CPHON Radiation Therapy in Pediatric Oncology 3

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of the radiation therapy simulation session for a pediatric oncology patient?

Accepted Answer

To define the treatment field, establish reproducible positioning, and create immobilization devices

Answer

To administer the first therapeutic dose of radiation to the tumor

Answer

To assess tumor response to initial chemotherapy before radiation begins

Answer

To calculate appropriate chemotherapy dosing for concurrent treatment

Question 2

In radiation therapy planning, which volume adds a geometric margin around the clinical target volume (CTV) to account for patient setup uncertainties and organ motion?

Accepted Answer

Planning target volume (PTV)

Answer

Gross tumor volume (GTV)

Answer

Internal target volume (ITV)

Answer

Organ at risk volume (OAR)

Question 3

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is most commonly used in pediatric oncology for which indication?

Accepted Answer

Focal treatment of small intracranial tumors or brain metastases

Answer

Whole-lung irradiation for pulmonary metastases from Wilms tumor

Answer

Craniospinal irradiation for high-risk medulloblastoma

Answer

Total body irradiation prior to bone marrow transplantation

Question 4

Radiation-induced myelosuppression is most pronounced when which body region is included in the radiation field?

Accepted Answer

Pelvis and spine, which contain large volumes of active bone marrow

Answer

Skull and brain

Answer

Distal extremities such as hands and feet

Answer

Chest wall and breast tissue

Question 5

What is the recommended nursing management for a pediatric patient who develops radiation-induced xerostomia (dry mouth) after head and neck radiation therapy?

Accepted Answer

Encourage frequent sips of water, use saliva substitutes, and maintain meticulous oral hygiene

Answer

Restrict oral fluid intake to prevent aspiration risk

Answer

Prescribe prophylactic systemic antibiotics to prevent oral infections

Answer

Avoid all commercial oral care products including fluoride toothpaste

Question 6

Which of the three classic radiation safety principles specifically involves minimizing the duration of exposure when near a radioactive source?

Accepted Answer

Time

Answer

Shielding

Answer

Distance

Answer

Monitoring

Question 7

A 5-year-old who received craniospinal irradiation for medulloblastoma is at highest risk for which long-term endocrine complication?

Accepted Answer

Growth hormone deficiency due to hypothalamic-pituitary axis injury

Answer

Hyperthyroidism due to thyroid stimulation

Answer

Adrenal insufficiency from direct adrenal irradiation

Answer

Hyperprolactinemia requiring dopamine agonist therapy