Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) Nursing Practice Test

Which symptoms are indicative of SVCS?

1. Pulmonary edema

2. Edema of face, neck, and upper thorax

3. Fever

4. Chest pain

The correct answer is: Edema of face, neck, and upper thorax

Superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) is characterized by obstruction of blood flow through the superior vena cava, leading to a distinct set of symptoms. The most indicative symptoms include facial swelling, neck swelling, and upper thoracic edema due to impaired venous return from the head, neck, and upper extremities. This occurs because the obstruction increases pressure in these areas, causing fluid to leak into the surrounding tissues, resulting in visible swelling. While other symptoms such as pulmonary edema, fever, and chest pain can occur in various medical contexts, they do not specifically point to SVCS. Pulmonary edema is typically associated with heart failure or fluid overload, fever might indicate infection, and chest pain can arise from a myriad of causes including cardiac events or other conditions. However, edema specifically located in the face, neck, and upper thorax is particularly characteristic of SVCS, making this option the most relevant symptom to identify.