The nurse is caring for a school-aged child with Burkitt lymphoma. A review of the child's laboratory results reveal serum calcium 8.1 mg/dL (1.9 mmol/L), serum potassium 6.1 mEq/L (6.1 mmol/L), and serum phosphorus 5.9 mg/dL (3.6 mmol/L). Which pathophysiological process is associated with the child's laboratory results?

Reference range:

Total Calcium [8.8 to 10.8 mg/dL (2.2 to 2.7 mmol/L)]

Potassium [3.4 to 4.7 mEq/L (3.4 to 4.7 mmol/L)]

Total Phosphorus [4.5 to 6.5 mg/dL (1.45 to 2.1 mmol/L)]

Wilm's tumor.

Tumor lysis syndrome.

Superior vena cava syndrome.

Hyperleukocytosis

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is a potentially life-threatening oncologic emergency characterized by the rapid release of intracellular contents into the bloodstream following the destruction of cancer cells. This release can lead to metabolic disturbances, including hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, hyperuricemia, and hypocalcemia. Here's how the child's laboratory results are indicative of tumor lysis syndrome:

A) Wilm's tumor:

Wilms tumor is a type of kidney cancer that primarily affects children. However, it typically does not cause the metabolic disturbances seen in tumor lysis syndrome. Laboratory abnormalities in Wilms tumor are generally related to renal dysfunction and may include hematuria and proteinuria.

B) Tumor lysis syndrome:

Correct. Tumor lysis syndrome occurs when chemotherapy or radiation therapy causes a rapid breakdown of cancer cells, leading to the release of intracellular contents such as potassium, phosphorus, and uric acid into the bloodstream. The elevated potassium and phosphorus levels seen in the child's laboratory results are consistent with tumor lysis syndrome. Hyperkalemia (elevated potassium) and hyperphosphatemia (elevated phosphorus) are common metabolic disturbances in tumor lysis syndrome.

C) Superior vena cava syndrome:

Superior vena cava syndrome occurs when the superior vena cava, a major vein that carries blood from the upper body to the heart, becomes partially or completely obstructed. This obstruction can lead to symptoms such as facial swelling, dyspnea, and dilated neck veins. While superior vena cava syndrome may occur in cancer patients, it does not typically cause the metabolic disturbances seen in the child's laboratory results.

D) Hyperleukocytosis:

Hyperleukocytosis refers to an extremely high white blood cell count, which can occur in leukemia. While leukemia can lead to metabolic abnormalities, the child's laboratory results, particularly the elevated potassium and phosphorus levels, are more indicative of tumor lysis syndrome than hyperleukocytosis.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The loop of Henle, a critical structure within the nephron of the kidney, plays a key role in the concentration of urine through the process of countercurrent multiplication. Here's why option D is the correct choice:

A) Calyx:

The calyx is a structure in the kidney that collects urine from the renal papillae and channels it into the renal pelvis. It does not directly participate in the concentration of urine.

B) Proximal convoluted tubule:

The proximal convoluted tubule primarily reabsorbs water, electrolytes, and nutrients from the glomerular filtrate, but it does not contribute significantly to the concentration of urine.

C) Renal pelvis:

The renal pelvis is a funnel-shaped structure that collects urine from the calyces and funnels it into the ureter. It is not directly involved in the concentration of urine.

D) The loop of Henle:

Correct. The loop of Henle is the nephron segment responsible for generating a hypertonic medullary interstitium, which creates the osmotic gradient necessary for urine concentration. The loop of Henle achieves this through countercurrent multiplication, where the descending limb allows passive reabsorption of water, while the ascending limb actively pumps out sodium and chloride ions. This creates an osmotic gradient that allows for further water reabsorption in the collecting ducts, leading to concentrated urine.

A. Blockage of retinal capillaries causing ischemic damage of the central macular area. B. Opaque spoke-like lines developing in the periphery of the lens to the center. C. Tears in the retina that detach from the lining of the posterior eyeball. D. An increase in intraocular pressure with loss of peripheral vision.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) Blockage of retinal capillaries causing ischemic damage of the central macular area:

Correct. Blurry central vision that worsens over time can be indicative of macular ischemia, often caused by blockage of retinal capillaries leading to ischemic damage of the central macular area. This condition can occur in diseases such as diabetic retinopathy or retinal vein occlusion.

B) Opaque spoke-like lines developing in the periphery of the lens to the center:

This description is more characteristic of cataracts, which cause visual disturbances such as glare or halos around lights rather than blurry central vision.

C) Tears in the retina that detach from the lining of the posterior eyeball:

Retinal tears and subsequent detachment can cause visual disturbances, but they typically present as sudden onset of floaters, flashes of light, and a curtain-like shadow over the visual field rather than blurry central vision.

D) An increase in intraocular pressure with loss of peripheral vision:

This description is indicative of glaucoma, which can lead to loss of peripheral vision (visual field defects) rather than blurry central vision. Glaucoma-related visual field loss usually begins peripherally and progresses inward, affecting central vision in later stages.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

In the kidney, where are the mechanisms found that are responsible for increasing urine concentration?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A client reports experiencing blurry central vision that has recently worsened. Which pathological process supports the client's subjective report?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Which explanation should the nurse give to a male client on why benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) often causes urinary retention

The nurse is caring for a young adult who reports uncontrolled acne vulgaris. Which pathological findings should the nurse observe on inspection of skin areas commonly affected in acne vulgaris?

The nurse is assessing a client with a gunshot wound to the abdomen who is admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) following a 3-hour surgical procedure. Which elevated laboratory value indicates pancreatic damage?

The nurse is providing care for a client with a diagnosis of otosclerosis due to previous ear surgeries. Which type of pathological hearing loss supports the client's clinical history?

The nurse is preparing a female client with Addison's disease for self-care afi.4 discharge. Which is the pathophysiological basis to support the need for the client to carry a cortisol kit at all times?

The nurse is caring for an immobilized client who is at risk for breakdown in skin integrity. Which pathophysiological process should the nurse note early in the development of a pressure injury?

After the nurse obtains a blood sample from a client's right radial arterial client reports a sudden onset of pain at the arterial line insertion site. The nurse recognizes which physiological effect may be inducing the sudden pain?