Recognition and Management of Oncologic Emergencies in the Emergency Department

Course overview

Oncology patients present unique and complex challenges in the emergency department due to the effects of cancer, treatment-related toxicities, and compromised immune and hematologic function. Conditions that may appear routine in the general population can rapidly escalate to life-threatening emergencies in this medically fragile group. Emergency nurses must be prepared to recognize early warning signs, initiate timely interventions, and escalate care to prevent adverse outcomes. This continuing nursing education (CNE/CEU) course provides nurses with a comprehensive review of oncology foundations, common urgent presentations, and high-risk oncologic emergencies encountered in the emergency department setting. Content focuses on rapid assessment, prioritization, nursing interventions, and clinical decision-making across a wide range of cancer-related scenarios. Learners will explore symptom management, metabolic disturbances, infection and sepsis in the immunocompromised patient, neurologic and cardiovascular oncologic emergencies, and the impact of modern cancer therapies on emergency care. The course also incorporates implicit bias education to promote equitable, patient-centered care and improved outcomes for oncology patients presenting to emergency settings. Upon completion, nurses will be better equipped to provide safe, evidence-based emergency care for patients with cancer across the continuum of treatment and survivorship.