2026 ONCOLOGY TEST BANK LATEST VERSION WITH ALL
QUESTIONS FROM ACTUAL EXAM 100% CORRECT
ANSWERS AND RATIONALE
A patient with thyroid cancer has undergone surgery and a significant amount of parathyroid tissue has
been removed. The nurse caring for the patient should prioritize what question when addressing
potential complications?
A)Do you feel any muscle twitches or spasms?
B)Do you feel flushed or sweaty?
C)Are you experiencing any dizziness or lightheadedness?
D)Are you having any pain that seems to be radiating from your bones? - CORRECT ANSWERS-
A - As the blood calcium level falls, hyperirritability of the nerves occurs, with spasms of the hands and
feet and muscle twitching. This is characteristic of hypoparathyroidism. Flushing, diaphoresis, dizziness,
and pain are atypical signs of the resulting hypocalcemia.
A patient has returned to the floor after having a thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer. The nurse knows that
sometimes during thyroid surgery the parathyroid glands can be injured or removed. What laboratory
finding may be an early indication of parathyroid gland injury or removal?
A)Hyponatremia
B)ypophosphatemia
C)Hypocalcemia
D)Hypokalemia - CORRECT ANSWERS-C - Injury or removal of the parathyroid glands may
produce a disturbance in calcium metabolism and result in a decline of calcium levels (hypocalcemia). As
the blood calcium levels fall, hyperirritability of the nerves occurs, with spasms of the hands and feet and
muscle twitching. This group of symptoms is known as tetany and must be reported to the physician
immediately, because laryngospasm may occur and obstruct the airway. Hypophosphatemia,
hyponatremia, and hypokalemia are not expected responses to parathyroid injury or removal. In fact,
parathyroid removal or injury that results in hypocalcemia may lead to hyperphosphatemia.
The public health nurse is presenting a health-promotion class to a group at a local community center.
Which intervention most directly addresses the leading cause of cancer deaths in North America?
A)Monthly self-breast exams
B)Smoking cessation
,C)Annual colonoscopies
D)Monthly testicular exams - CORRECT ANSWERS-B - Cancer is second only to cardiovascular
disease as a leading cause of death in the United States. Although the numbers of cancer deaths have
decreased slightly, more than 570,000 Americans were expected to die from a malignant process in
2011. The leading causes of cancer death in the United States, in order of frequency, are lung, prostate,
and colorectal cancer in men and lung, breast, and colorectal cancer in women, so smoking cessation is
the health promotion initiative directly related to lung cancer.
A nurse who works in an oncology clinic is assessing a patient who has arrived for a 2-month follow-up
appointment following chemotherapy. The nurse notes that the patients skin appears yellow. Which
blood tests should be done to further explore this clinical sign?
A)Liver function tests (LFTs)
B)Complete blood count (CBC)
C)Platelet count
D)Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine - CORRECT ANSWERS-A - Yellow skin is a sign of
jaundice and the liver is a common organ affected by metastatic disease. An LFT should be done to
determine if the liver is functioning. A CBC, platelet count and tests of renal function would not directly
assess for liver disease.
The school nurse is teaching a nutrition class in the local high school. One student states that he has
heard that certain foods can increase the incidence of cancer. The nurse responds, Research has shown
that certain foods indeed appear to increase the risk of cancer. Which of the following menu selections
would be the best choice for potentially reducing the risks of cancer?
A)Smoked salmon and green beans
B)Pork chops and fried green tomatoes
C)Baked apricot chicken and steamed broccoli
D)Liver, onions, and steamed peas - CORRECT ANSWERS-C - Fruits and vegetables appear to
reduce cancer risk. Salt-cured foods, such as ham and processed meats, as well as red meats, should be
limited.
Traditionally, nurses have been involved with tertiary cancer prevention. However, an increasing
emphasis is being placed on both primary and secondary prevention. What would be an example of
primary prevention?
