NR 324 Oncology and Cancer Nursing Practice Pack 2026/2027
|Chamberlain College
1. A nurse is teaching a community group about primary cancer prevention.
Which of the following should the nurse include?
A. Wearing sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors
B. Colonoscopy every 10 years starting at age 45
C. Annual mammograms for women over 45
D. Monthly testicular self-examinations
Answer: A
Rationale: Primary prevention involves actions to prevent the actual occurrence of cancer,
such as lifestyle changes or avoiding carcinogens. Mammograms, colonoscopies, and self-
exams are secondary prevention (screening).
2. In the TNM staging system, what does the ‘N’ signify?
A. The size and extent of the primary tumor
B. The presence and extent of regional lymph node involvement
C. The degree of cellular differentiation
D. The presence or absence of distant metastasis
Answer: B
Rationale: In TNM staging, T stands for Tumor, N stands for Nodes (lymph node
involvement), and M stands for Metastasis.
,3. A patient is receiving external beam radiation. Which instruction is most
important for the nurse to provide regarding skin care?
A. Apply scented lotions to keep the skin hydrated
B. Apply a heating pad to the area to improve circulation
C. Vigorously scrub the ink markings off after each session
D. Wash the treatment area with mild soap and water, then pat dry
Answer: D
Rationale: Skin in the radiation field should be cleaned gently with mild soap and water
and patted dry. Scents, scrubbing, and heat/cold should be avoided to prevent further
irritation.
4. A patient’s laboratory results show an Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) of
450/mm³. Which nursing intervention is the highest priority?
A. Encouraging the patient to eat fresh fruits and vegetables
B. Administering an antiemetic before chemotherapy
C. Placing the patient in a private room and initiating protective precautions
D. Monitoring for signs of a blood transfusion reaction
Answer: C
Rationale: An ANC below 500/mm³ indicates severe neutropenia, placing the patient at
high risk for infection. Protective (reverse) isolation is necessary.
5. Which assessment finding is a hallmark sign of Superior Vena Cava (SVC)
Syndrome?
A. Hypotension and bradycardia
B. Severe lower back pain
C. Facial and periorbital edema
D. Positive Trousseau’s sign
Answer: C
, Rationale: SVC syndrome occurs when a tumor compresses the superior vena cava,
leading to decreased venous return from the upper body, resulting in facial edema and
neck vein distention.
6. During chemotherapy, a patient reports pain and burning at the IV site. The
nurse notes redness and swelling. What is the priority action?
A. Stop the infusion and notify the provider
B. Apply a warm compress immediately
C. Slow the infusion rate
D. Flush the line with normal saline
Answer: A
Rationale: These are signs of extravasation. The infusion must be stopped immediately to
prevent further tissue damage before any other intervention.
7. A patient is diagnosed with Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS). Which laboratory
value should the nurse expect to see?
A. Hyperuricemia
B. Hypouricemia
C. Hypercalcemia
D. Hypokalemia
Answer: A
Rationale: TLS involves the rapid release of intracellular contents into the bloodstream,
leading to hyperuricemia, hyperkalemia, and hyperphosphatemia (which causes
hypocalcemia).
|Chamberlain College
1. A nurse is teaching a community group about primary cancer prevention.
Which of the following should the nurse include?
A. Wearing sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors
B. Colonoscopy every 10 years starting at age 45
C. Annual mammograms for women over 45
D. Monthly testicular self-examinations
Answer: A
Rationale: Primary prevention involves actions to prevent the actual occurrence of cancer,
such as lifestyle changes or avoiding carcinogens. Mammograms, colonoscopies, and self-
exams are secondary prevention (screening).
2. In the TNM staging system, what does the ‘N’ signify?
A. The size and extent of the primary tumor
B. The presence and extent of regional lymph node involvement
C. The degree of cellular differentiation
D. The presence or absence of distant metastasis
Answer: B
Rationale: In TNM staging, T stands for Tumor, N stands for Nodes (lymph node
involvement), and M stands for Metastasis.
,3. A patient is receiving external beam radiation. Which instruction is most
important for the nurse to provide regarding skin care?
A. Apply scented lotions to keep the skin hydrated
B. Apply a heating pad to the area to improve circulation
C. Vigorously scrub the ink markings off after each session
D. Wash the treatment area with mild soap and water, then pat dry
Answer: D
Rationale: Skin in the radiation field should be cleaned gently with mild soap and water
and patted dry. Scents, scrubbing, and heat/cold should be avoided to prevent further
irritation.
4. A patient’s laboratory results show an Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) of
450/mm³. Which nursing intervention is the highest priority?
A. Encouraging the patient to eat fresh fruits and vegetables
B. Administering an antiemetic before chemotherapy
C. Placing the patient in a private room and initiating protective precautions
D. Monitoring for signs of a blood transfusion reaction
Answer: C
Rationale: An ANC below 500/mm³ indicates severe neutropenia, placing the patient at
high risk for infection. Protective (reverse) isolation is necessary.
5. Which assessment finding is a hallmark sign of Superior Vena Cava (SVC)
Syndrome?
A. Hypotension and bradycardia
B. Severe lower back pain
C. Facial and periorbital edema
D. Positive Trousseau’s sign
Answer: C
, Rationale: SVC syndrome occurs when a tumor compresses the superior vena cava,
leading to decreased venous return from the upper body, resulting in facial edema and
neck vein distention.
6. During chemotherapy, a patient reports pain and burning at the IV site. The
nurse notes redness and swelling. What is the priority action?
A. Stop the infusion and notify the provider
B. Apply a warm compress immediately
C. Slow the infusion rate
D. Flush the line with normal saline
Answer: A
Rationale: These are signs of extravasation. The infusion must be stopped immediately to
prevent further tissue damage before any other intervention.
7. A patient is diagnosed with Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS). Which laboratory
value should the nurse expect to see?
A. Hyperuricemia
B. Hypouricemia
C. Hypercalcemia
D. Hypokalemia
Answer: A
Rationale: TLS involves the rapid release of intracellular contents into the bloodstream,
leading to hyperuricemia, hyperkalemia, and hyperphosphatemia (which causes
hypocalcemia).
