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A patient who has undergone an esophagectomy for esophageal cancer develops increasing pain, fever, and dyspnea when a full liquid diet is started postoperatively. The nurse recognizes that these symptoms are most indicative of:

A.

An intolerance to the feedings

B.

Esophageal perforation with fistula formation into the lung

C.

Extension of the tumor into the aorta

D.

Leakage of fluids into the mediastinum

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. An intolerance to the feedings might cause discomfort, but it would not typically cause increasing pain, fever, and dyspnea. These symptoms are more indicative of a serious complication.  
B. Esophageal perforation with fistula formation into the lung is the most likely cause of these symptoms. A perforation can lead to leakage of gastric contents into the pleural space or mediastinum, causing fever, pain, and respiratory distress. The formation of a fistula between the esophagus and the lung would lead to dyspnea.  
C. Extension of the tumor into the aorta is a rare complication that would typically manifest with symptoms related to cardiovascular issues, not gastrointestinal symptoms like fever and dyspnea.  
D. Leakage of fluids into the mediastinum is a possible cause of the symptoms, but esophageal perforation with a fistula into the lung is more directly linked to these specific symptoms, especially dyspnea.
 


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Tympany upon chest percussion is typically associated with the presence of air, such as in cases of pneumothorax or gastric distention. It is not a typical finding in pneumonia.
B. Unequal pupils (anisocoria) are not a common symptom of pneumonia and may indicate a neurological issue rather than a respiratory infection.
C. Hypertension is not a characteristic finding in community-acquired pneumonia. Pneumonia may cause changes in blood pressure, but hypotension or normal blood pressure is more likely.
D. Confusion is a common finding in older adults with pneumonia. This can be due to factors such as hypoxia, dehydration, or infection-related changes in mental status, often referred to as "pneumonia delirium" or "acute confusion." Older adults are particularly susceptible to cognitive changes due to infection.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. An intolerance to the feedings might cause discomfort, but it would not typically cause increasing pain, fever, and dyspnea. These symptoms are more indicative of a serious complication.
B. Esophageal perforation with fistula formation into the lung is the most likely cause of these symptoms. A perforation can lead to leakage of gastric contents into the pleural space or mediastinum, causing fever, pain, and respiratory distress. The formation of a fistula between the esophagus and the lung would lead to dyspnea.
C. Extension of the tumor into the aorta is a rare complication that would typically manifest with symptoms related to cardiovascular issues, not gastrointestinal symptoms like fever and dyspnea.
D. Leakage of fluids into the mediastinum is a possible cause of the symptoms, but esophageal perforation with a fistula into the lung is more directly linked to these specific symptoms, especially dyspnea.

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