Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP) Certification Practice Test

Which symptom indicates a urgent assessment for Superior Vena Cava Syndrome (SVSC)?

1. Wheezing

2. Stridor

3. Hyperventilation

4. Dry Cough

The correct answer is: Stridor

Stridor is a significant indicator for urgent assessment in cases of Superior Vena Cava Syndrome (SVCS). This symptom arises from turbulent airflow in the upper airway, typically caused by swelling or obstruction. In SVCS, the compression of the superior vena cava can lead to increased intrathoracic pressure and subsequent airway compromise, potentially resulting in stridor. This sound suggests that the airway may be narrowed, and immediate medical evaluation is critical to prevent further complications. Wheezing, hyperventilation, and a dry cough, while potentially indicative of respiratory issues, do not specifically point towards an acute obstruction in the upper airway as clearly as stridor does. Therefore, stridor's association with airway patency makes it a key symptom that calls for urgent evaluation in the context of SVCS.