OCC OCC Supportive Care & Symptom Management 2

Question 1

Which intervention is MOST effective for managing cancer-related depression in oncology patients?

Accepted Answer

Combined pharmacotherapy (antidepressants) and psychotherapy (CBT or supportive counseling)

Answer

The combination of antidepressant pharmacotherapy with psychotherapy (especially CBT) has the strongest evidence for treating cancer-related depression.

Question 2

A patient receiving chemotherapy reports moderate-to-severe cancer-related fatigue. Which assessment finding would indicate a potentially treatable contributing cause?

Accepted Answer

Hemoglobin of 7.5 g/dL with symptoms of dyspnea on exertion

Answer

Anemia (Hgb 7.5 g/dL) with symptomatic dyspnea is a directly treatable cause of cancer-related fatigue, warranting evaluation for RBC transfusion or erythropoiesis-stimulating agents.

Question 3

Which sleep hygiene strategy has the STRONGEST evidence for managing insomnia in cancer patients?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I)

Answer

CBT-I is the first-line, evidence-based treatment for insomnia in cancer patients, with sustained benefits that outlast pharmacologic interventions.

Question 4

A patient with advanced cancer and dyspnea at rest has oxygen saturation of 94% on room air. Which intervention is MOST evidence-based for managing refractory dyspnea?

Accepted Answer

Low-dose oral or IV opioids to reduce the sensation of breathlessness

Answer

Low-dose opioids are the most evidence-based pharmacologic intervention for refractory dyspnea in cancer patients, regardless of oxygen saturation.

Question 5

A cancer patient receiving corticosteroids long-term for symptom management is at risk for which complication requiring prophylactic management?

Accepted Answer

Osteoporosis, hyperglycemia, and Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP)

Answer

Long-term corticosteroid use in cancer patients risks osteoporosis, steroid-induced hyperglycemia, immunosuppression, and PCP, often requiring prophylactic calcium/vitamin D, glucose monitoring, and TMP-SMX.

(OCC) Oncology Chemotherapy Certification Practice Test

(OCC) Oncology Chemotherapy Certification Practice Test

OCC OCC Supportive Care & Symptom Management 2