OCN Oncologic Emergencies

Question 1

A patient with small cell lung cancer presents with facial swelling, venous distension of the neck and chest, and dyspnea. This presentation is most consistent with:

Accepted Answer

Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome

Answer

Cardiac tamponade

Answer

Pulmonary embolism

Answer

Tension pneumothorax

Question 2

Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is most likely to occur in which cancer type?

Accepted Answer

Highly proliferative tumors such as Burkitt lymphoma or ALL

Answer

Slow-growing solid tumors

Answer

Hormone-sensitive breast cancer

Answer

Well-differentiated thyroid cancer

Question 3

Which laboratory finding is NOT consistent with tumor lysis syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Hypercalcemia

Answer

Hyperkalemia

Answer

Hyperphosphatemia

Answer

Hyperuricemia

Question 4

A patient with multiple myeloma presents with confusion, polyuria, and constipation. Serum calcium is 13.5 mg/dL. The priority nursing intervention is:

Accepted Answer

Initiate aggressive IV hydration with normal saline

Answer

Administer IV bisphosphonates immediately

Answer

Restrict fluid intake

Answer

Administer oral calcium supplements

Question 5

Spinal cord compression in oncology patients most commonly presents initially with:

Accepted Answer

Back pain

Answer

Bowel and bladder incontinence

Answer

Complete paralysis

Answer

Sensory loss only

Question 6

Which treatment is the immediate priority for a patient with confirmed malignant spinal cord compression?

Accepted Answer

High-dose corticosteroids (dexamethasone)

Answer

Surgical decompression

Answer

Radiation therapy

Answer

Chemotherapy