A)Yearly Pap tests
B)Testicular self-examination
,C)Teaching patients to wear sunscreen
D)Screening mammograms - CORRECT ANSWERS-C - Primary prevention is concerned with
reducing the risks of cancer in healthy people through practices such as use of sunscreen. Secondary
prevention involves detection and screening to achieve early diagnosis, as demonstrated by Pap tests,
mammograms, and testicular exams.
The nurse is caring for a 39-year-old woman with a family history of breast cancer. She requested a
breast tumor marking test and the results have come back positive. As a result, the patient is requesting
a bilateral mastectomy. This surgery is an example of what type of oncologic surgery?
A)Salvage surgery
B)Palliative surgery
C)Prophylactic surgery
D)Reconstructive surgery - CORRECT ANSWERS-C - Prophylactic surgery is used when there is
an extensive family history and nonvital tissues are removed. Salvage surgery is an additional treatment
option that uses an extensive surgical approach to treat the local recurrence of a cancer after the use of
a less extensive primary approach. Palliative surgery is performed in an attempt to relieve complications
of cancer, such as ulceration, obstruction, hemorrhage, pain, and malignant effusion. Reconstructive
surgery may follow curative or radical surgery in an attempt to improve function or obtain a more
desirable cosmetic effect.
The nurse is caring for a patient who is to begin receiving external radiation for a malignant tumor of the
neck. While providing patient education, what potential adverse effects should the nurse discuss with
the patient?
A)Impaired nutritional status
B)Cognitive changes
C)Diarrhea
D)Alopecia - CORRECT ANSWERS-A - Alterations in oral mucosa, change and loss of taste,
pain, and dysphasia often occur as a result of radiotherapy to the head and neck. The patient is at an
increased risk of impaired nutritional status. Radiotherapy does not cause cognitive changes. Diarrhea is
not a likely concern for this patient. Radiation only results in alopecia when targeted at the whole brain;
radiation of other parts of the body does not lead to hair loss.
While a patient is receiving IV doxorubicin hydrochloride for the treatment of cancer, the nurse observes
swelling and pain at the IV site. The nurse should prioritize what action?
A)Stopping the administration of the drug immediately
, B)Notifying the patients physician
C)Continuing the infusion but decreasing the rate
D)Applying a warm compress to the infusion site - CORRECT ANSWERS-A - Doxorubicin
hydrochloride is a chemotherapeutic vesicant that can cause severe tissue damage. The nurse should
stop the administration of the drug immediately and then notify the patients physician. Ice can be
applied to the site once the drug therapy has stopped.
A patient newly diagnosed with cancer is scheduled to begin chemotherapy treatment and the nurse is
providing anticipatory guidance about potential adverse effects. When addressing the most common
adverse effect, what should the nurse describe?
A)Pruritis (itching)
B)Nausea and vomiting
C)Altered glucose metabolism
D)Confusion - CORRECT ANSWERS-B - Nausea and vomiting, the most common side effects of
chemotherapy, may persist for as long as 24 to 48 hours after its administration. Antiemetic drugs are
frequently prescribed for these patients. Confusion, alterations in glucose metabolism, and pruritis are
not common adverse effects.
A patient on the oncology unit is receiving carmustine, a chemotherapy agent, and the nurse is aware
that a significant side effect of this medication is thrombocytopenia. Which symptom should the nurse
assess for in patients at risk for thrombocytopenia?
A)Interrupted sleep pattern
B)Hot flashes
C)Epistaxis (nose bleed)
D)Increased weight - CORRECT ANSWERS-C - Patients with thrombocytopenia are at risk for
bleeding due to decreased platelet counts. Patients with thrombocytopenia do not exhibit interrupted
sleep pattern, hot flashes, or increased weight.
The nurse is orienting a new nurse to the oncology unit. When reviewing the safe administration of
antineoplastic agents, what action should the nurse emphasize?
A)Adjust the dose to the patients present symptoms.
B)Wash hands with an alcohol-based cleanser following administration.
