OCC Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield OCC facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the first procedural step in manufacturing autologous CAR-T cell therapy for a patient? → Perform leukapheresis to collect the patient's T cells
2. Which clinical findings are characteristic of superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome in an oncology patient? → Facial plethora, upper extremity edema, and distended neck veins
3. Atezolizumab differs from pembrolizumab and nivolumab in that it targets which molecule? → PD-L1 on tumor and immune cells
4. Moderate to severe immune-related adverse events (irAEs) from checkpoint inhibitors are primarily managed with: → Holding the checkpoint inhibitor and initiating systemic corticosteroids
5. Hand-foot skin reaction (HFSR) with painful, thickened skin on palms and soles is a characteristic toxicity of which class? → Multikinase inhibitors targeting VEGFR (sorafenib, sunitinib)
6. Before starting chemotherapy, which baseline assessment is most critical? → Complete blood count (CBC)
7. What is the primary nursing goal when managing chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia with a platelet count of 15,000/mm³? → Prevent hemorrhage through bleeding precautions and fall prevention
8. What is the primary mechanism of action of bevacizumab (Avastin)? → Binds circulating VEGF to prevent tumor angiogenesis
9. Which patient statement about managing chemotherapy-induced constipation indicates a need for further teaching? → I should take an over-the-counter enema if I miss more than one day
10. The oncology nurse is reviewing a study that reports a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.65 with a 95% CI of 0.50-0.85 for a new drug versus placebo. What does this mean? → The new drug reduces the risk of the event by 35%, and this is statistically significant
11. Which instruction is MOST important for a patient experiencing chemotherapy-induced alopecia? → Avoid sun exposure to the scalp and use SPF protection
12. What is the correct flushing sequence for a positive pressure implanted port after chemotherapy administration? → Saline → heparin → clamp while maintaining positive pressure
13. Which class of targeted therapy works by inhibiting the BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase, making it effective in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)? → Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs)
14. Which chemotherapeutic drug is associated with hemorrhagic cystitis? → Cyclophosphamide
15. Which finding would MOST concern the oncology nurse when caring for a patient experiencing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN)? → Inability to button a shirt or walk without assistance
16. A nurse researcher is reviewing a meta-analysis on antiemetic efficacy. What does this study design involve? → Statistical pooling of results from multiple independent studies on the same question
17. A patient receiving a continuous 5-FU infusion via ambulatory pump reports that the pump alarmed and the site feels warm. What is the nurse's priority? → Stop the infusion, assess for extravasation, and notify the provider
18. Trastuzumab (Herceptin) targets which receptor overexpressed in HER2-positive breast cancer? → HER2/neu (ErbB2)
19. Which step helps minimize exposure risk during oral chemotherapy handling? → Wear gloves and use designated containers
20. A nurse is preparing to access an implanted port. Which action is ESSENTIAL to prevent infection? → Use a non-coring Huber needle with strict aseptic technique
21. A patient receiving cisplatin-based chemotherapy develops a serum creatinine of 2.1 mg/dL. Which intervention is the highest priority? → Hold the next cisplatin dose and notify the oncologist
22. What is the nurse's primary responsibility when a patient refuses chemotherapy? → Respect the patient’s decision and notify the provider
23. A nurse is unfamiliar with a chemotherapy drug ordered. What is the appropriate ethical action? → Look up the drug and clarify with a pharmacist
24. Which chemotherapeutic agent is commonly linked with nephrotoxicity requiring pre- and post-hydration protocols? → Cisplatin
25. Which quality improvement model is MOST commonly used in oncology nursing practice to implement and evaluate evidence-based changes? → PDSA (Plan-Do-Study-Act) cycle
26. Which chemotherapy agent requires extra caution with peripheral IV administration due to its extreme vesicant properties? → Vincristine
27. Which element is REQUIRED for a patient to provide valid informed consent for clinical trial participation? → Voluntary participation, disclosure of all risks and benefits, and patient comprehension
28. A patient on a VEGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (sunitinib) develops new-onset hypertension. The most appropriate initial management is: → Initiate antihypertensive therapy and continue sunitinib with close monitoring
29. Which symptom requires immediate attention during chemotherapy infusion? → Shortness of breath
30. Which chemotherapy agent is MOST associated with hand-foot syndrome (palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia)? → Capecitabine