Lymphoma — NCLEX Cheat Sheet
Painless lymph node + B symptomsAlso known as: lymph node cancer · Hodgkin · Hodgkin's disease · non-Hodgkin lymphoma · cancer of the lymph system
Use this quick-reference guide to spot, treat, and prevent Lymphoma on the NCLEX. Keep it handy during review and on exam day!
🩺📒 The 1-minute cheat sheet
📌 Types
- Hodgkin: Reed-Sternberg cells
- non-Hodgkin: more common, spread
🩺 Signs
- PAINLESS enlarged lymph node
- B sx: fever, night sweats, wt loss
- pruritus, fatigue, ETOH node pain
📌 Dx
- lymph node biopsy confirms
- staging by CT/PET scan
✅ Do
- chemo + radiation, good prognosis
- neutropenic precautions during Tx
- report fever, infection signs
📚 Lymphoma — full study notes
The cheat sheet above is your quick recall card. These notes go deeper — what it is, what to do first, what must be reported, and what to teach.
Key points
Understand these first- The hallmark is painless, enlarged, firm lymph nodes, often in the neck or supraclavicular area.
- B symptoms are fever, drenching night sweats, and unexplained weight loss (over 10%).
- Hodgkin lymphoma is identified by Reed-Sternberg cells on biopsy and tends to spread predictably node-to-node.
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma spreads more diffusely and is often diagnosed at a later stage.
- Pruritus (generalized itching) and fatigue are common.
- Hodgkin lymphoma has a high cure rate, especially when caught early.
Nursing priorities
What to do, in order- Prepare the patient for and support lymph node biopsy, which confirms diagnosis and type.
- Protect the patient from infection during chemotherapy or radiation-induced immunosuppression.
- Institute bleeding precautions when platelets are low from treatment.
- Manage treatment side effects such as nausea, fatigue, and skin changes from radiation.
- Provide emotional support and education about staging, fertility preservation, and the treatment plan.
Red flags — report now
Escalate immediately- Report fever or signs of infection during treatment-induced neutropenia.
- Report new or rapidly enlarging nodes, superior vena cava syndrome (facial/neck swelling, distended neck veins, dyspnea).
- Report uncontrolled bleeding or severe drop in blood counts.
Labs & values
Numbers to know- Lymph node biopsy positive for Reed-Sternberg cells (Hodgkin) or malignant lymphocytes
- ESR (normal up to ~20 mm/hr) often elevated
- WBC, platelets, and hemoglobin may decrease with marrow involvement or treatment
- LDH may be elevated
Patient teaching
What patients must know- Protect irradiated skin: keep it dry, avoid sun, heat, and harsh soaps, and do not wash off radiation markings.
- Report fever, infection, or unusual bleeding promptly during therapy.
- Discuss fertility preservation before starting treatment and follow up for long-term cancer surveillance.
❓ Lymphoma: NCLEX FAQs
What are the priority nursing interventions for Lymphoma?
Prepare the patient for and support lymph node biopsy, which confirms diagnosis and type. Protect the patient from infection during chemotherapy or radiation-induced immunosuppression. Institute bleeding precautions when platelets are low from treatment. Manage treatment side effects such as nausea, fatigue, and skin changes from radiation.
What are the warning signs of Lymphoma a nurse must report?
Report fever or signs of infection during treatment-induced neutropenia. Report new or rapidly enlarging nodes, superior vena cava syndrome (facial/neck swelling, distended neck veins, dyspnea). Report uncontrolled bleeding or severe drop in blood counts.
What do I need to know about Lymphoma for the NCLEX?
The hallmark is painless, enlarged, firm lymph nodes, often in the neck or supraclavicular area. B symptoms are fever, drenching night sweats, and unexplained weight loss (over 10%). Hodgkin lymphoma is identified by Reed-Sternberg cells on biopsy and tends to spread predictably node-to-node. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma spreads more diffusely and is often diagnosed at a later stage.
What patient teaching is important for Lymphoma?
Protect irradiated skin: keep it dry, avoid sun, heat, and harsh soaps, and do not wash off radiation markings. Report fever, infection, or unusual bleeding promptly during therapy. Discuss fertility preservation before starting treatment and follow up for long-term cancer surveillance.
Quick Tip
The hallmark is painless, enlarged, firm lymph nodes, often in the neck or supraclavicular area.
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