Oncologic emergencies in the patient with lymphoma.

OBJECTIVES

To provide a brief overview of the oncologic emergencies most commonly occurring in lymphoma patients.

DATA SOURCES

Published articles, research studies, and reference books.

CONCLUSIONS

As a result of their malignancy and the treatments they receive, lymphoma patients are at an increased risk for the development of the following oncologic emergencies: superior vena cava syndrome, cardiac tamponade, sepsis, acute tumor lysis syndrome, and increased intracranial pressure. If not recognized and treated quickly, these complications can be deadly. With appropriate medical and nursing management, these emergencies either can be prevented or their complications minimized.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

An awareness of which patients are at risk for these complications and the pathophysiology of each emergency will assist nurses in the implementation of treatment measures.