A patient hospitalized for treatment of a mediastinal malignancy is at risk for developing superior vena cava (SVC)syndrome.The nurse would monitor for the development of which signs of this disorder? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.
Select all that apply.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome occurs when the SVC is compressed or obstructed by tumor growth or by thrombosis, leading to impaired blood flow from the head, neck, and upper extremities back to the heart. This results in increased venous pressure and subsequent symptoms such as headache (due to increased intracranial pressure), distended neck veins, and flushed face (both due to increased venous pressure in the upper body). Decreased pedal pulses and pain in the lower back are not directly related to SVC syndrome, as this condition primarily affects the upper body.

A Patient Hospitalized for Treatment of a Mediastinal Malignancy Is