Prostate cancer is a significant malignant condition affecting the male prostate gland, requiring comprehensive nursing care throughout diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. This nursing diagnosis focuses on identifying symptoms, managing treatment side effects, and providing holistic support for patients dealing with prostate cancer.
Causes (Related to)
Prostate cancer development and progression can be influenced by various factors:
- Age (more common in men over 50)
- Family history of prostate cancer
- Genetic mutations (BRCA1/BRCA2)
- Risk factors including:
- African American ethnicity
- Obesity
- High-fat diet
- Smoking history
- Exposure to certain chemicals
- Contributing conditions such as:
- Chronic inflammation
- Hormonal imbalances
- Previous prostate conditions
- Metabolic syndrome
Signs and Symptoms (As evidenced by)
Prostate cancer presents with various symptoms that nurses must recognize for proper assessment and care planning.
Subjective: (Patient reports)
- Difficulty urinating
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Weak urine stream
- Blood in urine or semen
- Erectile dysfunction
- Pain in lower back, hips, or pelvis
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Decreased appetite
Objective: (Nurse assesses)
- Elevated PSA levels
- Abnormal digital rectal examination findings
- Treatment-related side effects
- Changes in vital signs
- Weight changes
- Urinary retention
- Lymph node enlargement
- Bone pain (in advanced cases)
- Changes in performance status
Expected Outcomes
The following outcomes indicate successful management of prostate cancer:
- The patient will maintain the optimal comfort level
- The patient will demonstrate effective symptom management
- The patient will maintain adequate nutrition and hydration
- The patient will show improved coping mechanisms
- The patient will participate actively in treatment decisions
- The patient will maintain optimal urinary function
- The patient will demonstrate an understanding of the disease process and management
Nursing Assessment
Monitor Disease Status
- Track PSA levels
- Assess treatment response
- Monitor for metastasis
- Document new symptoms
- Evaluate pain levels
Assess Physical Status
- Monitor vital signs
- Check weight changes
- Assess urinary function
- Evaluate bowel function
- Monitor for treatment side effects
Evaluate Psychosocial Status
- Assess coping mechanisms
- Monitor anxiety levels
- Evaluate support system
- Check for depression
- Document quality of life changes
Monitor Complications
- Check for infection signs
- Assess for lymphedema
- Monitor for urinary problems
- Evaluate sexual function
- Watch for bone health issues
Review Risk Factors
- Document family history
- Assess lifestyle factors
- Monitor comorbidities
- Check medication history
- Evaluate environmental exposures
Nursing Care Plans
Nursing Care Plan 1: Anxiety
Nursing Diagnosis Statement:
Anxiety related to cancer diagnosis and treatment uncertainty as evidenced by expressed concerns, increased tension, and sleep disturbances.
Related Factors:
- Cancer Diagnosis
- Treatment uncertainties
- Changes in health status
- Fear of death
- Impact on relationships
Nursing Interventions and Rationales:
- Provide active listening and support
Rationale: Reduces anxiety through therapeutic communication - Teach relaxation techniques
Rationale: Helps manage stress and anxiety symptoms - Facilitate access to support resources
Rationale: Enhances coping mechanisms
Desired Outcomes:
- The patient will report decreased anxiety levels
- The patient will demonstrate effective coping strategies
- The patient will verbalize understanding of the treatment plan
Nursing Care Plan 2: Acute Pain
Nursing Diagnosis Statement:
Acute Pain related to disease process and treatment effects as evidenced by verbal reports of pain and guarding behavior.
Related Factors:
- Cancer progression
- Surgical interventions
- Radiation therapy
- Bone metastasis
- Treatment side effects
Nursing Interventions and Rationales:
- Assess pain characteristics regularly
Rationale: Ensures appropriate pain management - Administer prescribed medications
Rationale: Controls pain effectively - Teach non-pharmacological pain management
Rationale: Provides additional pain relief methods
Desired Outcomes:
- The patient will report adequate pain control
- The patient will demonstrate improved comfort
- The patient will maintain activity levels
Nursing Care Plan 3: Impaired Urinary Elimination
Nursing Diagnosis Statement:
Impaired Urinary Elimination related to disease process and treatment effects as evidenced by frequency, urgency, and retention.
Related Factors:
- Prostate enlargement
- Surgical intervention
- Radiation effects
- Urinary tract inflammation
- Medication side effects
Nursing Interventions and Rationales:
- Monitor urinary patterns
Rationale: Identifies changes in elimination - Teach bladder training techniques
Rationale: Improves bladder control - Maintain infection prevention measures
Rationale: Reduces risk of urinary complications
Desired Outcomes:
- The patient will demonstrate improved urinary function
- The patient will maintain adequate hydration
- The patient will avoid urinary complications
Nursing Care Plan 4: Sexual Dysfunction
Nursing Diagnosis Statement:
Sexual Dysfunction related to treatment effects and psychological impact as evidenced by expressed concerns about sexual function and relationship changes.
Related Factors:
- Treatment side effects
- Hormonal changes
- Psychological impact
- Relationship stress
- Body image changes
Nursing Interventions and Rationales:
- Assess sexual concerns
Rationale: Identifies specific issues - Provide education about treatment effects
Rationale: Increases understanding and adaptation - Refer to appropriate specialists
Rationale: Ensures comprehensive care
Desired Outcomes:
- The patient will verbalize understanding of sexual changes
- The patient will demonstrate improved coping with changes
- The patient will maintain intimate relationships
Nursing Care Plan 5: Risk for Disturbed Body Image
Nursing Diagnosis Statement:
Risk for Disturbed Body Image related to treatment effects and functional changes as evidenced by expressed concerns about self-perception.
Related Factors:
- Physical changes
- Treatment side effects
- Functional limitations
- Social role changes
- Self-concept alterations
Nursing Interventions and Rationales:
- Assess body image concerns
Rationale: Identifies specific issues - Provide emotional support
Rationale: Helps maintain self-esteem - Facilitate coping strategies
Rationale: Promotes adaptation to changes
Desired Outcomes:
- The patient will demonstrate a positive self-image
- The patient will express acceptance of changes
- The patient will maintain social relationships
References
- Ackley, B. J., Ladwig, G. B., Makic, M. B., Martinez-Kratz, M. R., & Zanotti, M. (2023). Nursing diagnoses handbook: An evidence-based guide to planning care. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.
- Harding, M. M., Kwong, J., & Hagler, D. (2022). Lewis’s Medical-Surgical Nursing: Assessment and Management of Clinical Problems, Single Volume. Elsevier.
- Herdman, T. H., Kamitsuru, S., & Lopes, C. (2024). NANDA International Nursing Diagnoses – Definitions and Classification, 2024-2026.
- Ignatavicius, D. D., Rebar, C., & Heimgartner, N. M. (2023). Medical-Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Clinical Judgment and Collaborative Care. Elsevier.
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