CPHON Symptom Management and Supportive Care 2

Question 1

A child with cancer develops cachexia. Which intervention should the nurse prioritize?

Accepted Answer

Consult a registered dietitian and consider enteral nutrition

Answer

Cancer cachexia requires collaboration with a dietitian to optimize nutrition; enteral support may be needed if oral intake is inadequate.

Question 2

A child on high-dose corticosteroids for ALL treatment shows mood swings and increased appetite. The nurse explains these are:

Accepted Answer

Expected side effects of steroid therapy

Answer

Corticosteroids commonly cause mood lability, increased appetite, and weight gain as predictable pharmacologic side effects.

Question 3

When caring for a child with severe mucositis, which oral care intervention is recommended?

Accepted Answer

Rinse with normal saline or sodium bicarbonate solution

Answer

Normal saline or sodium bicarbonate rinses are gentle and help maintain oral pH, promoting healing without irritating damaged mucosa.

Question 4

A pediatric oncology patient has fatigue rated as severe (7/10). Which intervention is MOST evidence-based for cancer-related fatigue?

Accepted Answer

Aerobic exercise tailored to the child's capacity

Answer

Evidence supports moderate aerobic exercise as effective in reducing cancer-related fatigue in children and adolescents.

Question 5

A child with a central venous catheter develops a temperature of 38.5°C. The nurse should FIRST:

Accepted Answer

Draw blood cultures from the central line and a peripheral site

Answer

Blood cultures from both the central line and a peripheral vein are necessary before antibiotics to identify the source of the infection.

CPHON Exam Practice Test