Final answer:
The readiness for chemotherapy in a 34-year-old patient with stage 3-colon cancer and anxiety is determined through a combination of physical assessments like an absolute neutrophil count and psychological readiness, considering the multi-faceted response to cancer diagnoses.
Step-by-step explanation:
Determining Readiness for Chemotherapy in an Anxious Patient
A 34-year-old patient diagnosed with stage 3-colon cancer and suffering from an anxiety disorder may be apprehensive about starting chemotherapy treatment. Healthcare coordinators assess several factors before commencing chemotherapy. The readiness for treatment involves evaluating the patient's physical and emotional states as well as chemotherapy's necessity based on their cancer staging.
Essentially, the healthcare team will observe factors such as the patient's baseline health condition, the urgency of treating the cancer, and any pre-existing medical considerations, such as the patient's anxiety disorder. An absolute neutrophil count (ANC) is also performed to ensure the patient's body can withstand the treatment. Specifically, an ANC revealing a neutrophil count of 1900 cells per microliter would generally be considered adequate to proceed with chemotherapy.
Moreover, acknowledging and addressing the psychological aspects of cancer treatment is crucial. Psychological stages outlined by Elizabeth Küblerr-Ross—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—might influence a patient's decision-making and readiness for treatment. Hence, psychological counseling and support, alongside a comprehensive physical examination, form a critical part of the assessment before chemotherapy can be initiated.
Ultimately, the decision to begin chemotherapy is made collaboratively by the patient, their family, and the healthcare team after thorough discussions and considerations of all factors involved.