Page 2447 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

e. Encourage walking to prevent
breakdown of bone.
F. Superior vena cava syndrome
1. Description
a. Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome
occurs when the SVC is compressed or
obstructed by tumor growth
(commonly associated with lung
cancer and lymphoma).
b. Signs and symptoms result from
blockage of blood flow in the venous
system of the head, neck, and upper
trunk.
c. Early signs and symptoms generally
occur in the morning and include
edema of the face, especially around
the eyes, and tightness of the shirt or
blouse collar (Stokes’ sign).
d. As the condition worsens, edema in the
arms and hands, dyspnea, erythema of
the upper body, swelling of the veins
in the chest and neck, and epistaxis
occur.
e. Life-threatening signs and symptoms
include airway obstruction,
hemorrhage, cyanosis, mental status
changes, decreased cardiac output, and
hypotension.
2. Interventions
a. Assess for early signs and symptoms of
SVC syndrome.
b. Place the client in semi-Fowler’s
position and administer corticosteroids
and diuretics as prescribed.
c. Prepare the client for high-dose
radiation therapy to the mediastinal
area, and possible surgery to insert a
metal stent in the vena cava.
G. Tumor lysis syndrome
1. Description
a. Tumor lysis syndrome occurs when
large quantities of tumor cells are
destroyed rapidly and intracellular
components such as potassium and
uric acid are released into the
bloodstream faster than the body can
eliminate them.
b. Tumor lysis syndrome can indicate that

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