OCN OCN General 3

Question 1

A patient receiving doxorubicin reports shortness of breath and a new nonproductive cough. Which complication should the nurse suspect first?

Accepted Answer

Cardiotoxicity with heart failure

Answer

Doxorubicin causes cumulative dose-dependent cardiotoxicity that can lead to dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure, presenting with dyspnea and cough.

Question 2

Which assessment finding in a patient with cancer indicates hypercalcemia of malignancy requiring urgent intervention?

Accepted Answer

Serum calcium of 13.5 mg/dL with confusion and polyuria

Answer

A serum calcium above 12 mg/dL with neurological symptoms (confusion) and polyuria represents severe hypercalcemia of malignancy requiring urgent IV hydration and bisphosphonate therapy.

Question 3

The nurse is assessing oral mucositis in a chemotherapy patient using the NCI grading scale. Which finding corresponds to Grade 3 mucositis?

Accepted Answer

Severe symptoms preventing adequate oral intake

Answer

NCI Grade 3 mucositis is characterized by severe symptoms that prevent adequate oral intake, requiring enteral or parenteral nutritional support.

Question 4

A cancer patient is receiving high-dose methotrexate. What is the primary antidote used to rescue normal cells?

Accepted Answer

Leucovorin (folinic acid)

Answer

Leucovorin (folinic acid) rescue bypasses the dihydrofolate reductase blockade caused by methotrexate, protecting normal cells from folate depletion toxicity.

Question 5

Which type of cancer is most strongly associated with the Philadelphia chromosome (BCR-ABL translocation)?

Accepted Answer

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)

Answer

The Philadelphia chromosome (translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22) creating the BCR-ABL fusion gene is the hallmark of chronic myeloid leukemia.

OCN Exam Practice Test

OCN Exam Practice Test

OCN OCN General 3