Patient Aftercare and Family Support

The assignment discusses the importance of patient aftercare and family support in the context of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) treatment. It emphasizes the need for patients to visit their physicians regularly for check-ups, maintain a well-planned diet, and adhere to medication regimens. The document also highlights the significance of providing emergency contact options for patients' families. References to relevant studies and clinical guidelines are included in the assignment.

Running head: A THOROUGH REVIEW ON LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA
A THOROUGH REVIEW ON LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

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A THOROUGH REVIEW ON LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA
Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Comprehensive view Referred
medical
unit
Diagnosis Detection of disease
Lymphoblastic Leukemia is a critical
disease that increases the quantity of
white blood cells count in the body. It
generally affects the bone marrow and
blood in the body. The disease causes
a depletion in the blood cell
production and leads to anaemia and
neutropenia. A bone marrow that
produces lymphocytes faces a
malignant modification in this disease
(DeSantis et al 2014).
Departmen
t of
Oncology
has to be
referred
Indications:
 Exhausti
on and
tiredness
 Reductio
n in
weight
 Lack of
appetite
 Muscles
become
unduly
sensitive
and
responsi
ve
 Fluctuati
on in
mood
 Aches in
the joints
of the
body
 The skin
tone
lacks the
natural
colour
and
becomes
pale
Physical
Changes
 The
patient
pulse is
Diagnosis of total Blood count:
the complete blood count will
verify the various types of
blood cells present in the body.
In the mentioned disease, the
production of white blood cells
increase in a huge quantity
and the production of red
blood cell in reduced.
Detection of white blood cells
production: the white blood
cell count will help to detect
the presence of leukemia in
the body. A high rate of white
blood cell will determine that
the patient is suffering from
the disease (Brentjens et al.
2013).
The patient will suffer a high
uric acid in the body. The uric
acid test also determines the
existence of the disease.
The patient undergoes x-ray
tests to detect if there is any

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A THOROUGH REVIEW ON LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA
often
fluctuati
ng and a
quivering
is seen
in the
patient
 -the skin
tone
loses its
natural
colour
and
becomes
pale and
whitish.
nodes or humor is present in
the patient.
The bone marrow biopsy is
done to detect the mature and
immature cells in the patient’s
body (O'Brien et al.2014).
Chances of Infection
Related to: steps taken that might make a behavioural change in the wbc count in the
body
Expected outcome: precaution from infection and healing of the patient.
Necessary steps: Reason:
The visitors must maintain a proper hygiene
before and after visiting the patient. Using of
hand sanitizer and hand wash by the visitors
and the patient is must.
The chances of infection and contamination
becomes less.
The patient’s temperature must be observed
regularly and any change in blood pressure,
temperature or cardiac unrest detected must
be consulted to the doctor.
Temperature fluctuation is a common post effect
of chemotherapy but cardiac unrest or
hyperthermia is directly related to infection.
Offensive or unhealthy work or lifestyle
should be avoided.
Irregular lifestyle or unhealthy surroundings might
enhance the growth of deadly germs and
bacteria’s causing infection. Proper hygiene should

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A THOROUGH REVIEW ON LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA
be maintained to avoid such situation.
The patient must undergo regular x-ray test Regular monitoring will help to identify the
chances of respiratory problem in the patient.
Medicines like ofloxacin and rifampin can be
provided.
Given to the patient for prevention or treatment of
the disease.
The basic treatment for such disease is
chemotherapy and stem cell transplant.
These treatments are the basic treatments for
such diseases.
Pain in the body
Related to: the organs and lymph nodes becomes large in the patient’s body as they
get entact with leukemic cells.
Desired outcome: The patient feedback is required about the pain. The patient must
have a proper sleep and relaxed lifestyle.
Necessary steps: Reason:
The pain in the patient’s body must
be monitored with a elevation scale
to track the increase or decrease in
the pain.
The rate of pain can determine the
complicacy of the disease and required
steps can also be taken on that basis.
The patient must be kept stress
free and relaxed.
The patient must lead a stress free life
leading to a better quality of life.
Usage of comfort objects should
beencouraged, example- pillow.
It helps to give comfort and relaxation in
the joints of the patient.
Medicines like analgesics can be
given to the patient
The patient is relieved from the pain.
The patient can be involved in It will help the patient to get diverted to

