A 10-year-old boy had a knee injury several months ago after playing basketball and has attributed his knee pain to this event. The nurse suspects osteogenic sarcoma after noting which common symptom?

Explanation

•The most important physical finding is a tender, palpable mass that is large in size.

•An osteogenic sarcoma is a malignant tumor of the bone that primarily affects the long bones such as the distal femur and proximal tibia.

•Fever, weight loss, and malaise are generally not present.

•Rapid bone growth can occur, but it is usually in the form of a tumor.

•Low back pain is not associated with osteogenic sarcoma.

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