Oncology Nursing Certification Flashcards

Which cancer screening test has the strongest evidence for reducing both incidence and mortality from colorectal cancer?

Answer: Colonoscopy every 10 years

Colonoscopy every 10 years allows both detection and removal of precancerous polyps, reducing incidence and mortality.

A patient with non-Hodgkin lymphoma is prescribed rituximab. The nurse monitors for which infusion-related reaction most commonly occurring during the first infusion?

Answer: Fever, chills, rigors, hypotension, and bronchospasm

Rituximab commonly causes infusion reactions including fever, chills, rigors, hypotension, and bronchospasm, especially during the first infusion.

Which nursing diagnosis is most appropriate for a patient with cancer experiencing cancer-related fatigue?

Answer: Activity intolerance related to disease process and treatment effects

Activity intolerance accurately captures cancer-related fatigue's impact on the patient's ability to sustain physical activity.

A cancer patient expresses that they want to stop curative treatment and focus on comfort. The nurse's most appropriate response is:

Answer: Acknowledge the patient's wishes and facilitate a palliative/goals-of-care discussion with the team

Respecting patient autonomy requires acknowledging their wishes and ensuring they receive appropriate palliative care planning.

Which BRCA1/BRCA2 gene mutation counseling point is most critical for a nurse to communicate?

Answer: Carriers have significantly increased lifetime risk for breast and ovarian cancers and can pass the mutation to children

BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations substantially increase breast and ovarian cancer risk and are inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern.

A patient with cancer is receiving opioids for chronic pain and reports new-onset constipation. The first-line intervention is:

Answer: Initiate a bowel regimen with a stimulant laxative when starting opioid therapy

Opioid-induced constipation is an expected side effect; a stimulant laxative bowel regimen should be initiated prophylactically at opioid start.