C)Use gloves and a lab coat when preparing the medication.
QUESTIONS FROM ACTUAL EXAM 100% CORRECT
ANSWERS AND RATIONALE
A patient with thyroid cancer has undergone surgery and a significant amount of parathyroid tissue has
been removed. The nurse caring for the patient should prioritize what question when addressing
potential complications?
A)Do you feel any muscle twitches or spasms?
B)Do you feel flushed or sweaty?
C)Are you experiencing any dizziness or lightheadedness?
D)Are you having any pain that seems to be radiating from your bones? - CORRECT ANSWERS-
A - As the blood calcium level falls, hyperirritability of the nerves occurs, with spasms of the hands and
feet and muscle twitching. This is characteristic of hypoparathyroidism. Flushing, diaphoresis, dizziness,
and pain are atypical signs of the resulting hypocalcemia.
A patient has returned to the floor after having a thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer. The nurse knows that
sometimes during thyroid surgery the parathyroid glands can be injured or removed. What laboratory
finding may be an early indication of parathyroid gland injury or removal?
A)Hyponatremia
B)ypophosphatemia
C)Hypocalcemia
D)Hypokalemia - CORRECT ANSWERS-C - Injury or removal of the parathyroid glands may
produce a disturbance in calcium metabolism and result in a decline of calcium levels (hypocalcemia). As
the blood calcium levels fall, hyperirritability of the nerves occurs, with spasms of the hands and feet and
muscle twitching. This group of symptoms is known as tetany and must be reported to the physician
immediately, because laryngospasm may occur and obstruct the airway. Hypophosphatemia,
hyponatremia, and hypokalemia are not expected responses to parathyroid injury or removal. In fact,
parathyroid removal or injury that results in hypocalcemia may lead to hyperphosphatemia.
The public health nurse is presenting a health-promotion class to a group at a local community center.
Which intervention most directly addresses the leading cause of cancer deaths in North America?
A)Monthly self-breast exams
B)Smoking cessation
,C)Annual colonoscopies
D)Monthly testicular exams - CORRECT ANSWERS-B - Cancer is second only to cardiovascular
disease as a leading cause of death in the United States. Although the numbers of cancer deaths have
decreased slightly, more than 570,000 Americans were expected to die from a malignant process in
2011. The leading causes of cancer death in the United States, in order of frequency, are lung, prostate,
and colorectal cancer in men and lung, breast, and colorectal cancer in women, so smoking cessation is
the health promotion initiative directly related to lung cancer.
A nurse who works in an oncology clinic is assessing a patient who has arrived for a 2-month follow-up
appointment following chemotherapy. The nurse notes that the patients skin appears yellow. Which
blood tests should be done to further explore this clinical sign?
A)Liver function tests (LFTs)
B)Complete blood count (CBC)
C)Platelet count
D)Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine - CORRECT ANSWERS-A - Yellow skin is a sign of
jaundice and the liver is a common organ affected by metastatic disease. An LFT should be done to
determine if the liver is functioning. A CBC, platelet count and tests of renal function would not directly
assess for liver disease.
The school nurse is teaching a nutrition class in the local high school. One student states that he has
heard that certain foods can increase the incidence of cancer. The nurse responds, Research has shown
that certain foods indeed appear to increase the risk of cancer. Which of the following menu selections
would be the best choice for potentially reducing the risks of cancer?
A)Smoked salmon and green beans
B)Pork chops and fried green tomatoes
C)Baked apricot chicken and steamed broccoli
D)Liver, onions, and steamed peas - CORRECT ANSWERS-C - Fruits and vegetables appear to
reduce cancer risk. Salt-cured foods, such as ham and processed meats, as well as red meats, should be
limited.
Traditionally, nurses have been involved with tertiary cancer prevention. However, an increasing
emphasis is being placed on both primary and secondary prevention. What would be an example of
primary prevention?
