Lymphoma is a form of cancer that affects the immune system – specifically, it is a cancer of immune cells called lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. It includes distinct entities defined by clinical, histologic, immunologic, molecular, and genetic characteristics. Based on histologic characteristics, lymphomas are divided into two major subgroups: Hodgkin’s disease and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Nursing Care Plans
Below are three nursing care plans for patients with Lymphomas.
Sexual Dysfunction
Sexual Dysfunction: The state in which an individual experiences, or is at risk of experiencing, a change in sexual function that is viewed as unrewarding or inadequate.
May be related to
- Altered body structure or function (drugs, surgery, disease process, radiation [loss of sexual desire, disruption of sexual response pattern])
Possibly evidenced by
- Verbalization of problem
- Actual or perceived limitation imposed by disease and/or therapy
- Alteration in relationship with SO
Desired Outcomes
- Verbalize understanding of individual reasons for sexual problems.
- Identify stressors in lifestyle that may contribute to the dysfunction.
- Discuss concerns about body image, sex role, desirability as a sexual partner with partner/SO.
| Nursing Interventions | Rationale |
|---|---|
| Let the patient describe problem in own words. | Provides more accurate picture of patient experience with which to develop plan of care. |
| Know the importance of sex to individual, partner and patient’s motivation for change. | Because lymphomas often affect the relatively young who are in their productive years, these people may be affected more by these problems and may be less knowledgeable about the possibilities of change. |
| Weigh knowledge of patient and SO regarding sexual function and effects of current situation and condition. | Helps analyze areas of concern, misconception, and actual problems related to therapy side effects. |
| Identify preexisting and current stress factors that may be affecting the relationship. | Patient may be concerned about other issues, such as job, financial, and illness-related problems. |
| Determine specific pathophysiology, illness, surgery or trauma involved and impact on (perception of) individual. | Patient’s perception of the individual effects of this illness is crucial to planning interventions that will be appropriate to those affected (patient and family). |
| Assist with treatment of underlying condition. | As illness is treated and patient can see improvement, hope is restored and patient can begin to look to the future. |
| Provide factual information. | Promotes trust in caregivers. |
| Encourage and accept expressions of concern, anger, grief, fear. | Helps patient identify feelings and begin to deal with them. |
| Encourage patient to share thoughts and concerns with partner and to clarify values and impact of condition on relationship. | Helps couple begin to deal with issues that can strengthen or weaken relationship. |
| Refer to appropriate community resources and support groups (CanSurmount). | Provides information about resources that are available to help with individual needs. Meeting with others who are dealing with the effects of devastating illness can help patient and family. |
| Provide written material and bibliotherapy Internet sites, other resources appropriate to age and situation. | Reinforces information patient has received. |
| Refer to psychiatric clinical nurse specialist and professional sexual therapist as indicated. | May need additional in-depth assistance to resolve existing problems. |
See Also
You may also like the following posts and care plans:
- Nursing Care Plan: The Ultimate Guide and Database – the ultimate database of nursing care plans for different diseases and conditions! Get the complete list!
- Nursing Diagnosis: The Complete Guide and List – archive of different nursing diagnoses with their definition, related factors, goals and nursing interventions with rationale.
Hematologic and Lymphatic Care Plans
Care plans related to the hematologic and lymphatic system:
- Anaphylactic Shock | 4 Care Plans
- Anemia | 4 Care Plans
- Aortic Aneurysm | 4 Care Plans
- Deep Vein Thrombosis | 5 Care Plans
- Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation | 4 Care Plans
- Hemophilia | 5 Care Plans
- Leukemia | 5 Care Plans
- Lymphoma | 3 Care Plans
- Sepsis and Septicemia | 6 Care Plans
- Sickle Cell Anemia Crisis | 6 Care Plans
