Patient Scenario:
Bob Nunez is a 60-year-old veteran of the USA military. Bob wasdiagnosed with lung cancer two years ago and is currently admittedto your oncology unit for chemotherapy management. Mr. Nunez andhis family are still pursuing cure of his cancer and palliativecare has not been discussed with him or his family. You enter theroom and hang Mr. Nunez’s 0900 dosage of IV chemotherapy perprotocol. You instruct him to use his call light for any concernsand leave to manage your other patients. At 10 am, Mr. Nunez ringsthe call bell. You enter to find him sitting straight up in thebed, clutching his chest. He is breathing at a rate of 30/min. Whenwalking to the other side of his bed, you note discoloration to theright side of his face accompanied by significant swelling.
My theory: Mr. Nunez is experiencing Superior Vena CavaSyndrome
Question: What interdisciplinary referral should the nurserequest for Mr. Nunez following this new complication?
