AOCNP Study Guide 2026
Everything you need to pass the AOCNP exam in one place: the exam format, every topic to study, real practice questions with explanations, flashcards, and full-length practice tests. Free, no sign-up needed.
📋 AOCNP Exam Format at a Glance
📚 AOCNP Topics to Study (39)
✍️ Sample AOCNP Questions & Answers
1. Tobacco cessation counseling is a primary prevention intervention most critically indicated for which cancer risk reduction?
Tobacco is carcinogenic across multiple organ systems — smoking causes 30% of all cancer deaths and cessation reduces risk for at least 12 different cancer types.
2. A colorectal cancer survivor who completed curative resection should receive which surveillance study at 1 year post-surgery?
ASCO/NCCN guidelines for colorectal cancer surveillance recommend colonoscopy at 1 year after surgery (or within 3–6 months if preoperative colonoscopy was incomplete). If normal, repeat at 3 years, then every 5 years, along with CEA monitoring every 3–6 months for 5 years and CT chest/abdomen/pelvis annually for 3–5 years.
3. A patient with metastatic colorectal cancer has a KRAS wild-type, RAS/RAF wild-type tumor. Which targeted therapy is most appropriate?
Anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies (cetuximab, panitumumab) are only effective in metastatic colorectal cancer patients with RAS/RAF wild-type tumors. KRAS mutations cause downstream EGFR-independent activation, rendering anti-EGFR therapy ineffective in mutant patients.
4. A clinical instructor named Barbara is giving a presentation on chemotherapy. Which of the following claims regarding the pace of cell growth and chemotherapy is true?
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are more effective against cells that are growing more quickly.
5. Dump syndrome following gastric surgery or esophagectomy is characterized by which symptom cluster?
Dumping syndrome results from rapid gastric emptying of hyperosmolar contents into the small bowel. Early dumping (within 30 min) causes GI symptoms (nausea, cramping, diarrhea) and vasomotor symptoms (flushing, diaphoresis, tachycardia). Late dumping (1–3 h) causes reactive hypoglycemia. Management includes dietary modifications and small frequent meals.
6. Which taxane is approved for albumin-bound nanoparticle formulation to reduce hypersensitivity and improve delivery?
Nab-paclitaxel encapsulates paclitaxel in albumin nanoparticles, eliminating the Cremophor solvent that causes hypersensitivity reactions.