COCN Surgical Oncology Nursing 2

Question 1

A patient is undergoing sentinel lymph node biopsy for breast cancer. Which statement best explains the purpose of this procedure?

Accepted Answer

To identify the first lymph node(s) receiving drainage from the primary tumor

Answer

To inject chemotherapy directly into the lymphatic channels

Answer

To stage distant metastasis throughout the body

Answer

To remove all axillary lymph nodes for comprehensive staging

Question 2

A postoperative mastectomy patient reports feeling a tight 'cording' sensation extending down the inner aspect of her arm. The nurse recognizes this as:

Accepted Answer

Axillary web syndrome

Answer

Deep vein thrombosis of the axillary vein

Answer

Wound site infection

Answer

Peripheral neuropathy from anesthesia

Question 3

After a right pneumonectomy for lung cancer, which patient position places the patient at highest risk for mediastinal shift?

Accepted Answer

Lying fully on the left (non-operative) side

Answer

Semi-Fowler's position at 30-45 degrees

Answer

Supine with head of bed slightly elevated

Answer

Sitting upright in a chair

Question 4

A patient is being discharged after total laryngectomy for laryngeal cancer. Which teaching point is most essential for patient safety?

Accepted Answer

Never allow water to enter the permanent stoma

Answer

Avoid eating spicy foods for 6 months after surgery

Answer

Use a standard surgical mask to protect the stoma

Answer

Resume swimming after the surgical incision is fully healed

Question 5

What is the primary goal of cytoreductive (debulking) surgery in ovarian cancer management?

Accepted Answer

To reduce tumor burden to optimal residual disease to enhance chemotherapy effectiveness

Answer

To establish a definitive tissue diagnosis of the cancer

Answer

To relieve bowel obstruction caused by pelvic tumor masses

Answer

To cure the cancer through complete removal of all visible disease

Question 6

A patient with a new colostomy after sigmoid colon resection for cancer is on postoperative day 2. Which assessment finding indicates the colostomy is functioning properly?

Accepted Answer

Passage of flatus through the colostomy

Answer

Bright red bleeding noted from the stoma surface

Answer

Dark purple discoloration of the stoma mucosa

Answer

No stool or flatus output during the first 72 hours

Question 7

When assessing a patient's discharge readiness after colorectal cancer surgery with a newly formed ostomy, which factor is most important to verify?

Accepted Answer

The patient can independently demonstrate proper pouching system application

Answer

The patient has memorized all dietary restrictions related to the ostomy

Answer

A family member has agreed to manage all ostomy care for the patient

Answer

The patient can describe all potential long-term complications of colorectal cancer