Which combination represents signs of tumor lysis syndrome (TLS)?

Which combination represents signs of tumor lysis syndrome (TLS)?

• A. Fever, weight loss, fatigue, and night sweats.
• B. Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and constipation.
• C. Dehydration, seizures, cardiac dysrhythmias, and nausea/vomiting.
• D. Hypertension, edema, headaches, and blurred vision.

Answer: (C)

Tumor lysis syndrome reflects the sudden release of intracellular contents from lysed tumor cells, triggering electrolyte disturbances and uric acid–related kidney injury. The resulting problems—hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia, and rising uric acid—drive clinical signs. Dehydration can occur as fluids shift and as patients may have decreased intake or diuresis; seizures can arise from profound electrolyte abnormalities (especially hypocalcemia), and cardiac dysrhythmias come from the potassium and calcium disturbances. Nausea and vomiting are common early symptoms from metabolic derangements and renal stress. So, the combination including dehydration, seizures, cardiac dysrhythmias, and nausea/vomiting best represents TLS. Other options show symptoms not specific to TLS: constitutional symptoms like fever, weight loss, night sweats; primarily GI symptoms without electrolyte or renal context; or hypertension with headaches and vision changes, which point to other conditions.

Tumor lysis syndrome reflects the sudden release of intracellular contents from lysed tumor cells, triggering electrolyte disturbances and uric acid–related kidney injury. The resulting problems—hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia, and rising uric acid—drive clinical signs. Dehydration can occur as fluids shift and as patients may have decreased intake or diuresis; seizures can arise from profound electrolyte abnormalities (especially hypocalcemia), and cardiac dysrhythmias come from the potassium and calcium disturbances. Nausea and vomiting are common early symptoms from metabolic derangements and renal stress. So, the combination including dehydration, seizures, cardiac dysrhythmias, and nausea/vomiting best represents TLS.

Other options show symptoms not specific to TLS: constitutional symptoms like fever, weight loss, night sweats; primarily GI symptoms without electrolyte or renal context; or hypertension with headaches and vision changes, which point to other conditions.