Oncology: tumor lysis syndrome: practice question

A General Medicine question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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General Medicine · Oncology: tumor lysis syndrome

Sample item

Soon after chemotherapy for high-burden lymphoma, a patient develops hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia, and acute kidney injury. What syndrome is present?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Tumor lysis syndrome

Tumor lysis syndrome results from rapid breakdown of malignant cells, releasing potassium, phosphate, and nucleic acids that generate uric acid. Prevention and treatment include risk stratification, hydration, and urate-lowering therapy.

Option by option

  • A. Refeeding syndrome

    Refeeding syndrome causes low phosphate after nutritional reintroduction.

  • B. Tumor lysis syndrome (correct)

    Correct. This metabolic cluster after cytotoxic therapy is classic.

  • C. SIADH

    SIADH causes hyponatremia with concentrated urine.

  • D. Adrenal insufficiency

    Adrenal insufficiency causes hypotension, hyponatremia, and hyperkalemia.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this General Medicine question

What is the answer to this General Medicine question?

The best answer is B, Tumor lysis syndrome. Tumor lysis syndrome results from rapid breakdown of malignant cells, releasing potassium, phosphate, and nucleic acids that generate uric acid.

Why is "Refeeding syndrome" not the answer?

Refeeding syndrome causes low phosphate after nutritional reintroduction.

Why is "SIADH" not the answer?

SIADH causes hyponatremia with concentrated urine.

Why is "Adrenal insufficiency" not the answer?

Adrenal insufficiency causes hypotension, hyponatremia, and hyperkalemia.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Oncology: tumor lysis syndrome in General Medicine. Prevention and treatment include risk stratification, hydration, and urate-lowering therapy.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Oncology: tumor lysis syndrome?

For each disease know the classic presentation, the best test, and the first-line treatment. Then use the flashcards and the other General Medicine questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.