Neurologic Oncological Emergencies: Malignant Spinal Cord Compression (MSCC)

What is defined as malignant spinal cord compression (MSCC)?

Compression of the spinal cord as a result of malignant disease (correct)
Compression of the spinal cord due to non-cancerous tumors
Compression of the spinal cord due to benign disease
Compression of the spinal cord as a result of infection

What is the typical cause of malignant spinal cord compression (MSCC)?

Metastasis from distant organs
Extradural tumor compressing the thecal sac (correct)
Intramedullary tumor
Dural metastases

How does associated edema exacerbate malignant spinal cord compression (MSCC)?

It causes white matter dehydration
It reduces the compression on the spinal cord
It has no effect on spinal cord compression
It exacerbates the compression on the spinal cord (correct)

What percentage of cancer patients does malignant spinal cord compression (MSCC) occur in?

5-10% (B) Signup and view all the answers

What are some potential consequences of established malignant spinal cord compression (MSCC)?

Paraplegia and urinary/faecal incontinence (C) Signup and view all the answers

How do symptoms of spinal cord compression typically develop?

Depending on the cause, they can develop quickly or slowly (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary factor contributing to infarction of the spinal cord in malignant spinal cord compression?

Vascular compromise resulting from compression (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of tumor is least likely to cause malignant spinal cord compression?

Benign tumor (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common symptom associated with increased intracranial pressure caused by brain metastasis?

Improved cognition (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the most accurate regarding the relationship between age and seizures caused by brain tumors?

Seizures are more common in patients over 45 years old with brain tumors. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common focal neurological symptom associated with brain metastasis?

Improved sensation (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following imaging tests is considered the gold standard for diagnosing brain metastasis?

MRI with contrast (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key role of neuro-oncology nurses in the management of patients with brain metastasis?

Symptom management and appropriate referrals (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common manifestation of altered consciousness seen in patients with brain metastasis?

Increased alertness (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common reason for additional imaging tests ordered in the workup of suspected brain metastasis?

To evaluate the patient's mental status (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key focus of nursing care for patients with brain metastasis?

Providing patient and family education (A) Signup and view all the answers

What are the three critical components of managing patients with metastatic brain tumors?

Non-chemotherapeutic and chemotherapeutic drugs, surgical techniques, and radiation (B) Signup and view all the answers

When is surgery typically performed for brain metastasis?

If it is likely to lead to greater relief of symptoms than other treatments (C) Signup and view all the answers

What type of cells do chemotherapeutic drugs primarily target in the treatment of brain metastasis?

Cancer cells that divide rapidly (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of radiation treatment when administered following surgical removal of a brain tumor?

To ensure no residual malignant cells remain in the tumor resection bed (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why is stereotactic radiosurgery preferred for treating certain brain lesions?

It can treat lesions that are not easily treated by surgery (A) Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario does surgery or stereotactic radiosurgery play a lesser role in treating intracranial metastatic tumors?

When there are more than four small tumors (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main advantages of stereotactic radiosurgery over traditional surgery for brain metastasis?

Noninvasiveness and fewer risks (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a goal of treatment for brain metastasis?

To improve functioning and control the cancer within the brain (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom associated with spinal cord compression?

Loss of sensation in the feet (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key indicator of a poor overall outcome for patients with metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC)?

Progressive nature of systemic cancer (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is typically done to diagnose spinal cord compression?

Imaging tests like CT or MRI scan (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended standard of care for patients with possible spinal cord compression?

Immobilization of the spine and gentle mobilization along with physiotherapists (C) Signup and view all the answers

What should nurses focus on as part of the multidisciplinary approach in managing metastatic spinal cord compression?

Evaluation of functional capacity and home care needs (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a common initial presenting symptom for metastatic spinal cord compression?

Pain (D) Signup and view all the answers

What kind of test may show bone growths called spurs that push against spinal nerves?

X-rays of the spine (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for patients and caregivers to report symptoms promptly?

To prevent further complications from delayed treatment (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a crucial aspect of emotional support provided by nurses for patients and carers?

Suggesting alternative therapies not supported by medical evidence (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate goal for patients with metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC)?

Discharge home and community palliative care referral (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the NOMS framework used for in the treatment of metastatic spinal cord compression?

Helping clinicians direct treatment based on neurologic, oncologic, mechanical, and systemic factors (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a potential treatment option for spinal cord compression in the text?

Antibiotics (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common type of brain tumor?

Brain metastases (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following cancers is NOT mentioned in the text as being likely to metastasize to the brain?

Ovarian cancer (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the standard of care for small-cell lung cancer patients to prevent brain metastases?

Prophylactic cranial irradiation (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding the distribution of brain metastases, according to the text?

Different cancer subtypes tend to have different distributions within the brain (A) Signup and view all the answers