CNA Oncology Nursing Certification
(CON[C]) Practice Exam Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2025|2026 Q&A | Instant
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1. A 62-year-old patient receiving cisplatin develops sudden tinnitus and
hearing loss. The nurse recognizes this as a common adverse effect of
which mechanism?
A. Ototoxicity from platinum-based DNA crosslinking agents
B. Neurotoxicity from taxanes
C. Pulmonary fibrosis from bleomycin
D. Cardiotoxicity from anthracyclines
Answer: A. Ototoxicity from platinum-based DNA crosslinking agents
Rationale: Cisplatin is a platinum agent that causes dose-related
ototoxicity by damaging cochlear hair cells.
,2. A patient with neutropenia has ANC (absolute neutrophil count) 400
cells/µL. Which action is highest priority?
A. Encourage oral fluids
B. Implement neutropenic precautions and notify provider
C. Provide a high-fiber diet
D. Obtain a chest X-ray
Answer: B. Implement neutropenic precautions and notify provider
Rationale: ANC <500 puts patient at high infection risk; immediate
infection prevention and provider notification are required.
3. A patient on external beam radiation reports erythema confined to
the treatment field. The best nursing intervention is:
A. Apply alcohol-based lotions
B. Use mild soap, lukewarm water, and non-irritating moisturizer
C. Abrade the area to promote sloughing
D. Expose the area to sunlight to dry it
Answer: B. Use mild soap, lukewarm water, and non-irritating
moisturizer
Rationale: Skin care in radiation fields requires gentle cleansing and
moisturization; avoid irritants and sun exposure.
4. Which laboratory value most indicates tumor lysis syndrome risk?
A. Decreased BUN
B. Elevated uric acid
C. Low potassium
, D. Decreased phosphate
Answer: B. Elevated uric acid
Rationale: Tumor lysis releases nucleic acids that metabolize to uric
acid; hyperuricemia is a hallmark.
5. A patient with thrombocytopenia complains of nosebleed. The nurse
should first:
A. Insert nasal tampon
B. Place patient supine with head tilted back
C. Have patient sit up and lean forward while applying pressure to
nostrils
D. Administer platelet transfusion immediately
Answer: C. Have patient sit up and lean forward while applying
pressure to nostrils
Rationale: Forward lean prevents aspiration and direct pressure
controls bleeding; transfusion considered if bleeding persists or
severe.
6. The mechanism of action of monoclonal antibody therapy is best
described as:
A. Non-specific DNA damage
B. Targeted binding to specific antigens on tumor cells
C. Inhibition of microtubule depolymerization
D. Alkylation of DNA bases
Answer: B. Targeted binding to specific antigens on tumor cells
, Rationale: Monoclonal antibodies selectively bind tumor antigens to
mediate immune response or block pathways.
7. A patient reports new shortness of breath, hypotension, and facial
swelling during a transfusion. The nurse should:
A. Slow transfusion and monitor
B. Stop transfusion, maintain IV, and notify provider (possible
anaphylaxis)
C. Remove IV immediately and apply ice
D. Give oral antihistamine and continue
Answer: B. Stop transfusion, maintain IV, and notify provider
(possible anaphylaxis)
Rationale: Acute hypersensitivity during transfusion can be life-
threatening; stop blood and preserve IV for meds.
8. Which sign most suggests superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome in a lung
cancer patient?
A. Leg edema
B. Facial and upper extremity swelling with distended neck veins
C. Lower extremity cyanosis
D. Abdominal pain
Answer: B. Facial and upper extremity swelling with distended neck
veins
Rationale: SVC obstruction causes venous congestion in head, neck,
and upper extremities.
(CON[C]) Practice Exam Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2025|2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. A 62-year-old patient receiving cisplatin develops sudden tinnitus and
hearing loss. The nurse recognizes this as a common adverse effect of
which mechanism?
A. Ototoxicity from platinum-based DNA crosslinking agents
B. Neurotoxicity from taxanes
C. Pulmonary fibrosis from bleomycin
D. Cardiotoxicity from anthracyclines
Answer: A. Ototoxicity from platinum-based DNA crosslinking agents
Rationale: Cisplatin is a platinum agent that causes dose-related
ototoxicity by damaging cochlear hair cells.
,2. A patient with neutropenia has ANC (absolute neutrophil count) 400
cells/µL. Which action is highest priority?
A. Encourage oral fluids
B. Implement neutropenic precautions and notify provider
C. Provide a high-fiber diet
D. Obtain a chest X-ray
Answer: B. Implement neutropenic precautions and notify provider
Rationale: ANC <500 puts patient at high infection risk; immediate
infection prevention and provider notification are required.
3. A patient on external beam radiation reports erythema confined to
the treatment field. The best nursing intervention is:
A. Apply alcohol-based lotions
B. Use mild soap, lukewarm water, and non-irritating moisturizer
C. Abrade the area to promote sloughing
D. Expose the area to sunlight to dry it
Answer: B. Use mild soap, lukewarm water, and non-irritating
moisturizer
Rationale: Skin care in radiation fields requires gentle cleansing and
moisturization; avoid irritants and sun exposure.
4. Which laboratory value most indicates tumor lysis syndrome risk?
A. Decreased BUN
B. Elevated uric acid
C. Low potassium
, D. Decreased phosphate
Answer: B. Elevated uric acid
Rationale: Tumor lysis releases nucleic acids that metabolize to uric
acid; hyperuricemia is a hallmark.
5. A patient with thrombocytopenia complains of nosebleed. The nurse
should first:
A. Insert nasal tampon
B. Place patient supine with head tilted back
C. Have patient sit up and lean forward while applying pressure to
nostrils
D. Administer platelet transfusion immediately
Answer: C. Have patient sit up and lean forward while applying
pressure to nostrils
Rationale: Forward lean prevents aspiration and direct pressure
controls bleeding; transfusion considered if bleeding persists or
severe.
6. The mechanism of action of monoclonal antibody therapy is best
described as:
A. Non-specific DNA damage
B. Targeted binding to specific antigens on tumor cells
C. Inhibition of microtubule depolymerization
D. Alkylation of DNA bases
Answer: B. Targeted binding to specific antigens on tumor cells
, Rationale: Monoclonal antibodies selectively bind tumor antigens to
mediate immune response or block pathways.
7. A patient reports new shortness of breath, hypotension, and facial
swelling during a transfusion. The nurse should:
A. Slow transfusion and monitor
B. Stop transfusion, maintain IV, and notify provider (possible
anaphylaxis)
C. Remove IV immediately and apply ice
D. Give oral antihistamine and continue
Answer: B. Stop transfusion, maintain IV, and notify provider
(possible anaphylaxis)
Rationale: Acute hypersensitivity during transfusion can be life-
threatening; stop blood and preserve IV for meds.
8. Which sign most suggests superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome in a lung
cancer patient?
A. Leg edema
B. Facial and upper extremity swelling with distended neck veins
C. Lower extremity cyanosis
D. Abdominal pain
Answer: B. Facial and upper extremity swelling with distended neck
veins
Rationale: SVC obstruction causes venous congestion in head, neck,
and upper extremities.
