OCC Patient Assessment & Monitoring 3

Question 1

A nurse is assessing a patient 10 days after initiation of a myelosuppressive chemotherapy regimen. Which symptom requires the most urgent intervention?

Accepted Answer

Oral temperature of 38.5°C (101.3°F)

Answer

Fever during the nadir period (days 7–14) is a medical emergency suggesting febrile neutropenia and requires immediate blood cultures, CBC, and broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Question 2

Which assessment finding in a patient receiving bevacizumab (Avastin) should be reported immediately to the oncologist?

Accepted Answer

Sudden severe headache with neurological changes

Answer

Sudden severe headache with neurological changes in a patient on bevacizumab may indicate hypertensive crisis or intracranial hemorrhage, a rare but life-threatening complication.

Question 3

A patient receiving anthracycline-based chemotherapy is scheduled for cycle 5. The nurse notes the cumulative doxorubicin dose is approaching 450 mg/m². What assessment is most critical?

Accepted Answer

Echocardiogram or MUGA scan to assess cardiac function

Answer

Anthracyclines like doxorubicin cause cumulative cardiotoxicity; cardiac function must be assessed via echocardiogram or MUGA scan before exceeding lifetime dose thresholds.

Question 4

A patient on ifosfamide therapy reports hematuria and painful urination. Which targeted assessment finding confirms the suspected complication?

Accepted Answer

Gross blood in urine with negative urine culture

Answer

Ifosfamide metabolizes to acrolein, which causes hemorrhagic cystitis presenting as gross hematuria with a negative urine culture, distinguishing it from infectious causes.

Question 5

When evaluating pain in oncology patients, which assessment approach best aligns with evidence-based practice?

Accepted Answer

Use a standardized tool and reassess within 30–60 minutes after intervention

Answer

Best practice requires using a validated pain scale, administering the intervention, and reassessing within 30–60 minutes to evaluate efficacy and guide further management.

(OCC) Oncology Chemotherapy Certification Practice Test

(OCC) Oncology Chemotherapy Certification Practice Test

OCC Patient Assessment & Monitoring 3