Superior Vena Cava Syndrome
Superior Vena Cava Syndrome Brenda K. Shelton I. Definition: Superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) is a disorder defined by internal or external obstruction of the superior vena cava (SVC), leading…
Tumor Lysis Syndrome
Tumor Lysis Syndrome Kristen L. Ambrosio I. Definition: Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is an oncologic emergency in which metabolic imbalance occurs as a consequence of tumor cell kill, causing rapid…
Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone [SIADH]
Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone [SIADH] MiKaela Olsen Joanne P. Finley I. Definition: SIADH is a syndrome resulting from the abnormal production of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), causing excessive water retention,…
Spinal Cord Compression
Spinal Cord Compression Brenda K. Shelton I. Definition: Spinal cord compression (SCC) is a disorder caused by direct pressure or compromised vascular supply to the spinal cord or cauda equina….
Pleural Effusions
Pleural Effusions Brenda K. Shelton Beth Kozak Onners I. Definition A. Excess fluid accumulation in the pleural space (Antunes et al., 2003) 1. Large effusion is defined as more than…
Neoplastic Cardiac Tamponade
Neoplastic Cardiac Tamponade Brenda K. Shelton I. Definition: Cardiac tamponade is a syndrome of pericardial constriction that does not permit the normal expansion of the heart, impeding venous blood return…
Hypercalcemia
Hypercalcemia MiKaela Olsen Joanne P. Finley I. Definition: Corrected serum calcium greater than 11.0 mg/dL. A. Normal serum calcium is 8.6 to 10.5, and normal ionized calcium is 1.13 to…
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation [DIC]
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation [DIC] Brenda K. Shelton I. Definition: Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is defined as accelerated activation of the coagulation cascade disproportionate to normal feedback mechanisms, which results in…
Venous Access Devices
Venous Access Devices Norrie Rabinowitz-Hirsch MiKaela Olsen I. Definition: Approximately 150 million venous access devices (VAD) are inserted each year in the United States. Five million of these are central…
Psychosocial Issues
Psychosocial Issues Karin Taylor Laura Herald Hoofring I. Overview: The emotional responses to a diagnosis of cancer are varied and never static as patients and families make their way through…
