Nursing care for patients with colorectal cancer undergoing chemotherapy with the 5-FU/LV regimen and experiencing complications from the treatment: A case study

Abstract

     This study is a case study aimed at examining the problems and nursing care of colorectal cancer patients receiving chemotherapy with the 5-FU/LV regimen combined with radiotherapy. One of the potential side effects of 5-Fluorouracil is oral mucositis, which typically occurs 5–8 days after chemotherapy administration. The study employed purposive sampling to select patients receiving treatment at the outpatient chemotherapy department of Lopburi Cancer Hospital. Data were collected through medical records, observation, and interviews. The nursing care plan was developed using Orem's theory of supportive-educative nursing systems as the framework for nursing interventions
     Results: The study involved a 65-year-old Thai male patient who attended a follow-up appointment for concurrent chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The diagnosis was CA Rectum Stage II T3N0M0 and the patient underwent a Low Anterior Resection with a pathology result of Moderately Differentiated Adenocarcinoma during chemotherapy with the 5-FU/LV regimen, the patient developed Grade 2 oral mucositis., which impacted both treatment and disease progression. Chemotherapy administration had to be delayed, and the dosage was reduced, potentially compromising treatment efficacy.

The findings highlight the essential role of nurses in chemotherapy administration, requiring comprehensive knowledge, skills, and competence in chemotherapy management. Nurses must assess, monitor, prevent, diagnose, and appropriately manage oral mucositis to ensure patient safety and minimize treatment risks.