AOCNP Oncologic Emergencies 2

Question 1

A patient develops sudden-onset dyspnea, muffled heart sounds, hypotension, and jugular venous distension. Which emergency is this?

Accepted Answer

Cardiac tamponade

Answer

Beck's triad of hypotension, muffled heart sounds, and jugular venous distension is the hallmark of cardiac tamponade requiring urgent pericardiocentesis.

Question 2

Which cancer type is most commonly associated with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in adults?

Accepted Answer

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL)

Answer

APL releases tissue factor and procoagulant granules, causing the most severe DIC of any malignancy.

Question 3

In febrile neutropenia, an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) below which threshold defines high-risk neutropenia?

Accepted Answer

< 500 cells/mm³

Answer

An ANC < 500 cells/mm³ (or < 1000 with predicted decline to < 500) defines high-risk neutropenia requiring prompt empiric antibiotics.

Question 4

Which agent is used as first-line prophylaxis against tumor lysis syndrome in high-risk patients?

Accepted Answer

Allopurinol

Answer

Allopurinol inhibits xanthine oxidase and is the standard first-line prophylactic agent for intermediate- and high-risk TLS.

Question 5

A patient with a known brain metastasis develops sudden-onset severe headache, vomiting, and altered consciousness. What is the priority intervention?

Accepted Answer

Dexamethasone IV and urgent CT head

Answer

Increased intracranial pressure from cerebral herniation requires immediate dexamethasone to reduce edema and urgent imaging to guide further management.

AOCNP - Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner Practice Test

AOCNP - Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner Practice Test

AOCNP Oncologic Emergencies 2