Pathophysiology of Tumor Lysis Syndrome

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Questions and Answers

Which electrolyte imbalance is primarily associated with muscle cramps and tetany in tumor lysis syndrome?

  • Hyperkalemia
  • Hyperuricemia
  • Hyperphosphatemia
  • Hypocalcemia (correct)

What is a primary consequence of tumor lysis syndrome?

  • Hypoglycemia
  • Decreased red blood cell production
  • Metabolic derangement (correct)
  • Increased white blood cell count

Which is an effective medical management strategy for hyperkalemia in tumor lysis syndrome?

  • Oral phosphate binders
  • Administration of hypertonic dextrose and regular insulin (correct)
  • Administration of potassium supplements
  • Increased dietary potassium intake

What is a common gastrointestinal manifestation of tumor lysis syndrome?

<p>Nausea (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following treatments aims to alkalinize urine in patients at risk for tumor lysis syndrome?

<p>Diuretic therapy with carbonic anhydrase inhibitor (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which clinical manifestation is associated with renal impairment in tumor lysis syndrome?

<p>Oliguria or anuria (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following treatments is NOT typically associated with managing tumor lysis syndrome?

<p>Gene therapy (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which intervention is essential for nursing management of patients at risk for tumor lysis syndrome?

<p>Monitoring serum electrolyte levels (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a goal of chemotherapy in treating cancer?

<p>To destroy malignant cells while sparing normal cells (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What clinical finding might indicate hyperphosphatemia in a patient with tumor lysis syndrome?

<p>Nausea and abdominal cramps (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Pathophysiology of Tumor Lysis Syndrome

  • Occurs in patients with bulky, highly proliferative, and chemosensitive tumors undergoing cytotoxic treatment.
  • Rapid destruction of cancer cells results in the release of large amounts of intracellular components like potassium, phosphorus, and nucleic acids into the bloodstream.
  • Impaired renal excretion leads to a buildup of metabolites, causing metabolic derangements.
  • Key metabolic alterations include:
    • Hyperuricemia
    • Hyperphosphatemia
    • Hyperkalemia
    • Hypocalcemia
  • These alterations can lead to serious health complications affecting multiple systems:
    • Neurological issues such as fatigue, seizures, and memory loss.
    • Cardiac complications including dysrhythmias and potential cardiac arrest.
    • Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, anorexia, and diarrhea.
    • Renal problems including oliguria and possible renal failure.

Clinical Manifestations

  • Neurological: Symptoms include fatigue, weakness, memory impairment, muscle cramps, tetany, paresthesias, and seizures.
  • Cardiac: Manifestations include elevated blood pressure, shortened QT intervals, widened QR waves, dysrhythmias, and potential cardiac arrest.
  • Gastrointestinal: Symptoms encompass anorexia, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea.
  • Renal: Indicators include oliguria, anuria, renal failure, and acidic urine pH.

Diagnostic Evaluation

  • Laboratory tests reveal electrolyte imbalances as a critical component of diagnosis for tumor lysis syndrome.

Management

Medical Management

  • Diuretic therapy with carbonic anhydrase inhibitors is used to alkalinize urine.
  • Administration of hypertonic dextrose and regular insulin facilitates cellular uptake of potassium, thus lowering serum potassium levels.
  • Hemodialysis is indicated for persistent electrolyte disturbances unresponsive to medical management.
  • Phosphate-binding gels, like aluminum hydroxide, are used to treat hyperphosphatemia.

Nursing Management

  • Identify at-risk patients for tumor lysis syndrome.
  • Implement preventative measures, including hydration.
  • Regular assessment for signs and symptoms of electrolyte imbalances.
  • Monitor urine pH to confirm alkalization.
  • Continuously track serum electrolyte levels and uric acid, monitoring for signs of fluid overload.

Modalities of Cancer Treatment

  • Objectives include destroying malignant cells while sparing healthy tissue, inducing remission, relieving pain, and palliating symptoms.
  • Treatment approaches can vary from single therapies to combinatorial methods, including:
    • Chemotherapy
    • Radiation therapy
    • Gene therapy
    • Biological therapy
    • Stem cell and bone marrow transplantation
    • Surgical interventions

Chemotherapy

  • Involves systemic administration of chemicals to target and destroy cancer cells or provide palliative symptom relief.
  • Directly impacts cancer cellular function, contributing to improved quality of life for patients.

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