A bedridden patient in hospice care is suffering from nausea, vomiting, confusion, constipation, lethargy, decreased deep tendon reflexes, polyuria, and extreme thirst. A nurse identifies these symptoms as

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms described are indicative of hypercalcemia, a common complication in patients with end-stage cancer. Nausea, vomiting, confusion, lethargy, and decreased deep tendon reflexes are all neurological symptoms commonly seen in hypercalcemia. Polyuria and extreme thirst are signs of renal impairment, which can also be caused by hypercalcemia. Dyspnea and cyanosis are not described in this scenario, and Cheyne-Stokes respirations are not commonly associated with hypercalcemia.

A Bedridden Patient in Hospice Care Is Suffering from Nausea