Lesson 1Documentation and handover: focused nursing notes, escalation triggers, ISBAR communicationThis section outlines best practices for documentation and handover in inpatient chemotherapy care. Nurses learn focused note structure, escalation triggers, and standardised ISBAR communication to ensure continuity, safety, and shared understanding among the multidisciplinary team.
Writing concise, focused oncology nursing notesRecording assessment findings and trendsDocumenting escalation triggers and responsesPreparing effective ISBAR handoversHandover of high-risk chemotherapy patientsLegal and quality aspects of documentationLesson 2Physical examination specific to oncology: oral mucosa, skin/hair, IV access, vital signs, hydration statusThis section focuses on targeted physical examination for oncology inpatients, including oral mucosa, skin, hair, IV access, vital signs, and hydration. Nurses learn to detect early toxicity, extravasation, dehydration, and signs of sepsis or bleeding in a resource-conscious setting.
Oral cavity exam for mucositis and infectionSkin, hair, and nail changes from chemotherapyAssessment of peripheral and central IV accessVital signs, early warning scores, and trendsHydration status, oedema, and fluid balanceFindings requiring urgent medical reviewLesson 3Laboratory interpretation: neutropenia grades, ANC calculation, haemoglobin, platelets, electrolytes, renal and liver functionThis section teaches interpretation of key laboratory values in oncology inpatients, including neutropenia grading, ANC calculation, haemoglobin, platelets, electrolytes, and renal and liver function. Emphasis is on linking results to actions and safety protocols relevant to South Africa.
Calculating and interpreting ANC valuesNeutropenia grades and infection precautionsHaemoglobin thresholds and transfusion triggersPlatelet counts, bleeding risk, and safetyElectrolyte abnormalities and urgent actionsRenal and liver function and chemo dosingLesson 4Functional status and work ability assessment: ADLs, IADLs, performance status scales (Karnofsky, ECOG)This section explains how to assess functional status and work ability using ADLs, IADLs, and performance status scales. Nurses learn to link scores with chemotherapy tolerance, discharge planning, rehabilitation needs, and safety considerations in diverse patient populations.
Assessing basic ADLs in oncology inpatientsEvaluating IADLs and community functioningUsing Karnofsky Performance Status scaleUsing ECOG Performance Status scaleDocumenting baseline and trend changesImplications for chemo dosing and dischargeLesson 5Assessment of comorbidities affecting oncology care: diabetes, hypertension, medication reconciliation, glycaemic controlThis section covers systematic assessment of comorbidities that influence oncology care, including diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and renal impairment. Nurses learn medication reconciliation, glycaemic control targets, and when to alert prescribers in a South African context.
Identifying key comorbidities impacting chemoMedication reconciliation and interaction risksAssessing glycaemic control and insulin needsMonitoring blood pressure and volume statusRenal and hepatic comorbidity considerationsEscalation criteria for unstable comorbiditiesLesson 6Focused symptom review: nausea, vomiting, fatigue, mucositis, pain, appetite, bowel habitsThis section details a focused symptom review for inpatients on chemotherapy, emphasising nausea, vomiting, fatigue, mucositis, pain, appetite, and bowel habits. Nurses learn structured questioning, grading severity, and identifying red flags needing escalation.
Structured nausea and vomiting assessmentEvaluating cancer-related and treatment fatigueOral mucositis grading and impact on intakeComprehensive pain assessment and reassessmentMonitoring appetite, intake, and weight trendsBowel habit changes, constipation, and diarrhoeaLesson 7Psychosocial and family assessment: anxiety screening, caregiver readiness, health literacy, cultural beliefsThis section addresses psychosocial and family assessment for inpatients receiving chemotherapy. Nurses learn anxiety and depression screening, caregiver readiness, health literacy, cultural beliefs, and how to tailor education and support resources sensitively.
Screening for anxiety, depression, and distressAssessing coping style and support systemsEvaluating caregiver readiness and burdenAssessing health literacy and education needsExploring cultural and spiritual care beliefsReferrals to psychosocial and spiritual servicesLesson 8Infection risk evaluation and sources: central lines, breaks in skin, recent procedures, household exposuresThis section explains how to evaluate infection risk in oncology inpatients, focusing on central lines, skin breaks, recent procedures, mucosal damage, and household exposures. Nurses learn to recognise early infection signs and initiate timely precautions.
Assessing central venous access infection riskInspecting skin breaks, wounds, and devicesRecent procedures and postoperative risksMucositis and gastrointestinal barrier injuryHousehold and community exposure historyEarly sepsis indicators and isolation needs
