Which vital sign finding indicates a potential need for intervention in a client with metastatic lung cancer?

A heart rate of 120 beats per minute indicates a potential need for intervention, particularly in the context of a client with metastatic lung cancer. This tachycardia can signal various issues, including pain, anxiety, or an underlying physiological stress response, particularly when considering the effects of cancer on the body's systems.

In patients with cancer, an elevated heart rate is often a red flag, as it may indicate complications such as dehydration, infection, or respiratory distress, all of which require further assessment and possibly immediate intervention. Typically, a normal resting heart rate for adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute; thus, a heart rate significantly above this range can reflect an acute change in the patient’s condition that needs to be addressed.

Maintaining close surveillance of vital signs in cancer patients is critical, as these measurements provide insights into the patient's overall status and the effectiveness of ongoing treatments.