CPHON Radiation Therapy in Pediatric Oncology 2

Question 1

Regarding radiation safety, which statement is correct about pregnant nurses and patients receiving internal brachytherapy implants?

Accepted Answer

Pregnant nurses should avoid caring for patients with active brachytherapy implants entirely

Answer

Pregnant nurses should not care for patients with active brachytherapy implants because ionizing radiation poses a risk of harm to the developing fetus at any exposure level.

Question 2

A child who received cranial radiation therapy at age 4 is most at risk for which long-term neurocognitive deficit?

Accepted Answer

Decline in processing speed and working memory

Answer

Cranial irradiation commonly damages developing white matter pathways, leading to deficits in processing speed, attention, and working memory, particularly when administered to young children.

Question 3

Which skin care instruction should the nurse provide to parents of a child receiving radiation therapy to the chest?

Accepted Answer

Gently cleanse the area with mild, unscented soap and lukewarm water

Answer

Gentle cleansing with mild, unscented soap and lukewarm water maintains skin hygiene without causing additional irritation to radiation-sensitized skin.

Question 4

Radiation therapy directed to the thorax in a pediatric oncology patient most commonly causes which acute pulmonary complication?

Accepted Answer

Radiation pneumonitis

Answer

Radiation pneumonitis typically develops 4–12 weeks after thoracic irradiation and presents with cough, dyspnea, and low-grade fever due to acute inflammatory injury.

Question 5

What is the priority nursing assessment for a child who has received total body irradiation (TBI) as part of a bone marrow transplant conditioning regimen?

Accepted Answer

Monitor for acute radiation syndrome including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and mucositis

Answer

TBI causes systemic acute radiation syndrome, manifesting as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and mucositis that require intensive monitoring and aggressive supportive care.

CPHON Exam Practice Test

CPHON Exam Practice Test

CPHON Radiation Therapy in Pediatric Oncology 2