ONCC ONCC Radiation Therapy Nursing 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patient receiving external beam radiation to the pelvis develops grade 2 radiation dermatitis. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
- Apply a topical corticosteroid cream twice daily
- Cleanse the area gently with mild soap and water and apply a moisture barrier (Correct answer)
- Apply a petroleum-based ointment and cover with an occlusive dressing
- Instruct the patient to keep the area dry and avoid all topical products
Correct answer: Cleanse the area gently with mild soap and water and apply a moisture barrier
Gentle cleansing with mild soap and water followed by a moisture barrier is recommended for grade 2 radiation dermatitis to maintain skin integrity.
Question 2: Which of the following is a late effect of radiation therapy to the chest that the oncology nurse should monitor for in follow-up?
- Alopecia
- Radiation pneumonitis and pulmonary fibrosis (Correct answer)
- Acute nausea and vomiting
- Mucositis
Correct answer: Radiation pneumonitis and pulmonary fibrosis
Radiation pneumonitis (acute) and pulmonary fibrosis (late) are significant complications of chest radiation that require long-term monitoring.
Question 3: A patient undergoing radiation therapy for head and neck cancer is at highest risk for which nutritional complication?
- Hypercalcemia
- Mucositis leading to dysphagia and malnutrition (Correct answer)
- Dumping syndrome
- Iron deficiency anemia
Correct answer: Mucositis leading to dysphagia and malnutrition
Mucositis and xerostomia from head and neck radiation commonly cause severe dysphagia, placing patients at high risk for malnutrition.
Question 4: Which instruction is most important for a patient receiving radiation therapy to prevent skin breakdown in the treatment field?
- Apply ice packs to the treatment area for comfort
- Avoid sun exposure, tight clothing, and harsh soaps in the treatment field (Correct answer)
- Use alcohol-based skin products to keep the area clean
- Scrub the skin vigorously before each treatment session
Correct answer: Avoid sun exposure, tight clothing, and harsh soaps in the treatment field
Protecting irradiated skin from UV exposure, friction, and irritants reduces the risk of radiation dermatitis and breakdown.
Question 5: A patient receiving whole-brain radiation therapy reports severe headache and confusion two weeks into treatment. What is the priority nursing action?
- Administer acetaminophen and reassess in one hour
- Notify the radiation oncologist immediately as this may indicate increased intracranial pressure (Correct answer)
- Reassure the patient these are expected side effects
- Encourage increased fluid intake
Correct answer: Notify the radiation oncologist immediately as this may indicate increased intracranial pressure
Severe headache and confusion during whole-brain radiation may signal increased intracranial pressure, a potentially life-threatening complication requiring urgent evaluation.
Question 6: Which of the following best describes the purpose of immobilization devices used in radiation therapy?
- To prevent the patient from experiencing anxiety during treatment
- To ensure reproducible patient positioning for accurate daily dose delivery (Correct answer)
- To protect the patient from the radiation beam
- To reduce treatment time per session
Correct answer: To ensure reproducible patient positioning for accurate daily dose delivery
Immobilization devices ensure the patient is positioned identically each session so the radiation dose is delivered accurately to the target volume.
ONCC ONCC Radiation Therapy Nursing 1
A patient receiving external beam radiation to the pelvis develops grade 2 radiation dermatitis.
Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?