As a local professional nursing team, we understand that the journey from hospital stay to home recovery is filled with challenges for both patients and their families. With March being Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, we have compiled key nursing points for colorectal cancer patients during and after hospitalization. We hope this serves as a practical reference to enhance patient quality of life.

The treatment of colorectal cancer often involves surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy. Effective nursing care not only improves patient comfort but also significantly reduces the risk of complications.

Hospitalization: The Critical Phase of Recovery

During the hospital stage, nursing care focuses on monitoring physiological indicators and preventing early complications.

1. Close Monitoring of Vital Signs: 

Vital signs reflect the body's overall status. We regularly measure body temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiratory rate to assess the patient's condition. Furthermore, the Pain Scale is crucial; many medical scholars refer to pain as the "fifth vital sign," highlighting its importance. We encourage patients to express their pain levels so we can coordinate with doctors on medication to alleviate discomfort.

2. Early Mobilization:

When the clinical condition permits, patients should be encouraged to get out of bed early. This helps restore intestinal peristalsis and prevents complications caused by prolonged bed rest, such as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and chest infections.

3. Wound and Stoma Care: 

Wounds must be kept dry to prevent infection. For patients who have undergone stoma surgery, we closely monitor the color of the stoma to ensure healthy blood circulation to the tissue. At the same time, engaging patients in conversation about their stoma helps build psychological resilience, assisting them in gradually accepting changes in body image and laying a foundation for long-term self-care.

4. Nutritional Assessment: 

We follow medical orders to transition from a fluid diet to a low-fiber diet. For patients with poor appetites, offering small, frequent meals supplemented with high-protein nutrition can promote wound healing. If oral intake is insufficient, patients should follow medical advice regarding Parenteral Nutrition (IV nutrition) to bridge the nutritional gap.

Post-Discharge: Continuity of Care

After returning home, many families worry that the lack of hospital support will hinder effective care, leading to anxiety. However, with professional home nursing, the comfort and rehabilitation outcomes can often surpass those of a hospital stay, significantly reducing future readmission rates.

1. Gastrointestinal & Nutrition Care

Following surgery or during chemotherapy, the bowel becomes sensitive, making patients prone to both constipation and diarrhea. We should follow the dietary principle of "low fiber, easy to digest, and high energy." For example, avoid high-fiber vegetables (such as celery or enoki mushrooms), gas-producing foods (such as beans and onions), and spicy or oily foods. Additionally, ensure adequate daily fluid intake to prevent dehydration caused by diarrhea or high stoma output.

2. Wound & Stoma Care

Keep the wound dry and avoid contact with water until fully healed. If a dressing becomes wet, it should be changed immediately with sterile techniques to avoid infection. Stoma patients should regularly observe the color and shape of the stoma. When changing the pouch, ensure the baseplate is cut to the correct size to prevent leakage from irritating the skin and causing peristomal dermatitis.

3. Emotional & Spiritual Support

A cancer diagnosis and its subsequent treatment have a profound psychological impact on both patients and caregivers. From the initial helplessness of diagnosis to the structural body changes after treatment, the impact on a family is immense. We encourage open communication to express concerns. If needed, joining peer support groups or seeking professional spiritual care can provide immense comfort through shared experiences.

Colorectal cancer is not insurmountable; precise nursing care is the bridge to recovery. From the initial diagnosis and throughout the treatment process to the post-treatment recovery stage, YDCare is dedicated to providing appropriate, high-quality home care services. During this awareness month, let our team protect every warrior fighting this battle through meticulous and professional care!

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