Oncology Certified Nurse Practice Test 2025 – Complete Exam Prep

Superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) occurs when there is obstruction of blood flow through the superior vena cava, often due to malignancy, thrombosis, or other compressive processes. One of the hallmark symptoms of this condition is the edema of the face, neck, and upper thorax. This happens because the obstruction leads to increased venous pressure in the areas drained by the superior vena cava, causing fluid accumulation and swelling.

The presence of edema in these areas can manifest as a sensation of fullness or tightness in the face and neck and can lead to noticeable distension of veins. This clinical presentation is critical in diagnosing SVCS, particularly in oncology patients who may have tumors that could compress or invade structures around the superior vena cava.

While the other symptoms listed can be associated with a range of conditions, including malignancies or other cardiovascular disruptions, they are not specific to SVCS. Hypotension could occur in various acute settings but isn't a defining feature of SVCS. Chest pain might arise from a different pathology, such as pericardial involvement or acute pulmonary issues. Nausea is a nonspecific symptom that could result from numerous causes, including medication side effects or gastrointestinal disturbances, but it doesn't correlate with SVCS specifically. Thus