Oncology Nursing Quiz: Chemo & Cancer Care Knowledge

1. What is the primary mechanism of action for alkylating agents in chemotherapy?

Inhibit topoisomerase enzymes

Cross-link DNA strands

Block microtubule formation

Inhibit thymidylate synthase

2. A patient receiving cisplatin develops tinnitus and hearing loss. What is this adverse effect called?

Nephrotoxicity

Ototoxicity

Cardiotoxicity

Hepatotoxicity

3. What is the standard premedication for preventing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV)?

Ondansetron or aprepitant

Metoclopramide alone

Diphenhydramine only

No premedication needed

4. Which laboratory value must be monitored before administering methotrexate?

Creatinine and renal function

Hemoglobin only

Glucose level

Potassium only

5. A cancer patient has a platelet count of 15,000/mm³. What nursing action is most appropriate?

Encourage vigorous exercise

Implement bleeding precautions

Start antibiotic therapy

Increase iron supplementation

6. What is the purpose of extravasation precautions during chemotherapy administration?

Prevent nausea

Prevent tissue damage from drug leakage

Reduce fever

Minimize fatigue

7. A patient on cancer treatment experiences severe mucositis. What is the primary nursing intervention?

Restrict oral intake completely

Provide frequent mouth care with soft toothbrush and saline rinses

Apply topical anesthetics only

Encourage hot beverages

8. What does TNM staging stand for in oncology?

Tumor, Necrosis, Metastasis

Tumor, Node, Metastasis

Tissue, Necrosis, Migration

Treatment, Node, Monitoring

9. Neutropenic patients are at high infection risk. At what absolute neutrophil count (ANC) is the risk most severe?

Below 1,000/mm³

Below 500/mm³

Below 100/mm³

Below 2,000/mm³

10. Which antiemetic class blocks serotonin receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone?

Corticosteroids

5-HT3 antagonists

NK1 antagonists

Benzodiazepines

11. What is the primary goal of palliative care in oncology nursing?

Cure all cancers

Improve quality of life and manage symptoms

Extend life indefinitely

Avoid all pain medication

12. Which side effect requires immediate nursing intervention during chemotherapy infusion?

Mild nausea

Anaphylaxis

Fatigue

Hair loss

13. Herceptin (trastuzumab) is a monoclonal antibody used for HER2-positive cancers. What cardiac complication must nurses monitor?

Arrhythmias only

Cardiomyopathy and heart failure

Hypertension only

Pericarditis exclusively

14. Which chemotherapy class causes cumulative dose-dependent cardiomyopathy?

Anthracyclines

Vinca alkaloids

Taxanes

Platinum agents

15. A patient receiving docetaxel reports joint and muscle pain 2-3 days post-infusion. What is this reaction called?

Infusion reaction

Acute hypersensitivity

Myalgia and arthralgia

Neuropathy

Oncology Nursing Quiz: Test Your Chemo & Cancer Care