The child is receiving chemotherapy for acute lymphocytic leukemia. The nurse recognizes that a potential oncological emergency for this child would be tumor lysis syndrome. For which symptoms should the nurse monitor this child?

Question

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Tumor lysis syndrome is a potential oncologic emergency that can occur in patients undergoing chemotherapy. It is characterized by the rapid release of intracellular contents (potassium, phosphate, and nucleic acids) from dying cancer cells, which can lead to electrolyte disturbances, acute kidney injury, and other complications. Symptoms to monitor for include oliguria (decreased urine output), altered levels of consciousness, nausea/vomiting, muscle cramps, seizures, and cardiac arrhythmias. Respiratory distress and cyanosis, thrombocytopenia and leukocytosis, and upper-extremity edema and neck vein distension are not typically associated with tumor lysis syndrome.

The Child Is Receiving Chemotherapy for Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia