AOCNP Essentials in Oncologic Emergencies 2026 | Most
Tested Questions & Verified Answers | Latest Update |
Graded A+
1. The first stage of an allergy attack is called ________, in which a first exposure to
an allergen caused IgE antibodies to bind to mast cells
clonal deletion
sensitization
clonal selection
histamine response
2. Describe the significance of using the qSOFA scoring system in oncology
patients compared to SIRS.
qSOFA is used to assess tumor lysis syndrome specifically.
SIRS is the only scoring system recommended for oncology patients.
SIRS is more effective in identifying sepsis in all patients regardless of
cancer status.
The qSOFA scoring system is more specific and allows for quicker
identification of sepsis in oncology patients than SIRS.
3. Describe the relationship between malignancy and the occurrence of SIADH
in cancer patients.
Malignancy only affects fluid balance in the kidneys.
Malignancy has no effect on SIADH occurrence.
Malignancy causes dehydration, which prevents SIADH.
Malignancy is a leading cause of SIADH, as certain tumors can
produce ectopic ADH, leading to water retention and hyponatremia.
,4. What are the three primary lines of defense the body has against infections?
Antibodies, T-cells, B-cells
Physical barriers, innate immune response, adaptive immune
response
Mucous membranes, fever, inflammation
Skin, antibodies, white blood cells
5. Describe the difference between Acute and Chronic Tumor Lysis Syndrome.
Acute Tumor Lysis Syndrome occurs rapidly after treatment, while
Chronic Tumor Lysis Syndrome develops more gradually over time.
Chronic TLS is only seen in patients with solid tumors.
Acute TLS is less severe than Chronic TLS.
Acute TLS is always fatal, while Chronic TLS is not.
6. In a patient with cancer presenting symptoms of confusion and seizures, how
would you assess for SIADH?
Check for elevated blood glucose levels.
Evaluate serum sodium levels and assess fluid intake and output.
Administer diuretics immediately to reduce fluid overload.
Perform a CT scan to check for tumor presence.
7. Clinical manifestations of SVC syndrome include
productive cough with bloody sputum
dyspnea, facial and neck edema, tachycardia
Bradycardia and diaphoresis
, fever, nausea, vomiting
8. Describe how the symptoms of Stage I sepsis differ from those of more
advanced stages of sepsis.
Stage I sepsis symptoms are the same as those of septic shock.
Stage I sepsis is characterized by severe hypotension and respiratory
failure, unlike advanced stages.
Stage I sepsis typically presents with mild symptoms such as fever
and increased heart rate, while advanced stages may show severe
hypotension and altered mental status.
Stage I sepsis has no symptoms, while advanced stages present with
fever and chills.
9. What does SIADH stand for in the context of oncologic emergencies?
Syndrome of Increased Antidiuretic Hormone
Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone secretion
Severe Inflammatory Adrenal Dysfunction Hyperactivity
Systemic Inflammatory Antidiuretic Hormone deficiency
10. What are the two tumor types that account for 50% of hypercalcemia cases?
Kidney cancer and melanoma
Breast cancer and lung cancer
Liver cancer and pancreatic cancer
Colorectal cancer and prostate cancer
11. Which patient's history puts him or her at risk for developing SIADH?
58-year-old with metastatic lung or breast cancer
, 27-year-old patient on high-dose steroids
older adult with history of a stroke within the last year
47-year-old hospitalized adult patient with acute renal failure
12. Hypercalcemia is defined as a calcium level:
Above 11 mg/dL
Between 9-11 mg/dL
Exactly 10 mg/dL
Below 9 mg/dL
None of the above
13. Describe the relationship between certain tumor types and the occurrence
of hypercalcemia in cancer patients.
Hypercalcemia is primarily caused by treatment-related factors rather
than tumor types.
Only hematologic malignancies can cause hypercalcemia in cancer
patients.
Hypercalcemia is unrelated to tumor types and occurs randomly in
cancer patients.
Breast cancer and lung cancer are commonly associated with
hypercalcemia due to their ability to cause bone metastases or
produce parathyroid hormone-related peptide.
14. WOTF is obstruction of SVC by mediastinal tumor either direct invasion or
external compression?
