OCN General Flashcards

A patient receiving cisplatin-based chemotherapy develops tinnitus and decreased hearing. Which intervention is the priority?

Answer: Notify the oncologist and hold the next dose

Tinnitus and hearing loss are signs of cisplatin-induced ototoxicity, a serious irreversible adverse effect requiring immediate provider notification before continuing therapy.

Which laboratory finding most strongly indicates tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) in a newly treated leukemia patient?

Answer: Elevated serum potassium, phosphate, and uric acid with decreased calcium

TLS is characterized by hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, hyperuricemia, and hypocalcemia due to rapid cell destruction releasing intracellular contents.

A nurse is caring for a patient with cancer-related fatigue. Which recommendation is most evidence-based?

Answer: Encourage a structured, moderate aerobic exercise program

Evidence consistently supports moderate aerobic exercise as the most effective intervention for cancer-related fatigue during and after treatment.

A patient is prescribed ondansetron for chemotherapy-induced nausea. The nurse should monitor for which cardiac side effect?

Answer: QT prolongation

Ondansetron (a 5-HT3 antagonist) can cause QT interval prolongation, increasing the risk of serious dysrhythmias such as torsades de pointes.

When educating a patient about neutropenia precautions, which food should the nurse instruct the patient to avoid?

Answer: Raw sushi

Raw or undercooked seafood poses a high risk of bacterial contamination and should be avoided by neutropenic patients who cannot mount an adequate immune response.

A patient with breast cancer is prescribed tamoxifen. The nurse should instruct the patient to report which serious adverse effect immediately?

Answer: Leg pain and swelling

Tamoxifen increases the risk of thromboembolic events; leg pain and swelling may indicate deep vein thrombosis requiring urgent evaluation.

Which staging system is most commonly used to stage solid tumors in oncology practice?

Answer: TNM Classification

The TNM (Tumor, Node, Metastasis) classification system is the universally accepted standard for staging most solid tumors and guides treatment planning.