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
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Provide pressure over the biopsy site:
Positioning the client on the right side after a liver biopsy is aimed at providing pressure over the biopsy site. This pressure helps in promoting hemostasis by compressing the blood vessels at the biopsy site, thus reducing the risk of bleeding or hematoma formation. The liver is located on the right side of the body, so positioning the client on the right side applies pressure directly over the liver, aiding in the prevention of bleeding complications.
B. Keep the client from aspirating:
Positioning the client on the right side after a liver biopsy is not primarily aimed at preventing aspiration. Aspiration precautions are typically implemented during procedures where there is a risk of regurgitation or vomiting, such as during anesthesia induction or recovery, rather than specifically after a liver biopsy.
C. Lessen the amount of post-procedure pain:
While positioning can play a role in managing post-procedure pain, the primary reason for positioning the client on the right side after a liver biopsy is to provide pressure over the biopsy site to promote hemostasis. Pain management strategies such as administering analgesics may be utilized to address any discomfort experienced by the client post-procedure.
D. Facilitate pulmonary expansion:
Positioning the client on the right side after a liver biopsy does not directly facilitate pulmonary expansion. Facilitating pulmonary expansion is typically achieved through interventions such as deep breathing exercises, incentive spirometry, and early ambulation rather than positioning alone.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Herpes simplex virus:
While herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause genital ulcers and lesions, it is not directly associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer. However, individuals with genital herpes may have an increased risk of acquiring human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a significant risk factor for cervical cancer.
B. Vulvovaginitis:
Vulvovaginitis refers to inflammation or infection of the vulva and vagina and can be caused by various factors, including bacterial, fungal, or viral infections. While chronic inflammation or infection may contribute to cellular changes in the cervix, it is not a direct risk factor for cervical cancer.
C. Human papillomavirus (HPV):
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most significant risk factor for developing cervical cancer. Certain high-risk strains of HPV, particularly HPV types 16 and 18, are strongly associated with the development of cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer. Persistent infection with high-risk HPV strains can lead to cellular changes in the cervix, eventually progressing to cervical cancer.
D. Chronic yeast infections:
Chronic yeast infections, also known as recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis, are caused by the overgrowth of Candida species in the vaginal area. While chronic yeast infections can cause discomfort and recurrent symptoms, they are not directly linked to an increased risk of cervical cancer. However, chronic irritation or inflammation in the genital area may increase the susceptibility to other infections, including HPV.
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