The nurse provides care for a client diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Which observation does the nurse expect to find during assessment of the client?
A Enlargement of the spleen.
B Confusion and agitation.
C Frequent respiratory infections.
D Painful lesions of the lips and oral mucosa.
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is A: Enlargement of the spleen.
Explanation:
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a type of cancer that originates in the lymphatic system, which is part of the body’s immune system. It involves the abnormal growth of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, which can accumulate in lymph nodes, spleen, and other organs. These accumulations can cause various signs and symptoms depending on the affected area.
Enlargement of the spleen (splenomegaly) is a common finding in clients with NHL. The spleen is part of the lymphatic system and plays a role in filtering blood and helping the body fight infections. When affected by lymphoma, the spleen can become enlarged due to the accumulation of malignant lymphocytes. This enlargement can cause discomfort or pain in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen and may be palpable during a physical examination.
Confusion and agitation (Option B) are not typically associated with NHL. These symptoms are more indicative of neurological or psychiatric conditions, metabolic imbalances, or infections affecting the brain. Although central nervous system involvement can occur in advanced or aggressive forms of lymphoma, it is not a primary feature of the disease.
Frequent respiratory infections (Option C) could suggest immunosuppression, which may occur due to NHL, particularly if the disease or its treatment leads to a weakened immune system. However, respiratory infections are not a direct sign of lymphoma itself and would not be an expected finding during a routine assessment.
Painful lesions of the lips and oral mucosa (Option D) are characteristic of conditions like herpes simplex virus infections or oral thrush, especially in immunocompromised patients. While NHL patients may develop such lesions due to weakened immunity or treatment side effects, these are not direct symptoms of NHL.
In summary, the most expected observation in a client with NHL is splenomegaly. This reflects the nature of the disease, which primarily involves lymphoid tissue, including the spleen. Other options represent symptoms that are either less common or unrelated to the direct pathophysiology of NHL.