Nokea
The nurse is caring for a patient with an advanced stage of breast cancer and the patient has recently learned that her cancer has metastasized. The nurse enters the room and finds the patient struggling to breathe and the nurse's rapid assessment reveals that the patient's jugular veins are distended. The nurse should suspect the development of what oncologic emergency?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Dyspnea plus distended jugulars scream SVCS breast cancer's mets can squeeze the vena cava, blocking venous return from the head and chest. It's an oncology emergency, fast-tracking to edema and airway issues if unchecked. Intracranial pressure needs brain involvement less likely here. Spinal compression hits legs and bladder, not breathing. Neck tumors might press locally, but SVCS fits this picture. Nurses jump on this, pushing for steroids or stenting, knowing seconds count.