Nursing Management of Tumor Lysis Syndrome

STATEMENT OF NEED

Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is an oncological emergency that occurs when massive tumor lysis causes the rapid release of intracellular components into the bloodstream. Electrolyte imbalances characterized by hyperuricemia, hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, and hypocalcemia may be severe enough to cause acute renal failure, cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, and even death. Current advances in cancer therapies can increase the incidence of TLS; therefore, identification of patients at risk for TLS and prophylactic measures to prevent TLS are critically important to preventing morbidity and mortality. This manuscript reviews the pathophysiology of TLS, the identification of patients at risk of TLS and the appropriate prophylactic treatment, the signs and symptoms of TLS, and supportive care measures to optimize outcomes when TLS does occur.

TARGET AUDIENCE

Oncology nurses, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and other health care professionals involved in the treatment of various tumor types

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:

Distinguish the risk factors, signs and symptoms of clinical and laboratory tumor lysis syndrome
Evaluate current and emerging options for the prophylaxis and treatment of patients with tumor lysis syndrome
Implement supportive care best practices for patients with tumor lysis syndrome
REQUIREMENTS FOR CREDIT

To claim your NCPD certificate for this activity, please complete the following steps:

Take the pretest
Read the monograph
Pass the posttest with a score of ≥80%
Complete the activity evaluation
Download your certificate of completion
TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS FOR VIRTUAL CME | NCPD | CPE ACTIVITIES

For virtual (asynchronous, archived live, home study; synchronous webinars) CME/NCPD/CE activities, include access to system requirements:

The Internet browser(s) supported and minimum versions of each required by the learner to complete the online activity.
The minimum memory, storage, processor, and Internet speeds require by the learner to complete the online activity.