A)Yearly Pap tests
B)Testicular self-examination
,C)Teaching patients to wear sunscreen
D)Screening mammograms - CORRECT ANSWERS-C - Primary prevention is concerned with
reducing the risks of cancer in healthy people through practices such as use of sunscreen. Secondary
prevention involves detection and screening to achieve early diagnosis, as demonstrated by Pap tests,
mammograms, and testicular exams.
The nurse is caring for a 39-year-old woman with a family history of breast cancer. She requested a
breast tumor marking test and the results have come back positive. As a result, the patient is requesting
a bilateral mastectomy. This surgery is an example of what type of oncologic surgery?
A)Salvage surgery
B)Palliative surgery
C)Prophylactic surgery
D)Reconstructive surgery - CORRECT ANSWERS-C - Prophylactic surgery is used when there is
an extensive family history and nonvital tissues are removed. Salvage surgery is an additional treatment
option that uses an extensive surgical approach to treat the local recurrence of a cancer after the use of
a less extensive primary approach. Palliative surgery is performed in an attempt to relieve complications
of cancer, such as ulceration, obstruction, hemorrhage, pain, and malignant effusion. Reconstructive
surgery may follow curative or radical surgery in an attempt to improve function or obtain a more
desirable cosmetic effect.
The nurse is caring for a patient who is to begin receiving external radiation for a malignant tumor of the
neck. While providing patient education, what potential adverse effects should the nurse discuss with
the patient?
A)Impaired nutritional status
B)Cognitive changes
C)Diarrhea
D)Alopecia - CORRECT ANSWERS-A - Alterations in oral mucosa, change and loss of taste,
pain, and dysphasia often occur as a result of radiotherapy to the head and neck. The patient is at an
increased risk of impaired nutritional status. Radiotherapy does not cause cognitive changes. Diarrhea is
not a likely concern for this patient. Radiation only results in alopecia when targeted at the whole brain;
radiation of other parts of the body does not lead to hair loss.
While a patient is receiving IV doxorubicin hydrochloride for the treatment of cancer, the nurse observes
swelling and pain at the IV site. The nurse should prioritize what action?
A)Stopping the administration of the drug immediately
, B)Notifying the patients physician
C)Continuing the infusion but decreasing the rate
D)Applying a warm compress to the infusion site - CORRECT ANSWERS-A - Doxorubicin
hydrochloride is a chemotherapeutic vesicant that can cause severe tissue damage. The nurse should
stop the administration of the drug immediately and then notify the patients physician. Ice can be
applied to the site once the drug therapy has stopped.
A patient newly diagnosed with cancer is scheduled to begin chemotherapy treatment and the nurse is
providing anticipatory guidance about potential adverse effects. When addressing the most common
adverse effect, what should the nurse describe?
A)Pruritis (itching)
B)Nausea and vomiting
C)Altered glucose metabolism
D)Confusion - CORRECT ANSWERS-B - Nausea and vomiting, the most common side effects of
chemotherapy, may persist for as long as 24 to 48 hours after its administration. Antiemetic drugs are
frequently prescribed for these patients. Confusion, alterations in glucose metabolism, and pruritis are
not common adverse effects.
A patient on the oncology unit is receiving carmustine, a chemotherapy agent, and the nurse is aware
that a significant side effect of this medication is thrombocytopenia. Which symptom should the nurse
assess for in patients at risk for thrombocytopenia?
A)Interrupted sleep pattern
B)Hot flashes
C)Epistaxis (nose bleed)
D)Increased weight - CORRECT ANSWERS-C - Patients with thrombocytopenia are at risk for
bleeding due to decreased platelet counts. Patients with thrombocytopenia do not exhibit interrupted
sleep pattern, hot flashes, or increased weight.
The nurse is orienting a new nurse to the oncology unit. When reviewing the safe administration of
antineoplastic agents, what action should the nurse emphasize?
A)Adjust the dose to the patients present symptoms.
B)Wash hands with an alcohol-based cleanser following administration.
C)Use gloves and a lab coat when preparing the medication.
