AOCNP Radiation Oncology Nursing 5

Question 1

Which grading system is most commonly used in clinical trials to document radiation therapy toxicities?

Accepted Answer

NCI Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE)

Answer

The NCI CTCAE is the standardized grading system used to classify and document adverse events including radiation toxicities in clinical trials and practice.

Question 2

A patient receiving radiation to the thorax develops a dry cough and low-grade fever 6 weeks post-treatment. Which complication should the nurse suspect first?

Accepted Answer

Radiation pneumonitis

Answer

Radiation pneumonitis typically presents 4–12 weeks after thoracic irradiation with dry cough, dyspnea, and low-grade fever.

Question 3

For a patient undergoing high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy for cervical cancer, which nursing priority applies immediately after applicator removal?

Accepted Answer

Assess for vaginal bleeding and monitor vital signs closely

Answer

After HDR applicator removal, the source is no longer in the patient, so there is no radiation precaution needed, but bleeding risk from applicator trauma requires prompt assessment.

Question 4

Which factor most significantly increases a patient's risk for osteoradionecrosis of the jaw following head and neck radiation?

Accepted Answer

Dental extractions performed after radiation therapy without prophylactic hyperbaric oxygen

Answer

Post-radiation dental extractions disrupt vascular integrity in irradiated bone, dramatically increasing osteoradionecrosis risk, especially without hyperbaric oxygen prophylaxis.

Question 5

A patient undergoing prostate brachytherapy with permanent iodine-125 seeds is being discharged. Which instruction is most important?

Accepted Answer

Avoid prolonged close contact with pregnant women and young children for several months

Answer

I-125 seeds emit low-energy photons for months; precautions include limiting prolonged close contact with pregnant women and children, though risk to others is low.

AOCNP - Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner Practice Test

AOCNP - Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner Practice Test

AOCNP Radiation Oncology Nursing 5