Warning signs of lung cancer include persistent cough, bloody sputum, dyspnea and which of the other followin… - Chitranjjan National Cancer Institute Kolkata - 2021

Chitranjjan National Cancer Institute Kolkata - 2021

Medical & Surgical Nursing

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Appeared in: Chitranjjan National Cancer Institute Kolkata - 2021

Explanation

Lung cancer is a primary cause of malignant pleural effusions, which are often recurrent.
The tumor can directly invade the pleura or obstruct lymphatic drainage, leading to the accumulation of fluid in the space between the lung and the chest wall.
This fluid buildup causes symptoms like dyspnea, cough, and chest pain, which are classic signs associated with lung cancer.
While other symptoms like weakness can occur, recurrent pleural effusion is a more specific and significant finding related to the local spread of the tumor.

Option A: Dizziness is a highly non-specific symptom with a wide range of potential causes (e.g., neurologic, cardiovascular, vestibular). It is not a characteristic or common warning sign of lung cancer.
Option B: Generalized weakness is a constitutional symptom common to many forms of advanced cancer and other chronic diseases. It lacks the specificity to be considered a key warning sign alongside cough, hemoptysis, and dyspnea.
Option C: Hypotension (low blood pressure) is not a typical sign of lung cancer. It is more indicative of late-stage complications such as septic shock, adrenal insufficiency from metastases, or cardiac tamponade from pericardial effusion.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Clinical manifestations of lung cancer as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Recognizing the signs of pleural effusion (decreased breath sounds, dullness to percussion, dyspnea) is a critical nursing skill, as it can be a sign of underlying malignancy like lung cancer.
Nurses play a key role in preparing for and assisting with thoracentesis, a procedure to drain pleural fluid for both therapeutic relief and diagnostic analysis (cytology).
Patient education is vital. A nurse should teach the patient about the purpose of the procedure, the importance of remaining still, and the signs of complications to report post-procedure, such as sudden shortness of breath or chest pain.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the question stem. It asks for an additional warning sign of lung cancer, given a list of classic symptoms (persistent cough, bloody sputum, dyspnea).
Evaluate each option based on its direct relationship to lung pathology and common presentation of lung cancer.
Consider the specificity of each symptom. Dizziness and generalized weakness are very general and can be caused by countless conditions.
Hypotension is a sign of systemic instability or late-stage complications, not typically an initial warning sign of the cancer itself.
Recurrent pleural effusion is a direct consequence of tumor growth affecting the pleural lining or lymphatic drainage in the chest. It fits logically with the other respiratory symptoms provided.
Therefore, select recurrent pleural effusion as the most specific and relevant warning sign among the choices.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Clinical manifestations of lung cancer
Stem keywords: lung cancer, warning signs, persistent cough, bloody sputum, dyspnea
Lead-in keywords: which of the other following symptoms
Negative lead-in flag: false

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