COCN Surgical Oncology Nursing

Question 1

A patient is scheduled for a modified radical mastectomy. Which preoperative teaching should the oncology nurse prioritize?

Accepted Answer

Arm exercises and range of motion activities post-surgery

Answer

Instructions for chemotherapy administration

Answer

How to manage a central venous catheter at home

Answer

Dietary restrictions during radiation therapy

Question 2

Which assessment finding in a postoperative oncology patient requires the most immediate nursing intervention?

Accepted Answer

Urine output of 25 mL/hr for 2 consecutive hours

Answer

Pain score of 4/10 at rest

Answer

Serosanguineous drainage from the surgical wound

Answer

Oral temperature of 37.2°C (99°F)

Question 3

A patient returns from colon resection surgery with a Jackson-Pratt drain. The nurse notes the drainage has changed from serosanguineous to bright red. What is the priority action?

Accepted Answer

Notify the surgeon immediately

Answer

Document the finding and reassess in one hour

Answer

Clamp the drain and elevate the affected area

Answer

Irrigate the drain with normal saline

Question 4

Which intervention is most appropriate to prevent surgical site infection in a patient undergoing colorectal cancer surgery?

Accepted Answer

Administer prophylactic antibiotics within 60 minutes before incision

Answer

Apply antibiotic ointment to the incision after closure

Answer

Shave the surgical site the evening before surgery

Answer

Administer prophylactic antibiotics 4 hours after the procedure

Question 5

A patient is recovering from a pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure) for pancreatic cancer. Which postoperative complication is most common?

Accepted Answer

Delayed gastric emptying

Answer

Pneumothorax

Answer

Anastomotic leak

Answer

Bile duct obstruction

Question 6

A nurse caring for a patient after right hemicolectomy observes that the stoma appears dark purple-brown on postoperative day 2. What is the most appropriate nursing action?

Accepted Answer

Notify the surgeon immediately

Answer

Apply warm compresses to improve circulation

Answer

Irrigate the stoma with normal saline

Answer

Document as a normal postoperative finding

Question 7

Which Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol element is most effective in reducing postoperative ileus in cancer surgery patients?

Accepted Answer

Early ambulation within 24 hours of surgery

Answer

Routine nasogastric tube insertion postoperatively

Answer

Prolonged NPO status beginning 12 hours before surgery

Answer

Bed rest for the first 48 hours to preserve energy