COCN Surgical Oncology Nursing 3

Question 1

A patient is in the immediate postoperative period following cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). What is the nurse's primary concern?

Accepted Answer

Assessing for fluid and electrolyte imbalances

Answer

Managing systemic photosensitivity reactions

Answer

Preventing deep vein thrombosis with sequential compression devices

Answer

Monitoring for oral mucositis from chemotherapy exposure

Question 2

A nurse is caring for a patient in the immediate postoperative period following total thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer. Which life-threatening complication requires priority monitoring?

Accepted Answer

Hypocalcemia from inadvertent parathyroid gland removal or injury

Answer

Development of Cushing's syndrome

Answer

Postoperative hyperglycemia

Answer

Onset of permanent hypothyroidism

Question 3

Which technique distinguishes Mohs micrographic surgery from standard wide local excision in the treatment of skin cancer?

Accepted Answer

Sequential thin tissue removal with real-time microscopic examination of all margins

Answer

Endoscopic tumor removal through a natural body orifice

Answer

Laser ablation of the tumor with simultaneous heat coagulation

Answer

Wide excision with predetermined margins and delayed pathology

Question 4

A patient is in the early postoperative period following radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer. Which nursing intervention is the highest priority?

Accepted Answer

Maintain urinary catheter patency and monitor for excessive hematuria

Answer

Apply ice packs directly to the perineal area for comfort

Answer

Encourage the patient to begin Kegel exercises immediately

Answer

Start a high-fiber diet to prevent postoperative constipation

Question 5

A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a patient who underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy for melanoma. Which instruction is most important to emphasize?

Accepted Answer

Notify the surgeon promptly if the incision site shows redness, swelling, or drainage

Answer

Apply heat to the biopsy site daily to promote healing

Answer

Resume full extremity activity within 24 hours of the procedure

Answer

Blood pressure measurements should only be taken on the side with the biopsy

Question 6

Which statement accurately describes the timing of breast reconstruction surgery following mastectomy for breast cancer?

Accepted Answer

Reconstruction may be performed immediately at mastectomy or delayed, depending on patient preference and adjuvant treatment needs

Answer

Radiation therapy after mastectomy has no significant impact on reconstructive outcomes

Answer

Only implant-based reconstruction is suitable following total mastectomy

Answer

Reconstruction must always be performed immediately at the time of mastectomy

Question 7

A patient on postoperative day 2 following hepatic resection for colorectal cancer liver metastases is jaundiced with a serum bilirubin of 8.0 mg/dL. The most appropriate initial nursing action is to:

Accepted Answer

Notify the surgeon and continue close monitoring of liver function tests

Answer

Administer fresh frozen plasma per standing orders

Answer

Prepare the patient for emergency re-operation

Answer

Document the finding as an expected postoperative change