Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL): A Case Study

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Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) is rare in children, but it is also the most common type of cancer diagnosed in children. ALL is diagnosed in 20-30% of children with cancer under the age of 15 years old (Hart, Juliet 10/2014). Treatment usually consists of a combination of chemotherapy and radiation or sometimes chemotherapy alone. Usually, treatment last two to three years but, has a relapse rate of 20% one year after treatment. Treatment may cause long-term learning disabilities that may show later in life and require long-term treatment. A diagnosis of cancer causes multiple physical and mental disabilities to the caregiver; commonly the parents. Parents tend to show multiple levels of anxiety, shock, depression, disappointment, and denial …show more content…
Common cell ALL is found in about 50% of cases. Pre-B cell ALL is found in 10% of cases. Mature B-cell ALL also known as Burkitt Leukemia is found in about 4% of cases.
T-cell ALL is classified as pre-T-cell ALL and is about 5%-10% of cases. Mature T-cell ALL is found in about 15% to 20% of cases (American Cancer Society, 2016). Treatment for ALL has improved over the years and people have an increase chance of survival. Patients treated for ALL and cured, possess the possibility for
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The nurse needs to provide information regarding infection control and proper hand hygiene. It is important to maintain adequate blood circulation by promoting optimal physical function and prevent any injuries but also encourage multiple resting sessions. Parents need to be educated regarding home care and medication administration to alleviate pain and treatment procedures. Nurse must instruct parents to notify physician if any noticeable change of condition occurs, such ass worsening signs and symptoms, increase bleeding or bruising, or coughing. Explain chemotherapy side effects may include loss of appetite and weight loss, encourage the high caloric and high protein diet and sufficient fluid intake. This puts a lot of stress on the caregiver responsibility of maintaining a safe and clean environment to prevent any infections and medication administration. Many caregivers experience different stress due to the uncertainty about the results of treatments and side effects. Parents have to provide emotional support to the child with ALL as well and any sibling and be able to control their own mixed feelings to help the child and communicating with the doctors. Parents are often present during treatments and are in denial regarding the current situation. It is difficult for parents to witness all the changes that occur to the child. Parents are psychologically affected