Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) Nursing Practice Test

Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, is a common symptom associated with Superior Vena Cava Syndrome (SVCS). SVCS occurs when there is obstruction of the superior vena cava, leading to reduced blood flow from the head, neck, and upper limbs back to the heart. This obstruction can cause increased venous pressure, leading to symptoms such as swelling of the face, neck, and arms, as well as respiratory distress or dyspnea due to increased pressure in the thoracic cavity. The resultant fluid accumulation and elevation of thoracic pressure can hinder normal lung expansion, making breathing difficult.

The other symptoms listed do not directly point towards SVCS. Rapid weight gain could be related to fluid retention seen in various conditions but does not specifically indicate SVCS. Coughing up blood might suggest other issues such as lung disease or pulmonary embolism. Numbness in the limbs may indicate neurological issues or peripheral neuropathy rather than a venous obstruction such as that seen in SVCS. Hence, dyspnea is the most indicative symptom of this condition.