OCN Radiation Therapy Nursing

Question 1

What is the primary mechanism by which ionizing radiation destroys cancer cells?

Accepted Answer

Inducing DNA strand breaks that lead to cell death

Answer

Ionizing radiation damages DNA by causing single- and double-strand breaks, which prevents cancer cells from replicating and leads to apoptosis.

Question 2

Which type of radiation therapy delivers treatment from a source located outside the patient's body?

Accepted Answer

External beam radiation therapy (EBRT)

Answer

External beam radiation therapy (EBRT) uses a machine located outside the body to direct radiation beams at the tumor site.

Question 3

A patient undergoing radiation therapy to the chest develops a dry, desquamating skin reaction at the treatment site. What is the most appropriate nursing intervention?

Accepted Answer

Gently cleanse with mild soap and water and apply a recommended moisturizer

Answer

Gentle cleansing with mild soap and water followed by a radiation-approved moisturizer minimizes irritation and supports skin integrity during radiation-induced dermatitis.

Question 4

What does fractionation in radiation therapy mean?

Accepted Answer

Dividing the total radiation dose into smaller doses given over multiple sessions

Answer

Fractionation divides the total prescribed radiation dose into multiple smaller fractions delivered over days or weeks to allow normal tissue repair between treatments.

Question 5

Which radiation therapy technique uses multiple precisely aimed beams to deliver a high dose to a small tumor while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue?

Accepted Answer

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS)

Answer

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) delivers highly precise, high-dose radiation to a small target in a single or few sessions, sparing adjacent normal tissue.

OCN Exam Practice Test

OCN Exam Practice Test

OCN Radiation Therapy Nursing