Pancoast syndrome
Tested Questions & Verified Answers | Latest Update |
Graded A+
1. The first stage of an allergy attack is called ________, in which a first exposure to
an allergen caused IgE antibodies to bind to mast cells
clonal deletion
sensitization
clonal selection
histamine response
2. Describe the significance of using the qSOFA scoring system in oncology
patients compared to SIRS.
qSOFA is used to assess tumor lysis syndrome specifically.
SIRS is the only scoring system recommended for oncology patients.
SIRS is more effective in identifying sepsis in all patients regardless of
cancer status.
The qSOFA scoring system is more specific and allows for quicker
identification of sepsis in oncology patients than SIRS.
3. Describe the relationship between malignancy and the occurrence of SIADH
in cancer patients.
Malignancy only affects fluid balance in the kidneys.
Malignancy has no effect on SIADH occurrence.
Malignancy causes dehydration, which prevents SIADH.
Malignancy is a leading cause of SIADH, as certain tumors can
produce ectopic ADH, leading to water retention and hyponatremia.
,4. What are the three primary lines of defense the body has against infections?
Antibodies, T-cells, B-cells
Physical barriers, innate immune response, adaptive immune
response
Mucous membranes, fever, inflammation
Skin, antibodies, white blood cells
5. Describe the difference between Acute and Chronic Tumor Lysis Syndrome.
Acute Tumor Lysis Syndrome occurs rapidly after treatment, while
Chronic Tumor Lysis Syndrome develops more gradually over time.
Chronic TLS is only seen in patients with solid tumors.
Acute TLS is less severe than Chronic TLS.
Acute TLS is always fatal, while Chronic TLS is not.
6. In a patient with cancer presenting symptoms of confusion and seizures, how
would you assess for SIADH?
Check for elevated blood glucose levels.
Evaluate serum sodium levels and assess fluid intake and output.
Administer diuretics immediately to reduce fluid overload.
Perform a CT scan to check for tumor presence.
7. Clinical manifestations of SVC syndrome include
productive cough with bloody sputum
dyspnea, facial and neck edema, tachycardia
Bradycardia and diaphoresis
, fever, nausea, vomiting
8. Describe how the symptoms of Stage I sepsis differ from those of more
advanced stages of sepsis.
Stage I sepsis symptoms are the same as those of septic shock.
Stage I sepsis is characterized by severe hypotension and respiratory
failure, unlike advanced stages.
Stage I sepsis typically presents with mild symptoms such as fever
and increased heart rate, while advanced stages may show severe
hypotension and altered mental status.
Stage I sepsis has no symptoms, while advanced stages present with
fever and chills.
9. What does SIADH stand for in the context of oncologic emergencies?
Syndrome of Increased Antidiuretic Hormone
Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone secretion
Severe Inflammatory Adrenal Dysfunction Hyperactivity
Systemic Inflammatory Antidiuretic Hormone deficiency
10. What are the two tumor types that account for 50% of hypercalcemia cases?
Kidney cancer and melanoma
Breast cancer and lung cancer
Liver cancer and pancreatic cancer
Colorectal cancer and prostate cancer
11. Which patient's history puts him or her at risk for developing SIADH?
58-year-old with metastatic lung or breast cancer
, 27-year-old patient on high-dose steroids
older adult with history of a stroke within the last year
47-year-old hospitalized adult patient with acute renal failure
12. Hypercalcemia is defined as a calcium level:
Above 11 mg/dL
Between 9-11 mg/dL
Exactly 10 mg/dL
Below 9 mg/dL
None of the above
13. Describe the relationship between certain tumor types and the occurrence
of hypercalcemia in cancer patients.
Hypercalcemia is primarily caused by treatment-related factors rather
than tumor types.
Only hematologic malignancies can cause hypercalcemia in cancer
patients.
Hypercalcemia is unrelated to tumor types and occurs randomly in
cancer patients.
Breast cancer and lung cancer are commonly associated with
hypercalcemia due to their ability to cause bone metastases or
produce parathyroid hormone-related peptide.
14. WOTF is obstruction of SVC by mediastinal tumor either direct invasion or
external compression?
Pancoast syndrome
