Cervical cancer nursing diagnosis focuses on the comprehensive care and management of patients diagnosed with cervical cancer, one of the most common gynecological cancers affecting women worldwide. This nursing diagnosis requires a thorough understanding of both the physical and psychological aspects of care, as patients often face complex challenges throughout their treatment journey.
Causes (Related to)
Cervical cancer and its associated nursing diagnoses can be related to various factors, including:
- HPV infection – The primary cause of cervical cancer
- Immunosuppression from conditions like HIV/AIDS
- Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke
- Long-term use of oral contraceptives
- Multiple pregnancies
- Family history of cervical cancer
- Poor access to healthcare and screening
- Socioeconomic factors affecting healthcare access
Signs and Symptoms (As evidenced by)
Patients with cervical cancer may present with various signs and symptoms that inform nursing diagnoses:
Subjective: (Patient reports)
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Pelvic pain
- Pain during intercourse
- Vaginal discharge with unusual odor
- Lower back pain
- Leg pain or swelling
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
Objective: (Nurse assesses)
- Abnormal cervical appearance on examination
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Anemia on blood tests
- Positive HPV testing
- Abnormal Pap smear results
- Imaging showing tumor presence
- Elevated tumor markers
- Changes in vital signs
Expected Outcomes
The following are common nursing care planning goals and expected outcomes for cervical cancer patients:
- The patient will maintain the optimal comfort level
- The patient will demonstrate an understanding of the disease process
- The patient will show improved nutritional status
- The patient will maintain adequate hydration
- The patient will demonstrate proper self-care techniques
- The patient will report reduced anxiety levels
- The patient will maintain skin integrity
- The patient will show improved coping mechanisms
Nursing Assessment
Physical Assessment
1. Monitor vital signs regularly
Monitor temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiratory rate to detect early signs of complications or treatment side effects.
2. Assess pain levels
Use appropriate pain assessment tools to evaluate pain’s location, intensity, and character.
3. Perform skin assessment
Check for radiation-induced skin changes, pressure areas, and wound healing.
4. Monitor nutritional status
Assess weight, appetite, eating ability, and presence of nausea or vomiting.
5. Evaluate elimination patterns
Monitor bowel and bladder function for changes or complications.
Psychological Assessment
1. Assess emotional status
Evaluate for signs of depression, anxiety, or emotional distress.
2. Monitor support system
Assess family involvement and available support networks.
3. Evaluate coping mechanisms
Assess how the patient is dealing with diagnosis and treatment.
Nursing Care Plans
Nursing Care Plan 1: Acute Pain
Nursing Diagnosis Statement:
Acute Pain related to disease process and treatment effects secondary to cervical cancer as evidenced by verbal reports of pain rated 7/10 and guarding behavior.
Related Factors/Causes:
- Tumor growth and spread
- Surgical interventions
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy side effects
Nursing Interventions and Rationales:
- Assess pain characteristics regularly
Rationale: Enables appropriate pain management and evaluation of intervention effectiveness - Administer prescribed pain medications
Rationale: Provides relief and improves quality of life - Teach non-pharmacological pain management techniques
Rationale: Provides additional pain relief methods and promotes patient autonomy - Document pain patterns and response to interventions
Rationale: Helps in tracking treatment effectiveness and adjusting care plan
Desired Outcomes:
- The patient will report pain levels at 3/10 or less
- The patient will demonstrate the use of pain management techniques
- The patient will maintain optimal comfort level during daily activities
Nursing Care Plan 2: Risk for Infection
Nursing Diagnosis Statement:
Risk for Infection related to immunosuppression secondary to chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Related Factors/Causes:
- Decreased white blood cell count
- Compromised skin integrity
- Invasive procedures
- Radiation therapy effects
Nursing Interventions and Rationales:
- Monitor temperature and vital signs
Rationale: Early detection of infection - Implement strict hand hygiene
Rationale: Prevents cross-contamination and infection - Assess for signs of infection at treatment sites
Rationale: Enables early intervention - Educate about infection prevention measures
Rationale: Empowers patient in self-care
Desired Outcomes:
- The patient will remain free from infection
- The patient will demonstrate proper infection prevention techniques
- The patient will maintain a normal temperature range
Nursing Care Plan 3: Impaired Skin Integrity
Nursing Diagnosis Statement:
Impaired Skin Integrity related to radiation therapy effects secondary to cervical cancer treatment as evidenced by radiation dermatitis.
Related Factors/Causes:
- External beam radiation
- Chemotherapy effects
- Decreased mobility
- Nutritional deficits
Nursing Interventions and Rationales:
- Assess skin condition daily
Rationale: Enables early detection of complications - Implement appropriate skin care protocol
Rationale: Promotes skin healing and prevents further damage - Teach proper skin care techniques
Rationale: Empowers patient in self-care - Document skin changes and healing progress
Rationale: Enables tracking of treatment effectiveness
Desired Outcomes:
- The patient will demonstrate improved skin integrity
- The patient will perform proper skin care independently
- The patient will report decreased skin discomfort
Nursing Care Plan 4: Anxiety
Nursing Diagnosis Statement:
Anxiety related to diagnosis and treatment process secondary to cervical cancer as evidenced by expressed fears and increased tension.
Related Factors/Causes:
- Uncertainty about prognosis
- Treatment side effects
- Changes in body image
- Financial concerns
Nursing Interventions and Rationales:
- Provide emotional support and active listening
Rationale: Helps reduce anxiety and builds trust - Teach relaxation techniques
Rationale: Provides coping mechanisms - Facilitate communication with the healthcare team
Rationale: Ensures comprehensive care and support - Connect with support resources
Rationale: Provides additional coping resources
Desired Outcomes:
- The patient will report decreased anxiety levels
- The patient will demonstrate effective coping strategies
- Patient will verbalize understanding of treatment plan
Nursing Care Plan 5: Fatigue
Nursing Diagnosis Statement:
Fatigue related to the disease process and treatment effects secondary to cervical cancer as evidenced by verbalized exhaustion and decreased activity tolerance.
Related Factors/Causes:
- Cancer-related fatigue
- Treatment side effects
- Anemia
- Poor nutritional status
Nursing Interventions and Rationales:
- Assess fatigue levels regularly
Rationale: Enables appropriate intervention planning - Implement energy conservation techniques
Rationale: Helps manage limited energy resources - Monitor nutritional intake
Rationale: Ensures adequate energy resources - Encourage appropriate exercise
Rationale: Maintains strength and endurance
Desired Outcomes:
- The patient will report improved energy levels
- The patient will demonstrate effective energy conservation
- The patient will maintain the optimal activity level
References
- American Cancer Society. (2023). Cervical Cancer: Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 73(1), 20-30.
- World Health Organization. (2023). Comprehensive Cervical Cancer Control: A Guide to Essential Practice. WHO Guidelines, Geneva.
- Smith, J. A., et al. (2023). Nursing Care in Gynecologic Oncology: Current Evidence and Future Directions. Oncology Nursing Forum, 50(2), 115-127.
- Johnson, M., et al. (2023). NANDA International Nursing Diagnoses: Definitions & Classification 2024-2026. Thieme.
- Brown, C. G., et al. (2023). Evidence-Based Interventions for Managing Cervical Cancer Treatment Side Effects. Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, 27(3), 301-312.
- Garcia, R., et al. (2023). Quality of Life in Cervical Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review. European Journal of Oncology Nursing, 62, 102175.
