COCN Oncology Nursing Fundamentals

Question 1

What is the primary role of the Certified Oncology Nurse (COCN) in patient care?

Accepted Answer

Coordinating comprehensive care for patients with cancer across the treatment continuum

Answer

Performing surgical procedures

Answer

Prescribing chemotherapy medications

Answer

Conducting independent diagnostic imaging

Question 2

Which cancer screening recommendation is supported by the American Cancer Society for average-risk adults?

Accepted Answer

Colorectal cancer screening beginning at age 45

Answer

Lung cancer screening for all adults over 30

Answer

Prostate cancer screening annually from age 40

Answer

Cervical cancer screening starting at age 15

Question 3

What does the TNM staging system classify?

Accepted Answer

Tumor size, lymph node involvement, and presence of metastasis

Answer

Treatment type, nursing care level, and medication dosage

Answer

Tissue biopsy results, nerve involvement, and muscle invasion

Answer

Temperature, nutrition status, and mobility level

Question 4

What is the difference between neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Neoadjuvant is given before surgery; adjuvant is given after surgery

Answer

Neoadjuvant uses oral drugs; adjuvant uses IV drugs

Answer

Neoadjuvant treats metastatic disease; adjuvant treats primary tumors

Answer

There is no clinical difference between the two

Question 5

What is tumor lysis syndrome (TLS)?

Accepted Answer

A metabolic emergency caused by rapid cancer cell death releasing intracellular contents

Answer

A chronic fatigue condition in cancer patients

Answer

A side effect of radiation therapy on the skin

Answer

A psychological disorder following cancer diagnosis

Question 6

Which laboratory value is most critical to monitor before administering myelosuppressive chemotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Absolute neutrophil count (ANC)

Answer

Serum albumin

Answer

Blood glucose

Answer

Serum sodium