The Ultimate Oncology Nursing Trivia Quiz!

1. A nurse is discharging a client to home after the client received a round of chemotherapy. The client states "I am glad to be going home so that I can continue my herbal remedy for nausea." The best response by the nurse is:

Tell me what herbal remedies you are planning on taking. Then we can discuss their safety with your physician.

I think herbal therapies are an excellent way to control nausea related to chemotherapy.

Be sure to research the herbal therapies with the salesperson at the health food store before you start taking them.

Herbal therapies are safe and effective for everyone. I do not know why physicians do not use them more.

The best response by the nurse is to ask the client about the specific herbal remedies they plan on taking and then discuss their safety with the physician. This response shows the nurse's willingness to listen to the client's preferences and ensures that the client's safety is prioritized by involving the physician in the discussion. It promotes open communication and collaboration between the nurse, client, and physician to make informed decisions about the client's care.

Explanation

The best response by the nurse is to ask the client about the specific herbal remedies they plan on taking and then discuss their safety with the physician. This response shows the nurse's willingness to listen to the client's preferences and ensures that the client's safety is prioritized by involving the physician in the discussion. It promotes open communication and collaboration between the nurse, client, and physician to make informed decisions about the client's care.

2. 2. The nurse is about to access a client's implanted vascular port to administer medication. What nursing action should be implemented first?

Apply warm compresses to the port site.

Have the client hang their arm over the side of the bed.

Have the client perform the val salva maneuver.

.Inspect the port site for redness or swelling

The first nursing action that should be implemented before accessing a client's implanted vascular port to administer medication is to inspect the port site for redness or swelling. This is important to assess for any signs of infection or inflammation, which could indicate a potential complication or contraindication for accessing the port. By inspecting the port site first, the nurse can ensure the safety and well-being of the client before proceeding with the medication administration.

Explanation

The first nursing action that should be implemented before accessing a client's implanted vascular port to administer medication is to inspect the port site for redness or swelling. This is important to assess for any signs of infection or inflammation, which could indicate a potential complication or contraindication for accessing the port. By inspecting the port site first, the nurse can ensure the safety and well-being of the client before proceeding with the medication administration.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who states they have sudden pain at the IV site when receiving Vincristine. The nurse's first action should be to:

Call the physician.

Apply cool compresses to the site.

Apply warm compresses to the site.

Stop the infusion immediately.

The correct answer is to stop the infusion immediately. Vincristine is a chemotherapy medication that can cause severe tissue damage if it infiltrates into the surrounding tissues. Therefore, it is crucial to stop the infusion as soon as the client reports sudden pain at the IV site. This action will help prevent further damage and potential complications. Calling the physician can be done after stopping the infusion to report the situation and seek further instructions. Applying cool or warm compresses may not address the underlying issue and should not be the nurse's first action in this situation.

Explanation

The correct answer is to stop the infusion immediately. Vincristine is a chemotherapy medication that can cause severe tissue damage if it infiltrates into the surrounding tissues. Therefore, it is crucial to stop the infusion as soon as the client reports sudden pain at the IV site. This action will help prevent further damage and potential complications. Calling the physician can be done after stopping the infusion to report the situation and seek further instructions. Applying cool or warm compresses may not address the underlying issue and should not be the nurse's first action in this situation.

4. A client is being admitted to the hospital for a radiation implant for cervical cancer. The nurse teaches the client that:

The client will be radioactive for one month after the radiation implant is removed.

Visitors should be limited. Small children and pregnant women should not visit.

The client's urine and stool will be not be radioactive while the implant is in place.

During radiation therapy, the client will be radioactive, and this radiation can be harmful to small children and pregnant women. Therefore, it is important to limit visitors and restrict the presence of small children and pregnant women in order to ensure their safety. The other options mentioned in the question, such as the client's school age children visiting for a limited time and the radioactivity of the client's urine and stool, are not relevant to the safety precautions regarding visitors.

