Oncologic Emergency Causes Clinical Manifestations Diagnostics and Treatments Nursing Responsibilities
Superior Vena Cava Syndrome Compression or invasion of SVC Impaired venous drainage. Chest x-ray Monitor for signs and symptoms
by tumor, enlarged lymph Shortness of breath. CT scan of SVCS.
nodes, or thrombus. Cough; hoarseness. MRI Monitor cardiac, respiratory,
Chest pain. and neurological status.
Risk of occurrence with lung Facial swelling and edema. Treatment: Monitor fluid volume status.
and breast cancer. Difficulty swallowing. Radiation or chemotherapy to Avoid upper extremity
Distended neck veins. shrink tumor. venipuncture and blood
Increased ICP with associated pressure.
visual disturbances; headache.
Infection, Sepsis, Septic Shock Nadir = Period after Fever Complete Blood Count (CBC) Monitor CBC values.
chemotherapy administration Signs of infection. Vital signs. Identify cancer patients at risk
when the WBC and platelet for infection.
count are at the lowest point; Mild elevation of temperature
occurs 7-14 days after can quickly progress to sepsis, Place patients in “Neutropenic
administration. septic shock, and death. Precautions” at the slightest
The “nadir” period affects the indication of infection. Don’t
immune system and causes the wait to see if things change!
patient to be vulnerable to
infection. No exposure to infection!
Spinal Cord Compression Compression or swelling around Local inflammation and edema Spinal cord x-rays. Monitor neurological function.
spinal cord and its nerve roots in area of compression. CT scan Control pain.
from tumor, lymphomas, Loss of movement and MRI Prevent complications from
intervertebral collapse, or sensation according to Myelogram immobility.
interruption of blood supply to dermatome chart.
the nerve tissue. Pain increased with movement. Percussion tenderness at level Look at a dermatome chart.
60% occur at the thoracic level. Bladder and/or bowel of compression.
dysfunction depending on level Abnormal reflexes.
of compression.
Tx: palliative care with high
dose corticosteroids to reduce
the swelling around the spinal
cord; high dose radiation to
reduce the size of the tumor;
surgery to remove the tumor
, Hypercalcemia Bone destruction by tumor cells Fatigue, weakness and Serum calcium levels exceeding Identify and monitor patients at
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