A nurse is caring for a patient with lung cancer who reports chest pain, dyspnea, facial redness, and swollen neck veins. After assessing these symptoms, which condition should the nurse prioritize preparing for?
Pericarditis
Pneumothorax
Pulmonary embolism
Superior vena cava syndrome
The Correct Answer is D
Rationale:
A. Pericarditis typically presents with sharp, pleuritic chest pain that may improve when leaning forward, often accompanied by pericardial friction rub or fever. While chest pain is a symptom, facial redness and neck vein swelling are not characteristic, making pericarditis less likely in this scenario.
B. A pneumothorax usually causes sudden, unilateral chest pain and shortness of breath, sometimes with decreased breath sounds on the affected side. It does not typically cause facial redness or distended neck veins, so it is unlikely to explain the full set of symptoms.
C. Pulmonary embolism presents with sudden dyspnea, pleuritic chest pain, tachypnea, and possibly hemoptysis. While the patient has dyspnea and chest pain, facial redness and swollen neck veins are not typical, making PE less likely as the priority.
D. Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome occurs when the SVC is partially obstructed, often by a tumor such as lung cancer. Classic signs include facial and neck swelling, redness (plethora), distended neck veins, and dyspnea. Chest pain may also be present. This condition can become life-threatening if not promptly managed, making it the nurse’s priority to prepare for interventions such as elevating the head of the bed, oxygen therapy, and notifying the healthcare provider immediately.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","G"]
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Increasing age is one of the most significant risk factors for breast cancer. Most cases are diagnosed in women over the age of 50, although risk begins to increase after menopause. Over time, cumulative exposure to estrogen and progesterone contributes to DNA mutations in breast tissue, increasing cancer risk. Aging also reduces the efficiency of DNA repair mechanisms, making cells more susceptible to malignant changes.
B. Women with dense breast tissue have more glandular and fibrous tissue relative to fat. Dense tissue is associated with a higher risk of breast cancer because there is more epithelial tissue where tumors can develop. Additionally, dense tissue can make mammogram interpretation more difficult, delaying early detection. This combination of higher risk and diagnostic challenge makes dense breast tissue an important factor to recognize.
C. A family history of breast cancer, especially in a first-degree relative such as a mother, sister, or daughter, significantly increases a woman’s risk. This may reflect shared genetic factors, environmental exposures, or lifestyle patterns. Multiple affected relatives or early-onset breast cancer in the family further heighten the risk, suggesting possible hereditary cancer syndromes.
D. Men can develop breast cancer, but it is extremely rare, accounting for less than 1% of all breast cancer cases. Male breast tissue is mostly inactive, which reduces the likelihood of malignant changes. Therefore, being male is not considered a significant risk factor compared to female sex.
E. Regular physical activity is actually protective against breast cancer. Exercise helps maintain a healthy body weight, reduce estrogen levels, and improve immune function, all of which decrease cancer risk. It is a recommended lifestyle measure for prevention, not a risk factor.
F. A low-fat diet is considered protective because it can lower circulating estrogen levels, reduce obesity, and improve overall health. Dietary patterns rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins are associated with lower breast cancer risk, so low-fat diets do not contribute to risk.
G. Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are strongly linked to breast cancer. These genes normally function in DNA repair and tumor suppression. When mutated, they fail to correct DNA damage, leading to uncontrolled cell growth. Women with these mutations have a lifetime breast cancer risk of up to 70%, making genetic testing and counseling important for high-risk individuals.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Weight loss is a common symptom of leukemia due to increased metabolism and decreased appetite, but it is not immediately life-threatening. It requires monitoring and nutritional support but is not the highest priority.
B. A hematocrit of 35% is slightly below normal for adults (normal range: ~37–47% for women, 42–52% for men). While anemia requires attention, this level is not critically low and is not the most urgent finding.
C. Bone pain is often caused by marrow expansion from leukemic cells. It can indicate rapid disease progression or high leukemic burden, which may affect organ function or mobility. Using the ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) and Maslow/urgency prioritization frameworks, acute pain that reflects marrow infiltration is prioritized over moderate lab changes or chronic symptoms like weight loss. Severe pain may also signal risk of fractures or tissue compromise.
D. Although this is mild thrombocytopenia (normal: 150,000–400,000/mm³), it does not pose immediate bleeding risk. Platelet counts below 50,000/mm³ would be more concerning for spontaneous bleeding.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.