CPHON Symptom Management and Supportive Care

Question 1

A child undergoing chemotherapy reports mouth sores that prevent eating. The nurse documents this as:

Accepted Answer

Stomatitis/mucositis

Answer

Chemotherapy-induced mucositis (stomatitis) refers to inflammation and ulceration of the oral mucosa that can severely impair oral intake.

Question 2

Which intervention is MOST effective in preventing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in children?

Accepted Answer

Pre-medicating with antiemetics before chemotherapy

Answer

Antiemetics given before chemotherapy (prophylactically) are far more effective than treating nausea after it begins.

Question 3

A child on opioids for cancer pain develops constipation. The BEST intervention is:

Accepted Answer

Administer a stimulant laxative and stool softener

Answer

Opioid-induced constipation requires a stimulant laxative (to promote motility) combined with a stool softener for safe, effective relief.

Question 4

A child with cancer who is in moderate pain rates it 7/10. According to the WHO analgesic ladder, the appropriate step is:

Accepted Answer

Strong opioid (morphine) ± non-opioid

Answer

Moderate-to-severe pain (6–10/10) corresponds to WHO Step 3, which calls for a strong opioid such as morphine, with or without adjuvants.

Question 5

To assess pain in a 3-year-old child with leukemia who cannot verbalize pain level, the nurse should use:

Accepted Answer

FLACC behavioral pain scale

Answer

The FLACC scale (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability) is validated for assessing pain in pre-verbal and young children via behavioral observation.

CPHON Exam Practice Test

CPHON Exam Practice Test

CPHON Symptom Management and Supportive Care