The nurse is assessing a patient who has received the first dose of chemotherapy for leukemia.
Which patient's clinical findings indicate to the nurse that the patient has developed tumor lysis syndrome (TLS)?
Facial swelling and jugular vein distension (JVD).
Muscle weakness, confusion, polyuria, and polydipsia.
Flank pain, elevated uric acid, and cardiac monitor reveals an abnormal rhythm.
Elevated liver function tests, jaundice, and blistering skin rash.
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is Choice C.
Choice A rationale
Facial swelling and jugular vein distension (JVD) are indicative of superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS), not tumor lysis syndrome (TLS). SVCS occurs when the superior vena cava, which carries blood from the head, neck, upper chest, and arms to the heart, is obstructed. This can lead to facial swelling, cyanosis, and distended neck veins due to increased venous pressure.
Choice B rationale
Muscle weakness, confusion, polyuria, and polydipsia are symptoms of hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia is characterized by elevated levels of calcium in the blood, which can cause neuromuscular and cognitive symptoms, excessive urination, and increased thirst.
Choice C rationale
Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is characterized by rapid destruction of tumor cells, leading to elevated levels of uric acid, potassium, and phosphate. Symptoms include flank pain due to uric acid crystallization in the kidneys, and abnormal heart rhythms due to hyperkalemia.
Choice D rationale
Elevated liver function tests, jaundice, and blistering skin rash are symptoms of liver toxicity or hepatic dysfunction, possibly due to drug-induced liver injury. These symptoms are not related to tumor lysis syndrome (TLS).
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
An increase in systolic blood pressure by 25 mmHg indicates a positive response to therapy for Addisonian crisis. Addisonian crisis involves severe hypotension due to low levels of cortisol and aldosterone, which regulate blood pressure. Cortisol replacement therapy helps to increase blood pressure by enhancing the responsiveness of blood vessels to catecholamines and promoting sodium and water retention. This improvement is critical for stabilizing the patient and restoring hemodynamic balance.
Choice B rationale
An increase in serum potassium level from 3.5 to 5.6 mEq/dL suggests hyperkalemia, which is a sign of worsening condition, not improvement. Addisonian crisis is characterized by hyperkalemia due to aldosterone deficiency, which impairs potassium excretion. Effective treatment would normalize potassium levels rather than increase them.
Choice C rationale
Complaints of headache and signs of restlessness may indicate adverse effects or complications, rather than therapeutic efficacy. These symptoms could result from inadequate or excessive dosing of corticosteroids or other underlying issues. Monitoring patient response and adjusting treatment is essential.
Choice D rationale
Normal temperature with pallor to the skin does not indicate effective therapy for Addisonian crisis. Pallor may reflect ongoing hypoperfusion or anemia. The absence of fever is not a definitive marker of therapeutic success. Key indicators include hemodynamic stability and normalized electrolytes.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Pain from mucositis and oral tissue injury is a significant concern for patients undergoing chemotherapy. However, it is not typically life-threatening and can be managed with appropriate pain relief measures and oral care.
Choice B rationale
Weakness and fatigue with activity are common side effects of chemotherapy and the disease process itself. While these symptoms impact the patient's quality of life, they do not usually require urgent intervention.
Choice C rationale
Blood pressure of 90/64 mmHg, pulse of 102 beats per minute, and oral temperature of 38.5 degrees Celsius suggest possible sepsis or severe infection. These vital signs indicate an urgent need for intervention to prevent further deterioration and potentially life-threatening complications.
Choice D rationale
Scattered ecchymosis and petechiae are signs of thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), which is a common complication of leukemia and its treatment. While important to monitor and manage, these findings are not typically as urgent as signs of sepsis or severe infection.
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