OCN Patient Education and Survivorship 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which element is essential in a comprehensive cancer survivorship care plan?
- Summary of treatment received and schedule of recommended follow-up (Correct answer)
- Only future treatment plans
- Contact information of insurance provider only
- List of dietary supplements to take
Correct answer: Summary of treatment received and schedule of recommended follow-up
A survivorship care plan must include a treatment summary and follow-up schedule so the patient and primary care provider can manage long-term and late effects.
Question 2: A patient completing chemotherapy asks when their hair will return. The nurse's best evidence-based response is:
- Most patients see hair regrowth within 3–6 months after chemotherapy ends (Correct answer)
- Hair may never return after any chemotherapy
- Hair will return within 2 weeks of the last dose
- Hair loss is permanent for all chemotherapy patients
Correct answer: Most patients see hair regrowth within 3–6 months after chemotherapy ends
Hair typically begins to regrow within 3–6 months after chemotherapy ends, though texture and color may initially differ from pre-treatment hair.
Question 3: Lymphedema education for a patient who had axillary lymph node dissection should include which instruction?
- Avoid blood pressure cuffs and blood draws on the affected arm (Correct answer)
- Avoid all physical activity permanently
- Apply tight compression wraps daily without guidance
- Restrict fluid intake to reduce swelling
Correct answer: Avoid blood pressure cuffs and blood draws on the affected arm
BP cuffs and venipuncture on the affected arm increase lymphatic load and infection risk, and should be avoided to prevent or worsen lymphedema.
Question 4: Which dietary recommendation is evidence-based for cancer survivors to reduce recurrence risk?
- Plant-forward diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, limiting processed meats (Correct answer)
- High-protein meat-only diet
- Elimination of all carbohydrates
- Daily megadose antioxidant supplements
Correct answer: Plant-forward diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, limiting processed meats
Major cancer organizations recommend a plant-rich, minimally processed diet that limits red and processed meats to reduce cancer recurrence risk.
Question 5: Cognitive changes after chemotherapy, commonly called 'chemo brain,' are best described as:
- Difficulties with memory, concentration, and processing speed (Correct answer)
- Complete memory loss
- Permanent dementia in all patients
- Psychosis and hallucinations
Correct answer: Difficulties with memory, concentration, and processing speed
Chemo-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) typically manifests as subtle difficulties with attention, short-term memory, and processing speed that may improve over time.
Question 6: When educating a survivor about sun protection after cancer treatment, the nurse should emphasize:
- Use SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and avoid peak UV hours (Correct answer)
- Avoid all sun exposure permanently indoors
- Sunscreen is only needed at the beach
- SPF 15 is sufficient for all cancer survivors
Correct answer: Use SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and avoid peak UV hours
Many cancer treatments increase photosensitivity; survivors need SPF 30+, protective clothing, and UV avoidance during peak hours (10 AM–4 PM).
OCN Patient Education and Survivorship 1
Which element is essential in a comprehensive cancer survivorship care plan?