PUEDAN, JENIVIC E.

BSN 3-1


PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF LUNG CANCER
Inhalation of Cigarettes smoking

Exposure of carcinogens

Production of mucous

Irritation of LRT

inflammation of bronchioles

Growth of tumor in the bronchial

Irritates airways of the lungs

Infiltrate the pleura

Reduced airway patency

Decreased O2 and CO2 exchange











Nursing Management.
1. Elevate the head of the bed to ease the work of breathing and to prevent fluid collection in
upper body (from superior vena cava syndrome).
2. Teach breathing retraining exercises to increase diaphragmatic excursion and reduce work of
breathing.
3. Augment the patients ability to cough effectively by splinting the patients chest manually.
4. Instruct the patient to inspire fully and cough two to three times in one breath.
5. Provide humidifier or vaporizer to provide moisture to loosen secretions.
6. Teach relaxation techniques to reduce anxiety associated with dyspnea. Allow the severely
dyspneic patient to sleep in reclining chair.
7. Encourage the patient to conserve energy by decreasing activities.
8. Ensure adequate protein intake such as milk, eggs, oral nutritional supplements; and chicken,
fowl, and fish if other treatments are not tolerated to promote healing and prevent edema.
9. Advise the patient to eat small amounts of high-calorie and high-protein foods frequently,
rather than three daily meals.
10. Suggest eating the major meal in the morning if rapid satiety is the problem.
11. Change the diet consistency to soft or liquid if patient has esophagitis from radiation therapy.
12. Consider alternative pain control methods, such as biofeedback and relaxation methods, to
increase the patients sense of control.
13. Teach the patient to use prescribed medications as needed for pain without being overly
concerned about addiction.