Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP) Certification Practice Test 2025 - Free AOCNP Practice Questions and Study Guide

The main feature of Tumor Lysis Syndrome is the accumulation of excessive cell lysis products. This condition typically arises shortly after the initiation of cancer treatment, particularly with rapidly dividing tumors. When cancer cells are destroyed in large numbers, they release their contents into the bloodstream, which includes potassium, phosphate, and nucleic acids.

The excessive release of these substances leads to metabolic disturbances such as hyperkalemia (high potassium), hyperphosphatemia (high phosphate), hypocalcemia (low calcium), and elevated uric acid levels, which can result in acute renal failure due to crystallization in the renal tubules.

These biochemical changes pose significant risks to patients, as they can lead to severe complications including cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, and kidney injury. Understanding this pathology and recognizing the signs and symptoms associated with it is crucial for timely intervention and management in oncology settings.