Which symptoms might indicate tumor lysis syndrome during chemotherapy treatment?

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Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is a critical condition that can occur after the rapid breakdown of tumor cells during chemotherapy, leading to the release of intracellular contents into the bloodstream. The hallmark biochemical abnormalities associated with TLS include significant elevations in potassium, phosphate, and uric acid levels, along with a decreased level of calcium (hypocalcemia).

Hyperkalemia occurs due to the release of potassium from lysed tumor cells. This is a direct consequence of the rapid destruction of cancer cells that leads to the overflow of potassium into the bloodstream, which can result in cardiac arrhythmias if not managed promptly. Hyperphosphatemia similarly results from the release of phosphate during cell lysis. Elevated phosphate levels can lead to various complications, including precipitation of calcium phosphate, which can contribute to hypocalcemia.

Other options listed do not accurately represent the typical biochemical changes seen in TLS. Therefore, the correct choice highlights the critical findings of hyperkalemia and hyperphosphatemia, confirming its relevance in the context of tumor lysis syndrome during chemotherapy treatment.

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