CPHON Pediatric Oncology Nursing Assessment and Care Planning

Question 1

When performing a nursing assessment on a newly diagnosed pediatric oncology patient, which finding requires IMMEDIATE intervention?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory distress with mediastinal mass on chest X-ray

Answer

A mediastinal mass can compress the trachea and superior vena cava, causing life-threatening airway obstruction or superior vena cava syndrome.

Question 2

Which nursing diagnosis has HIGHEST priority for a child with febrile neutropenia?

Accepted Answer

Risk for infection related to immune suppression

Answer

Febrile neutropenia is a life-threatening emergency; preventing infection spread and initiating antibiotics are the primary nursing priorities.

Question 3

The CPHON nurse is caring for a child with superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome. Which position is MOST appropriate?

Accepted Answer

High Fowler's (head of bed elevated 60–90°)

Answer

Elevating the head of bed reduces venous pressure in the SVC, decreasing facial/neck swelling and improving venous return.

Question 4

A child with ALL is admitted with a fever and ANC of 200/mm³. Within how many minutes should empiric antibiotics be initiated?

Accepted Answer

Within 60 minutes

Answer

Febrile neutropenia guidelines recommend initiating empiric broad-spectrum antibiotics within 60 minutes of triage to prevent septic shock.

Question 5

When developing a care plan for a child with terminal cancer, the nurse includes which priority goal?

Accepted Answer

Maintain comfort and quality of life

Answer

For terminal pediatric cancer, palliative and comfort-focused goals center on maximizing quality of life, not curative intervention.

CPHON Exam Practice Test