Oncology Nursing Fundamentals Flashcards

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

Answer: Coordinating comprehensive care for patients with cancer across the treatment continuum

The COCN coordinates comprehensive nursing care for cancer patients throughout diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship, serving as a critical link between the patient and the oncology care team.

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

Answer: Colorectal cancer screening beginning at age 45

The ACS recommends colorectal cancer screening starting at age 45 for average-risk individuals, with various testing options including colonoscopy every 10 years or stool-based tests at shorter intervals.

What does the TNM staging system classify?

Answer: Tumor size, lymph node involvement, and presence of metastasis

The TNM system is the most widely used cancer staging classification: T describes the primary tumor size/extent, N indicates regional lymph node involvement, and M denotes distant metastasis.

What is the difference between neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy?

Answer: Neoadjuvant is given before surgery; adjuvant is given after surgery

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is administered before the primary treatment (usually surgery) to shrink tumors, while adjuvant chemotherapy is given after primary treatment to eliminate remaining cancer cells.

What is tumor lysis syndrome (TLS)?

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

TLS occurs when large numbers of cancer cells die rapidly (often after initiating chemotherapy), releasing potassium, phosphorus, and uric acid into the blood, potentially causing kidney failure, cardiac arrhythmias, and seizures.

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

Answer: Absolute neutrophil count (ANC)

The ANC is the most critical value because myelosuppressive chemotherapy further decreases white blood cell production, and administering treatment with an already low ANC increases the risk of life-threatening neutropenic infections.