermometer indicates clinically significant distress that warrants further assessment and potential referral to psychosocial support services.

What is anticipatory grief in cancer patients?

Answer: Grief experienced before the actual loss, often related to anticipated death or loss of function

Anticipatory grief is the mourning process that occurs before an expected loss, which may include impending death, loss of body parts, loss of independence, or loss of future plans and expectations.

How should oncology nurses address spiritual distress in cancer patients?

Answer: Assess spiritual needs, provide compassionate presence, and refer to chaplain or spiritual care services

Nurses should perform spiritual assessments using validated tools, provide compassionate presence, respect diverse beliefs, facilitate connections with spiritual care providers, and support the patient's coping strategies.

What are common coping mechanisms observed in cancer patients?

Answer: Problem-focused coping, emotion-focused coping, and meaning-making

Cancer patients use various coping strategies including problem-focused approaches (seeking information, treatment planning), emotion-focused methods (support groups, counseling), and meaning-making (finding purpose, spiritual growth).

What is compassion fatigue and how does it affect oncology nurses?

Answer: Physical and emotional exhaustion from caring for suffering patients, leading to reduced empathy and burnout

Compassion fatigue is a state of physical and emotional exhaustion that develops from repeated exposure to patients' suffering, potentially leading to decreased empathy, emotional numbness, burnout, and reduced quality of care.