Explanation

During radiation therapy, the client will be radioactive, and this radiation can be harmful to small children and pregnant women. Therefore, it is important to limit visitors and restrict the presence of small children and pregnant women in order to ensure their safety. The other options mentioned in the question, such as the client's school age children visiting for a limited time and the radioactivity of the client's urine and stool, are not relevant to the safety precautions regarding visitors.

5. A client with cancer under going surgery to relieve symptoms. Which type of surgery is the client undergoing ?

Palliative

Reconstructive

Prophylatic

Diagnostic

The client is undergoing palliative surgery. Palliative surgery aims to relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life for patients with cancer. It is not curative or meant to remove the cancer completely, but rather to alleviate pain, discomfort, or other symptoms caused by the cancer.

Explanation

The client is undergoing palliative surgery. Palliative surgery aims to relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life for patients with cancer. It is not curative or meant to remove the cancer completely, but rather to alleviate pain, discomfort, or other symptoms caused by the cancer.

6. A nurse is caring for a client who has developed mucositis of the oral membrane. The client is being discharged. The nurse should teach the client to:

The client should drink iced liquids before each meal.

The client should rinse his/her mouth with commercial mouth wash after every meal.

The client should rinse his/her mouth with a solution of saline and water after each meal.

The client should firmly brush his/her teeth after each meal.

The correct answer is to rinse the mouth with a solution of saline and water after each meal. This is because mucositis of the oral membrane can cause inflammation and irritation, making it important to maintain oral hygiene. Rinsing with a saline and water solution can help remove debris and bacteria, soothe the mouth, and promote healing. Drinking iced liquids before each meal may provide temporary relief, but it does not address the need for oral hygiene. Using a commercial mouthwash may contain alcohol or other irritants that can worsen mucositis. Firmly brushing the teeth can further irritate the oral membrane.

Explanation

The correct answer is to rinse the mouth with a solution of saline and water after each meal. This is because mucositis of the oral membrane can cause inflammation and irritation, making it important to maintain oral hygiene. Rinsing with a saline and water solution can help remove debris and bacteria, soothe the mouth, and promote healing. Drinking iced liquids before each meal may provide temporary relief, but it does not address the need for oral hygiene. Using a commercial mouthwash may contain alcohol or other irritants that can worsen mucositis. Firmly brushing the teeth can further irritate the oral membrane.

7. The nurse is teaching a client proper skin care for external radiation treatments. The nurse knows the client understands when the client states:

I will wash the area daily with betadine solution.

I will keep the area covered with an occlusive dressing.

I will wear clothing that does not place pressure on the area.

I will apply my usual dry skin lotion to the area.

The correct answer is "I will wear clothing that does not place pressure on the area." This statement indicates that the client understands the importance of avoiding pressure on the area being treated with external radiation. Pressure can cause irritation and damage to the skin, which can further worsen the side effects of radiation therapy. By wearing loose-fitting clothing, the client can minimize friction and pressure on the treated area, promoting healing and reducing discomfort.

Explanation

The correct answer is "I will wear clothing that does not place pressure on the area." This statement indicates that the client understands the importance of avoiding pressure on the area being treated with external radiation. Pressure can cause irritation and damage to the skin, which can further worsen the side effects of radiation therapy. By wearing loose-fitting clothing, the client can minimize friction and pressure on the treated area, promoting healing and reducing discomfort.

8. A client is to start chemotherapy next week for ovarian cancer. The nurse knows the client understands teaching concerning alopecia when the client states:

I can't wait to get a tan on the top of my head.

I know my hair will fall out but, it will grow back just as it is now after the chemotherapy.

I know my hair will not fall out, because I have been using a mild shampoo.

I have decided to have my hair cut short tomorrow. I already bought my wig.

The client's statement of having their hair cut short and buying a wig indicates that they understand the potential side effect of alopecia (hair loss) from chemotherapy. Cutting their hair short and purchasing a wig shows that they are prepared for the hair loss and have taken proactive steps to manage it. This demonstrates their understanding of the teaching regarding alopecia.

