OCC OCC Oncology Emergencies & Complications 3

Question 1

A patient on high-dose ifosfamide becomes acutely confused, agitated, and develops visual hallucinations. What neurotoxic complication is occurring?

Accepted Answer

Ifosfamide-induced encephalopathy

Answer

Ifosfamide-induced encephalopathy is a potentially life-threatening CNS toxicity presenting with confusion, agitation, hallucinations, and seizures requiring immediate drug cessation.

Question 2

A patient with leukemia post-induction chemotherapy develops disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Which lab pattern is expected?

Accepted Answer

Low platelets, elevated PT/aPTT, elevated D-dimer, low fibrinogen

Answer

DIC is characterized by simultaneous clotting and bleeding: low platelets (consumed), prolonged coagulation times, elevated D-dimer (fibrin degradation), and low fibrinogen (depleted).

Question 3

Which is the MOST appropriate initial nursing intervention for a patient who develops cardiac tamponade from a malignant pericardial effusion?

Accepted Answer

Position the patient upright, administer IV fluids, and prepare for emergency pericardiocentesis

Answer

Cardiac tamponade requires upright positioning to optimize venous return, IV fluids to maintain preload, and preparation for emergency pericardiocentesis to relieve pressure.

Question 4

A patient post-bone marrow transplant develops fever, diarrhea with bloody stool, and a maculopapular rash on the palms and soles. What complication is suspected?

Accepted Answer

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)

Answer

The triad of fever, diarrhea, and maculopapular skin rash (especially palms/soles) post-transplant is classic for acute graft-versus-host disease.

Question 5

A nurse administers rasburicase to a patient for tumor lysis syndrome prophylaxis. Which laboratory precaution is ESSENTIAL?

Accepted Answer

Draw uric acid samples in pre-chilled tubes and transport on ice immediately

Answer

Rasburicase continues to enzymatically degrade uric acid ex-vivo at room temperature; samples must be collected in pre-chilled tubes and transported on ice to ensure accurate results.

(OCC) Oncology Chemotherapy Certification Practice Test

(OCC) Oncology Chemotherapy Certification Practice Test

OCC OCC Oncology Emergencies & Complications 3