AOCNP Radiation Oncology Nursing 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which unit of measurement quantifies the absorbed radiation dose in modern oncology practice?
- Gray (Gy) (Correct answer)
- Roentgen (R)
- Rad
- Curie (Ci)
Correct answer: Gray (Gy)
The Gray (Gy) is the SI unit of absorbed radiation dose, equal to 1 joule of energy absorbed per kilogram of tissue.
Question 2: Radiation-induced mucositis in the oral cavity is best managed with:
- Frequent saline rinses, pain assessment, and nutritional support (Correct answer)
- Prophylactic antifungals only
- Corticosteroid mouthwash as monotherapy
- Antibiotics regardless of infection signs
Correct answer: Frequent saline rinses, pain assessment, and nutritional support
Saline rinses maintain oral hygiene, regular pain assessment guides analgesic escalation, and nutritional support prevents the weight loss associated with mucositis.
Question 3: Radiation recall is defined as:
- Inflammatory reaction at a prior radiation site triggered by a systemic drug (Correct answer)
- Skin reaction from a second radiation course to the same site
- Fatigue persisting after radiation is completed
- Erythema appearing during radiation fractions
Correct answer: Inflammatory reaction at a prior radiation site triggered by a systemic drug
Radiation recall is a cutaneous or mucosal inflammatory reaction at a previously irradiated field, triggered by a systemic agent (commonly anthracyclines or taxanes) administered after radiation.
Question 4: Which skin care instruction is correct for patients undergoing external beam radiation therapy to the breast?
- Avoid tight clothing, heat, and sun exposure; use gentle fragrance-free moisturizers (Correct answer)
- Apply petroleum-based thick ointments within 4 hours before each treatment
- Use alcohol-based antiseptic washes on the treated area daily
- Shave the axilla with a straight razor throughout treatment
Correct answer: Avoid tight clothing, heat, and sun exposure; use gentle fragrance-free moisturizers
Protecting irradiated skin from friction, heat, and UV while maintaining moisture with gentle products reduces the severity of radiation dermatitis.
Question 5: Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) differs from conventional radiation by delivering:
- Very high doses per fraction in a small number of treatments with precise targeting (Correct answer)
- Low doses over many weeks
- Radiation through a radioactive implant only
- Whole-body radiation for systemic disease
Correct answer: Very high doses per fraction in a small number of treatments with precise targeting
SBRT delivers ablative doses (typically 5–20 Gy/fraction) in 1–5 fractions with submillimeter precision, maximizing tumor cell kill while sparing surrounding tissue.
Question 6: A patient 12 months after pelvic radiation for cervical cancer reports progressive vaginal stenosis. The nurse practitioner should recommend:
- Regular use of vaginal dilators with lubricant (Correct answer)
- No intervention unless pain is present
- Hormonal creams as the sole treatment
- Avoidance of any vaginal penetration indefinitely
Correct answer: Regular use of vaginal dilators with lubricant
Regular dilator use prevents progressive fibrosis and stenosis of irradiated vaginal tissue, preserving sexual function and allowing pelvic examinations.
AOCNP Radiation Oncology Nursing 1
Which unit of measurement quantifies the absorbed radiation dose in modern oncology practice?