Explanation

The client's statement of having their hair cut short and buying a wig indicates that they understand the potential side effect of alopecia (hair loss) from chemotherapy. Cutting their hair short and purchasing a wig shows that they are prepared for the hair loss and have taken proactive steps to manage it. This demonstrates their understanding of the teaching regarding alopecia.

9. A client who is receiving chemotherapy for lung cancer has a neutrophil count of 600/mm. Which of the following statements should be included in teaching for this client:

Avoid using a manual razor to shave

Avoid eating raw fruits and vegetables

Avoid using power tools

Avoid eating spicy foods

Clients receiving chemotherapy often have a weakened immune system, which can lead to a decreased neutrophil count. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that helps fight off infections. Raw fruits and vegetables may carry bacteria or other pathogens that can cause infections, so it is important for the client to avoid consuming them. This precaution helps reduce the risk of developing foodborne illnesses, which can be more severe in individuals with compromised immune systems.

Explanation

Clients receiving chemotherapy often have a weakened immune system, which can lead to a decreased neutrophil count. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that helps fight off infections. Raw fruits and vegetables may carry bacteria or other pathogens that can cause infections, so it is important for the client to avoid consuming them. This precaution helps reduce the risk of developing foodborne illnesses, which can be more severe in individuals with compromised immune systems.

10. A client receiving chemotherapy states that everything she tries to eat does not taste good. The nurse explains that this is a side effect of chemotherapy and the client can perform which of the following to decrease this symptom.

Eat spicy foods to camouflage the taste.

Frequently perform mouth care.

Drink sips of water between every mouth of food.

Use commercial mouth wash before each meal.

Chemotherapy often causes changes in taste and appetite, resulting in a metallic or unpleasant taste in the mouth. Performing mouth care frequently can help alleviate this symptom by removing any residual tastes and improving the overall cleanliness of the mouth. This can be done by brushing the teeth and tongue regularly, using mouthwash, and rinsing the mouth with water. These actions help to refresh the taste buds and improve the sensation of taste, making food more enjoyable for the client.

Explanation

Chemotherapy often causes changes in taste and appetite, resulting in a metallic or unpleasant taste in the mouth. Performing mouth care frequently can help alleviate this symptom by removing any residual tastes and improving the overall cleanliness of the mouth. This can be done by brushing the teeth and tongue regularly, using mouthwash, and rinsing the mouth with water. These actions help to refresh the taste buds and improve the sensation of taste, making food more enjoyable for the client.

11. A client with a diagnosis of terminal cancer is being cared for at home. The nurse is teaching the client how to control pain. The nurse teaches the client to:

Start with the lower dosage of a medication then gradually increase the dose until pain relief is obtained.

Start with the higher dosage of medication then gradually decrease the dosage until pain relief is maintained.

Adjunct therapies such as relaxation exercises are useless for cancer pain relief.

Monitor medication dosage carefully in order to prevent addiction.

The nurse teaches the client to start with a lower dosage of medication and gradually increase the dose until pain relief is obtained. This approach is commonly used in pain management to find the lowest effective dose of medication while minimizing the risk of side effects. It allows the client to have better control over their pain by finding the optimal dosage that provides relief without causing excessive sedation or other adverse effects. By gradually increasing the dose, the client can also monitor their response to the medication and make adjustments as needed.

Explanation

The nurse teaches the client to start with a lower dosage of medication and gradually increase the dose until pain relief is obtained. This approach is commonly used in pain management to find the lowest effective dose of medication while minimizing the risk of side effects. It allows the client to have better control over their pain by finding the optimal dosage that provides relief without causing excessive sedation or other adverse effects. By gradually increasing the dose, the client can also monitor their response to the medication and make adjustments as needed.

12. After a liver biopsy which position is the client assisted to assume?

Right lying with a folded towel under the puncture site.

Left lying with a folded towel under the puncture site.

Supine with the head of the bed elevated.

Prone with a small pillow under the head.

