What symptom other than breathlessness might indicate that a patient with metastatic lung cancer requires nursing intervention?

The indication that uncontrolled pain may necessitate nursing intervention in a patient with metastatic lung cancer is crucial because pain can significantly impact a patient's quality of life and overall well-being. In the context of metastatic lung cancer, patients may experience pain due to tumor progression, pressure on surrounding tissues, or metastasis to other organs.

Uncontrolled pain not only affects physical comfort but can also lead to psychological distress, including anxiety and depression, which further deteriorate a patient's condition. Effective pain management is an essential component of nursing care and involves assessing pain levels regularly, administering appropriate analgesics, and considering alternative pain relief strategies, such as physical therapy or palliative care consultations.

The other options do not reflect symptoms that typically require nursing intervention in this context. For instance, a stable oxygen supply might be a positive indicator of respiratory status, and normal blood pressure and average heart rate are generally forms of stability rather than urgent issues. Therefore, recognizing uncontrolled pain as a significant symptom marks the need for timely and necessary nursing interventions to enhance patient comfort and care plan effectiveness.