ONCC ONCC Radiation Therapy Nursing 2

Question 1

Brachytherapy involves radiation delivery by which method?

Accepted Answer

Radioactive sources placed inside or adjacent to the tumor

Answer

Brachytherapy delivers radiation via radioactive sources implanted directly into or next to the tumor, allowing high local dose with sparing of surrounding tissue.

Question 2

A nurse is caring for a patient with a high-dose rate (HDR) intracavitary brachytherapy implant. Which precaution is NOT necessary for HDR brachytherapy?

Accepted Answer

Radiation isolation of the patient during treatment

Answer

With HDR brachytherapy, the radioactive source is removed after each treatment session, so the patient is not radioactive between treatments and no isolation is needed outside the treatment room.

Question 3

Which symptom is most consistent with radiation-induced esophagitis in a patient receiving thoracic radiation?

Accepted Answer

Odynophagia (painful swallowing) and dysphagia

Answer

Radiation esophagitis causes inflammation of the esophageal mucosa, presenting as painful and difficult swallowing.

Question 4

A patient is receiving stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for lung cancer. Compared to conventional radiation, SBRT delivers:

Accepted Answer

Higher doses per fraction over fewer treatments with high precision

Answer

SBRT delivers ablative doses in a small number of fractions (typically 3–5) with submillimeter precision, targeting small tumors while minimizing normal tissue exposure.

Question 5

Which finding should the oncology nurse most closely monitor for in a patient who received radiation to the neck years ago?

Accepted Answer

Hypothyroidism due to radiation-induced thyroid damage

Answer

The thyroid gland is radiosensitive, and prior neck irradiation commonly results in late-onset hypothyroidism requiring monitoring and possible thyroid hormone replacement.

ONCC - Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation Practice Test

ONCC - Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation Practice Test

ONCC ONCC Radiation Therapy Nursing 2