Page 1 of 147
ONS Radiation Therapy Certificate Exam Questions with
Correct Answers and explanations LATEST THIS YEAR -
JUST RELEASED
ONS Radiation Therapy Certificate Exam
Exam Coverage Summary
The ONS/ONCC Radiation Therapy Certificate is a specialized program designed for nurses new to
radiation therapy or those refining their knowledge of advancements in the field . The course is based
on the Manual for Radiation Oncology Nursing Practice and Education (5th edition) and includes content
on chemical modifiers of radiation, latest treatment modalities, distress and coping, site-specific
toxicities, oncologic emergencies, and special population management (including adolescents and young
adults) .
Exam Format: Upon completion of the course, learners must achieve a passing score of 80% or
higher on the post-test to receive a Certificate of Completion with 10.75 nursing continuing professional
development (NCPD) contact hours and an added qualification certificate . Important distinction: The
certificate of added qualification is neither a professional certification nor licensure; it demonstrates
mastery knowledge of the course content .
Course Topics: Fundamentals of radiation oncology, radiation safety, treatment modalities, treatment-
related side effects, continuum of care, and professional practice .
Question 1
A patient undergoing external beam radiation therapy for head and neck cancer reports a metallic taste
in the mouth and difficulty tasting food. What is the most appropriate nursing intervention?
A) Recommend avoiding all oral intake until symptoms subside
B) Suggest tart or sour flavors (unless stomatitis is present) and good oral hygiene before meals
C) Advise the patient to eat spicy foods to stimulate taste buds
D) Refer the patient for a swallowing evaluation only
, Page 2 of 147
Correct Answer: B
Summary Rationale: Dysgeusia (altered taste) is common during head and neck radiation. Tart or sour
flavors can help stimulate taste, but caution is needed if stomatitis is present. Good oral hygiene before
meals is also recommended.
Question 2
What is the role of a dosimetrist on the radiation therapy team?
A) To perform daily treatment setup and deliver radiation to patients
B) To calculate the absorbed dose of radiation in matter and tissues
C) To diagnose cancer and prescribe radiation treatment
D) To maintain and calibrate the linear accelerator
Correct Answer: B
Summary Rationale: The dosimetrist is a key member of the radiation therapy team who calculates the
absorbed dose of radiation in matter and tissues .
, Page 3 of 147
Question 3
A patient is receiving radiation therapy to the pelvic region. The nurse should monitor for which
potential gastrointestinal side effect?
A) Nausea and vomiting only
B) Radiation proctitis (diarrhea, rectal bleeding, tenesmus)
C) Esophagitis
D) Xerostomia
Correct Answer: B
Summary Rationale: Pelvic radiation can cause radiation proctitis, characterized by diarrhea, rectal
bleeding, and tenesmus. Esophagitis is associated with thoracic radiation, while xerostomia is associated
with head and neck radiation.
Question 4
Which term describes the visible tumor that is felt or seen on imaging studies?
A) Clinical Target Volume (CTV)
, Page 4 of 147
B) Planning Target Volume (PTV)
C) Gross Tumor Volume (GTV)
D) Treated Volume
Correct Answer: C
Summary Rationale: Gross Tumor Volume (GTV) is the visible tumor - the malignant growth that is felt or
seen on imaging .
Question 5
A patient undergoing radiation therapy for breast cancer reports skin redness and peeling in the
treatment area. What is the priority nursing action?
A) Advise the patient to apply ice packs directly to the area
B) Instruct the patient to wash the area with harsh soaps to keep it clean
C) Assess the severity of the skin reaction and recommend gentle skin care
D) Discontinue radiation therapy immediately
ONS Radiation Therapy Certificate Exam Questions with
Correct Answers and explanations LATEST THIS YEAR -
JUST RELEASED
ONS Radiation Therapy Certificate Exam
Exam Coverage Summary
The ONS/ONCC Radiation Therapy Certificate is a specialized program designed for nurses new to
radiation therapy or those refining their knowledge of advancements in the field . The course is based
on the Manual for Radiation Oncology Nursing Practice and Education (5th edition) and includes content
on chemical modifiers of radiation, latest treatment modalities, distress and coping, site-specific
toxicities, oncologic emergencies, and special population management (including adolescents and young
adults) .
Exam Format: Upon completion of the course, learners must achieve a passing score of 80% or
higher on the post-test to receive a Certificate of Completion with 10.75 nursing continuing professional
development (NCPD) contact hours and an added qualification certificate . Important distinction: The
certificate of added qualification is neither a professional certification nor licensure; it demonstrates
mastery knowledge of the course content .
Course Topics: Fundamentals of radiation oncology, radiation safety, treatment modalities, treatment-
related side effects, continuum of care, and professional practice .
Question 1
A patient undergoing external beam radiation therapy for head and neck cancer reports a metallic taste
in the mouth and difficulty tasting food. What is the most appropriate nursing intervention?
A) Recommend avoiding all oral intake until symptoms subside
B) Suggest tart or sour flavors (unless stomatitis is present) and good oral hygiene before meals
C) Advise the patient to eat spicy foods to stimulate taste buds
D) Refer the patient for a swallowing evaluation only
, Page 2 of 147
Correct Answer: B
Summary Rationale: Dysgeusia (altered taste) is common during head and neck radiation. Tart or sour
flavors can help stimulate taste, but caution is needed if stomatitis is present. Good oral hygiene before
meals is also recommended.
Question 2
What is the role of a dosimetrist on the radiation therapy team?
A) To perform daily treatment setup and deliver radiation to patients
B) To calculate the absorbed dose of radiation in matter and tissues
C) To diagnose cancer and prescribe radiation treatment
D) To maintain and calibrate the linear accelerator
Correct Answer: B
Summary Rationale: The dosimetrist is a key member of the radiation therapy team who calculates the
absorbed dose of radiation in matter and tissues .
, Page 3 of 147
Question 3
A patient is receiving radiation therapy to the pelvic region. The nurse should monitor for which
potential gastrointestinal side effect?
A) Nausea and vomiting only
B) Radiation proctitis (diarrhea, rectal bleeding, tenesmus)
C) Esophagitis
D) Xerostomia
Correct Answer: B
Summary Rationale: Pelvic radiation can cause radiation proctitis, characterized by diarrhea, rectal
bleeding, and tenesmus. Esophagitis is associated with thoracic radiation, while xerostomia is associated
with head and neck radiation.
Question 4
Which term describes the visible tumor that is felt or seen on imaging studies?
A) Clinical Target Volume (CTV)
, Page 4 of 147
B) Planning Target Volume (PTV)
C) Gross Tumor Volume (GTV)
D) Treated Volume
Correct Answer: C
Summary Rationale: Gross Tumor Volume (GTV) is the visible tumor - the malignant growth that is felt or
seen on imaging .
Question 5
A patient undergoing radiation therapy for breast cancer reports skin redness and peeling in the
treatment area. What is the priority nursing action?
A) Advise the patient to apply ice packs directly to the area
B) Instruct the patient to wash the area with harsh soaps to keep it clean
C) Assess the severity of the skin reaction and recommend gentle skin care
D) Discontinue radiation therapy immediately
