COCN COCN Oncologic Emergencies

Question 1

Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome is most commonly caused by which malignancy in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Lung cancer and lymphoma

Answer

Colon cancer

Answer

Breast cancer only

Answer

Prostate cancer

Question 2

A patient with SVC syndrome presents with facial swelling, plethora, and dyspnea. The priority nursing intervention is:

Accepted Answer

Elevate the head of the bed to 45 degrees and administer oxygen

Answer

Position the patient flat with legs elevated

Answer

Restrict IV fluids to prevent fluid overload

Answer

Administer aggressive diuretic therapy immediately

Question 3

Spinal cord compression in a cancer patient most commonly presents with which early symptom?

Accepted Answer

Back pain that worsens with lying down or Valsalva maneuver

Answer

Complete paralysis

Answer

Bowel and bladder incontinence

Answer

Sensory loss only

Question 4

Which of the following cancers has the highest incidence of hypercalcemia of malignancy?

Accepted Answer

Squamous cell cancers and multiple myeloma

Answer

Ovarian cancer

Answer

Colorectal cancer

Answer

Bladder cancer

Question 5

A patient with lung cancer develops pulsus paradoxus, hypotension, and muffled heart sounds. The nurse recognizes this as:

Accepted Answer

Cardiac tamponade

Answer

Congestive heart failure

Answer

Pleural effusion

Answer

Pulmonary embolism

Question 6

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in oncology patients is most associated with which malignancy?

Accepted Answer

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL)

Answer

Renal cell carcinoma

Answer

Thyroid cancer

Answer

Melanoma