After a liver biopsy, the client is assisted to assume the right lying position with a folded towel under the puncture site. This position helps to minimize the risk of bleeding or hematoma formation at the puncture site. By lying on the right side, pressure is applied to the area, which can help to control bleeding. The folded towel provides additional support and compression to the puncture site, further reducing the risk of complications.

Explanation

After a liver biopsy, the client is assisted to assume the right lying position with a folded towel under the puncture site. This position helps to minimize the risk of bleeding or hematoma formation at the puncture site. By lying on the right side, pressure is applied to the area, which can help to control bleeding. The folded towel provides additional support and compression to the puncture site, further reducing the risk of complications.

13. The nurse is caring for a client who received an allogenic bone marrow transplant. This type of transplant involves receiving cells from which type of donor?

An idntical twin

The donor

A donor other than the client

A mixture of the client's cells with another donor

An allogenic bone marrow transplant involves receiving cells from a donor other than the client. In this type of transplant, the donor can be a family member, a friend, or an unrelated individual whose tissue type matches the recipient's. The purpose of the transplant is to replace the recipient's damaged or diseased bone marrow with healthy donor cells. This allows for the production of new, healthy blood cells in the recipient's body.

Explanation

An allogenic bone marrow transplant involves receiving cells from a donor other than the client. In this type of transplant, the donor can be a family member, a friend, or an unrelated individual whose tissue type matches the recipient's. The purpose of the transplant is to replace the recipient's damaged or diseased bone marrow with healthy donor cells. This allows for the production of new, healthy blood cells in the recipient's body.

14. The goal of each chemotherapy treatment is to:

Eradicate all of the cancer cells

Eradicate all the actively proliferating cells in the body

Eradicate the wall of the cancerous tumor

Eradicate a percentage of the cancer cells

The goal of each chemotherapy treatment is to eradicate a percentage of the cancer cells. Chemotherapy drugs are designed to target and kill rapidly dividing cells, which includes cancer cells. However, it is not always possible to completely eradicate all cancer cells with chemotherapy alone. The effectiveness of chemotherapy varies depending on the type and stage of cancer, as well as individual patient factors. Therefore, the goal is to reduce the number of cancer cells as much as possible to slow down or stop the growth of the tumor and improve the patient's overall prognosis.

Explanation

The goal of each chemotherapy treatment is to eradicate a percentage of the cancer cells. Chemotherapy drugs are designed to target and kill rapidly dividing cells, which includes cancer cells. However, it is not always possible to completely eradicate all cancer cells with chemotherapy alone. The effectiveness of chemotherapy varies depending on the type and stage of cancer, as well as individual patient factors. Therefore, the goal is to reduce the number of cancer cells as much as possible to slow down or stop the growth of the tumor and improve the patient's overall prognosis.

15. A nurse is caring for a client with thrombocytopenia. Which of the following should be included in the client's plan of care? Check all that apply.

Monitor platelet counts

Assess the patient for melena

Monitor WBC counts

Monitor the patient for hematemesis

The client with thrombocytopenia has a decreased number of platelets, which are responsible for blood clotting. Therefore, it is important to monitor platelet counts to assess the client's clotting ability. Thrombocytopenia can cause bleeding in the digestive tract, which can result in melena (dark, tarry stools), so assessing the patient for melena is necessary. Additionally, thrombocytopenia can also cause bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract, which can lead to hematemesis (vomiting blood). Therefore, monitoring the patient for hematemesis is important to detect any signs of bleeding. Monitoring WBC counts is not directly related to thrombocytopenia and is not necessary in this case.

Explanation

The client with thrombocytopenia has a decreased number of platelets, which are responsible for blood clotting. Therefore, it is important to monitor platelet counts to assess the client's clotting ability. Thrombocytopenia can cause bleeding in the digestive tract, which can result in melena (dark, tarry stools), so assessing the patient for melena is necessary. Additionally, thrombocytopenia can also cause bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract, which can lead to hematemesis (vomiting blood). Therefore, monitoring the patient for hematemesis is important to detect any signs of bleeding. Monitoring WBC counts is not directly related to thrombocytopenia and is not necessary in this case.

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