FREE ONCC Oncology Certified Nurse Questions and Answers

Question 1

During the intravenous administration of a chemotherapeutic agent, the patient has a sudden onset of dyspnea, wheezing, hypotension, and throat and facial edema. The nurse's initial action should be to:

Accepted Answer

discontinue administration of the chemotherapeutic agent.

Answer

Explanation:
Because these symptoms are consistent with anaphylaxis, the nurse should immediately discontinue the chemotherapeutic agent and then monitor the patient's respiratory and cardiovascular status. Epinephrine 1:1000 dilution is administered intramuscularly and may then be given in continuous IV infusion if symptoms are severe. Dyspnea is treated with a high concentration of oxygen. Once the patient is stabilized, antihistamines and corticosteroids may be administered to prevent recurrence and to treat hives and edema.

Question 2

Which of the following may be an indication of non-medical opioid use in a cancer patient being treated for pain?

Accepted Answer

The patient repeatedly loses pain medication.

Answer

Explanation:
Although most guidelines exempt cancer patients from limitations on the use of opioids, studies show that about 20% of cancer patients engage in non-medical opioid use, such as by increasing doses, using along with other drugs or alcohol, and sharing with other people. Signs of non-medical opioid use include repeatedly losing or misplacing medications, asking for early refills, increasing the dosage without discussing it with healthcare providers, refusing to change medication, and asking for opioids for non-pain issues such as insomnia.

Question 3

A patient is to begin treatment with Zometa for bone metastasis. Which laboratory tests or test is indicated prior to each dose of treatment?

Accepted Answer

Serum creatinine/creatinine clearance

Answer

Explanation:
Measuring serum creatinine and creatinine clearance is indicated prior to each dose of treatment, as Zometa may cause reduced renal function. Patients should also receive calcium supplements (500 mg) and vitamin D (400 IU) daily, although Zometa treatment should be withheld if the patient has hypocalcemia. Flu-like symptoms and fever are common side effects. Some people also develop nausea and vomiting and other Gl disturbances. Osteonecrosis of the jaw may develop, requiring discontinuation of therapy.

Question 4

A young man is undergoing a syngeneic, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The donor tissue is coming from:

Accepted Answer

An identical twin

Answer

Explanation:
Syngenic: Donation is from an identical twin. Autologous: Donation is from the patient, but autologous purged transplant requires that malignant cells be removed through ex vivo treatment prior to transplantation so that malignant cells are not reintroduced.

Allogenic: Donation is from a family member, usually a sibling. Matched unrelated donor (MUD): Donation is obtained from a donor registry from an unrelated donor who has volunteered to provide stem cells for transplant.

Question 5

A patient has had persistent nausea and vomiting, despite receiving medication to control her symptoms. Which of the following measures may provide some relief?

Accepted Answer

Asking the patient to do deep breathing and controlled swallowing maneuvers

Answer

Explanation:
Advising the patient to do deep breathing and controlled swallowing may help to control the gag/vomit reflex. Other measures include serving cold or room temperature foods, restricting intake of fluids during meals, and sitting or lying with head elevated for at least two hours after eating. Patients may benefit from five or six small meals per day rather than three large meals. Fluids should be sipped in small amounts throughout the day rather than drunk in a large volume.

ONCC - Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation Practice Test

ONCC - Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation Practice Test

FREE ONCC Oncology Certified Nurse Questions and Answers