OCN (ONCOLOGY CERTIFIED NURSE)
PRACTICE EXAM QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A
| INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. A patient receiving chemotherapy reports mouth soreness. Which
intervention is most appropriate?
A. Encourage alcohol-based mouthwash
B. Recommend saline or baking soda rinses
C. Restrict oral hygiene
D. Provide spicy foods to stimulate saliva
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Saline or baking soda rinses help maintain oral hygiene and
reduce mucositis discomfort without irritation.
2. Which laboratory value is most important to monitor before administering
chemotherapy?
A. Sodium
B. Hemoglobin
C. Absolute neutrophil count (ANC)
D. Potassium
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: ANC indicates infection risk and bone marrow suppression
status.
,3. A patient on chemotherapy develops fever. What is the priority action?
A. Administer antipyretics
B. Encourage fluids
C. Notify provider immediately
D. Delay antibiotics
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Fever in neutropenic patients is a medical emergency requiring
immediate evaluation.
4. Which side effect is most commonly associated with paclitaxel?
A. Cardiotoxicity
B. Peripheral neuropathy
C. Hearing loss
D. Kidney failure
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Paclitaxel commonly causes sensory peripheral neuropathy.
5. What is the primary purpose of chemotherapy dose calculation based on
BSA?
A. Improve hydration
B. Reduce nausea
C. Ensure accurate drug distribution
D. Prevent hair loss
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Body surface area ensures safe and effective dosing.
6. Which symptom suggests tumor lysis syndrome?
A. Hypocalcemia
B. Hyperglycemia
, C. Hypertension
D. Bradycardia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Cell breakdown releases phosphate leading to hypocalcemia.
7. Which cancer marker is associated with prostate cancer?
A. CA-125
B. PSA
C. AFP
D. CEA
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: PSA is specific for prostate tissue activity.
8. A patient receiving radiation develops skin redness. What should the nurse
do?
A. Apply ice
B. Use harsh soap
C. Use mild skin care products
D. Scrub area daily
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Gentle skin care prevents further radiation damage.
9. Which diet recommendation is appropriate for neutropenic patients?
A. Raw vegetables
B. Unpasteurized milk
C. Well-cooked foods
D. Sushi
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Cooked foods reduce infection risk.
PRACTICE EXAM QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A
| INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. A patient receiving chemotherapy reports mouth soreness. Which
intervention is most appropriate?
A. Encourage alcohol-based mouthwash
B. Recommend saline or baking soda rinses
C. Restrict oral hygiene
D. Provide spicy foods to stimulate saliva
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Saline or baking soda rinses help maintain oral hygiene and
reduce mucositis discomfort without irritation.
2. Which laboratory value is most important to monitor before administering
chemotherapy?
A. Sodium
B. Hemoglobin
C. Absolute neutrophil count (ANC)
D. Potassium
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: ANC indicates infection risk and bone marrow suppression
status.
,3. A patient on chemotherapy develops fever. What is the priority action?
A. Administer antipyretics
B. Encourage fluids
C. Notify provider immediately
D. Delay antibiotics
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Fever in neutropenic patients is a medical emergency requiring
immediate evaluation.
4. Which side effect is most commonly associated with paclitaxel?
A. Cardiotoxicity
B. Peripheral neuropathy
C. Hearing loss
D. Kidney failure
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Paclitaxel commonly causes sensory peripheral neuropathy.
5. What is the primary purpose of chemotherapy dose calculation based on
BSA?
A. Improve hydration
B. Reduce nausea
C. Ensure accurate drug distribution
D. Prevent hair loss
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Body surface area ensures safe and effective dosing.
6. Which symptom suggests tumor lysis syndrome?
A. Hypocalcemia
B. Hyperglycemia
, C. Hypertension
D. Bradycardia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Cell breakdown releases phosphate leading to hypocalcemia.
7. Which cancer marker is associated with prostate cancer?
A. CA-125
B. PSA
C. AFP
D. CEA
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: PSA is specific for prostate tissue activity.
8. A patient receiving radiation develops skin redness. What should the nurse
do?
A. Apply ice
B. Use harsh soap
C. Use mild skin care products
D. Scrub area daily
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Gentle skin care prevents further radiation damage.
9. Which diet recommendation is appropriate for neutropenic patients?
A. Raw vegetables
B. Unpasteurized milk
C. Well-cooked foods
D. Sushi
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Cooked foods reduce infection risk.
