Any cancer- or treatment-related condition requiring rapid attention might be widely referred to as an oncologic emergency. Oncologic emergencies can be deceptive and take months to manifest, while others show up suddenly and result in severe death and morbidity. Early detection of these emergencies and prompt action can increase chances of survival and enhance quality of life. This course contains the core conditions of:

• Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)
• Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Excretion (SIADH)
• Bleeding and Thrombosis
• Superior Vena Cava Syndrome (SVCS)
• Cardiac Tamponade
• Increased Intracranial Pressure (IICP)
• Pleural Effusion (PE)

Nurses play a key role in the prevention and management of OEs. The Oncological Emergencies – Additional Conditions course will equip nurses with the knowledge they need to:

• Identify patients at greatest risk of OEs
• Institute possible preventative measures
• Recognize the early signs and symptoms of the OE
• Initiate prompt intervention

Course Objectives

By the end of this course you will be able to:

• Define each oncological emergency (OE)
• Discuss normal anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology related to the OE
• Discuss risk factors, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis for each OE including any standardized tools available
• Explain the principles of treatment for each OE
• Discuss the role of the nurse in assessment and management of each OE