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A THOROUGH REVIEW ON LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA
entertaining activities. other topic and forget about the pain.
Mental issues faced by the Patient
Related to: General weaknesses attributed to enhanced metabolic rate as a result of
increased production of leukocytes and imbalance between anaemia and hypoxia
Desired outcome: To enhance activity tolerance and enhance participation in ADLs.
Necessary steps: Reason:
It is necessary to measure the level of
tiredness and fatigue in the patient. A
track must be kept on the patient’s
capacity to continue the activities of
daily life.
A constant treatment of
chemotherapy, leukemia can make
the patient weak and tired to
maintain the regular lifestyle.
The patient must be provided with an
environment that gives him/her mental
and environmental peace.
The environmental peace provides
relaxation and energy to the patient.
Regular blood test is necessary It is important to keep a note on the
level of anaemia and accordingly
necessary steps can also be taken.
Patients Education about the disease.
Related to: Patients lacking proper information about the treatment
Desired outcome: The patient becomes well aware about the side effects and co
operates with the medical team.
Necessary steps: Reason:
A regular test and review on the Continuous therapies and personal

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A THOROUGH REVIEW ON LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA
patient’s condition is very important. activities can enhance the treatment
and improve the patient condition.
Importance of chemotherapy It is an effective treatment for people
suffering from leukemia
(Doenges,Moorhouse and Murr 2013).
Discussing the remedies and side
effects of the therapy
It is necessary to inform the patient
about the side effects of the therapy.
Few common effects are vomiting, hair
loss, weakness. The patient can get
prepared for such effects if informed
earlier (Rossi et al. 2013).
Issues related to Fluid intake
Related to: Other illness faced by the patient during the treatment period
Desired outcome: The patient will be able to recover from dehydration.
Necessary steps: Reason:
A regular check on the food and
fluid intake must be noted. There
must be balanced food intake and
output of the patient.
If the uric acid is noted to be higher then
it means the kidneys of the patient are
effected and necessary steps has to be
taken.
Daily blood pressure and pulse rate
has to be measured.
The regular monitoring helps to keep a
track if the patient is suffering from

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A THOROUGH REVIEW ON LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA
dehydration or not.
The patient must intake 4 litre of
fluid daily.
Intake of sufficient fluid helps to clear
the medicines and regulate the urinary
system with a proper outflow of urine.
It is better to mouth wash to
maintain a good oral health.
There are chances of gum bleeding for
the patient if brushed, mild brushing can
also lead to bleeding so it is better to
only mouth wash.
Intravenous fluids can be used by
the patient
During dehydration when the patient is
unable to consume any food they must
intake IV fluids to maintain the
electrolyte balance in the body.
Monitoring of red blood cells The blood test can determine the
requirement of blood in the patient body
to cure anaemia (Eichhorst et al.2015).
Mental distress faced by the patient
Related to: The behavioural changes seen in the patient due the treatment
procedure.
Desired outcome: The patient will be relaxed from the side effects and co operate
with the medical team and families during the treatment period.
Necessary steps: Reason:
The patient behavioural must be
considered. If the patient is
During the treatment period the
patients tends to become defensive and

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A THOROUGH REVIEW ON LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA
distressed or offensive it must be
noted.
distressed.
A feeling of trust and empathy
should be provided to the patient.
The patient is generally in distress but a
act of empathy and care can cure the
distress from the patient (Drozdowicz and
Bostwick 2014).
The families and friends are advised
to support the patient with care and
empathy.
When dear ones are surrounded and
treats the patient with extra care and
love, the patient feels less distressed
and anxious (Burger et al. 2015).
The patient can opt for
entertainment like watching
televisions and listening to music to
feel better.
Entertainment can play a vital role to
reduce the patients stress and anxiety
(Vora 2017).
After treatment Recommendation:
It is important for the patient family to be aware of the aftercare steps of the patient family.
The family will be provided with the necessary information and interventions that the family
must know. The patient must visit the physician for a regular check up to keep a track on the
healing process. The patient family should be presented and explained the necessary care the
family must take. A well maintained diet and medication has to be maintained by the patient.
Lastly, a telephone calling option must be provided to the patient family for any emergency
purpose.

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A THOROUGH REVIEW ON LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA