AONN Oncology Patient Care
Examination Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. A patient receiving chemotherapy reports a temperature of 38.3°C
(101°F). What is the priority nursing action?
A. Encourage oral fluids and reassess in 2 hours
B. Administer acetaminophen and continue routine monitoring
C. Notify the oncology team promptly and initiate evaluation for
neutropenic infection
D. Advise the patient to remain at home until the fever resolves
Answer: C. Notify the oncology team promptly and initiate
evaluation for neutropenic infection
Rationale: Fever in a patient receiving myelosuppressive therapy may
indicate a serious infection, particularly when neutropenia is present.
Prompt assessment, cultures as indicated, and timely antimicrobial
management are essential.
2. Which laboratory value is most directly associated with a patient's
ability to fight bacterial infection during chemotherapy?
A. Absolute neutrophil count
B. Serum calcium
C. Hemoglobin concentration
D. Platelet count
,Answer: A. Absolute neutrophil count
Rationale: The absolute neutrophil count (ANC) is an important
measure of neutrophil-mediated host defense. A substantially reduced
ANC increases the risk for serious bacterial and fungal infections.
3. A patient receiving an anthracycline develops new shortness of
breath and peripheral edema. Which complication should the nurse
suspect?
A. Tumor lysis syndrome
B. Cardiotoxicity with possible heart failure
C. Hypercalcemia
D. Peripheral neuropathy
Answer: B. Cardiotoxicity with possible heart failure
Rationale: Some anthracyclines can cause dose-related myocardial
injury. New dyspnea, edema, fatigue, or other heart-failure symptoms
require prompt clinical evaluation.
4. Which instruction is most appropriate for a patient experiencing
chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis?
A. Use an alcohol-containing mouthwash after every meal
B. Brush vigorously with a firm toothbrush
C. Eat highly acidic foods to stimulate saliva
D. Use gentle oral care with a soft toothbrush and nonirritating
rinses
Answer: D. Use gentle oral care with a soft toothbrush and
nonirritating rinses
Rationale: Gentle oral hygiene helps reduce microbial burden while
minimizing trauma to inflamed mucosa. Alcohol-containing products
and abrasive techniques can worsen mucosal irritation.
, 5. A patient receiving chemotherapy has a platelet count of
18,000/mm³. Which finding requires immediate attention?
A. Mild fatigue
B. Decreased appetite
C. New onset of severe headache
D. Altered taste sensation
Answer: C. New onset of severe headache
Rationale: Severe headache in a patient with profound
thrombocytopenia may signal intracranial bleeding. Neurologic
symptoms require immediate assessment and escalation.
6. Which intervention is most appropriate for preventing
chemotherapy-associated nausea and vomiting?
A. Administer prescribed antiemetics according to the planned
regimen
B. Wait until vomiting begins before giving medication
C. Restrict all fluids for 24 hours
D. Encourage large meals immediately before chemotherapy
Answer: A. Administer prescribed antiemetics according to the
planned regimen
Rationale: Antiemetic therapy is often most effective when
administered prophylactically according to the emetogenic risk of the
treatment regimen rather than waiting until severe nausea develops.
7. A patient receiving opioid therapy for cancer pain reports
constipation. What is an appropriate nursing intervention?
A. Discontinue the opioid immediately
B. Restrict dietary fiber
C. Encourage prolonged bed rest
, D. Implement a bowel regimen that may include a stimulant laxative
and adequate hydration when appropriate
Answer: D. Implement a bowel regimen that may include a stimulant
laxative and adequate hydration when appropriate
Rationale: Opioids commonly decrease gastrointestinal motility.
Preventive bowel management is generally more effective than waiting
for significant constipation to develop.
8. Which assessment finding is most characteristic of peripheral
chemotherapy-induced neuropathy?
A. Bilateral ankle edema
B. Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet
C. Productive cough
D. Sudden weight gain
Answer: B. Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet
Rationale: Peripheral neuropathy commonly presents with
paresthesias, numbness, burning, or altered sensation in a stocking-
and-glove distribution.
9. A patient with cancer reports pain rated 8/10 despite scheduled
analgesia. What should the nurse do first?
A. Tell the patient that some pain is expected
B. Wait until the next scheduled medication time
C. Perform a focused pain assessment and notify the appropriate
clinician for reassessment of the pain plan
D. Encourage the patient to ignore the pain
Answer: C. Perform a focused pain assessment and notify the
appropriate clinician for reassessment of the pain plan
Examination Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. A patient receiving chemotherapy reports a temperature of 38.3°C
(101°F). What is the priority nursing action?
A. Encourage oral fluids and reassess in 2 hours
B. Administer acetaminophen and continue routine monitoring
C. Notify the oncology team promptly and initiate evaluation for
neutropenic infection
D. Advise the patient to remain at home until the fever resolves
Answer: C. Notify the oncology team promptly and initiate
evaluation for neutropenic infection
Rationale: Fever in a patient receiving myelosuppressive therapy may
indicate a serious infection, particularly when neutropenia is present.
Prompt assessment, cultures as indicated, and timely antimicrobial
management are essential.
2. Which laboratory value is most directly associated with a patient's
ability to fight bacterial infection during chemotherapy?
A. Absolute neutrophil count
B. Serum calcium
C. Hemoglobin concentration
D. Platelet count
,Answer: A. Absolute neutrophil count
Rationale: The absolute neutrophil count (ANC) is an important
measure of neutrophil-mediated host defense. A substantially reduced
ANC increases the risk for serious bacterial and fungal infections.
3. A patient receiving an anthracycline develops new shortness of
breath and peripheral edema. Which complication should the nurse
suspect?
A. Tumor lysis syndrome
B. Cardiotoxicity with possible heart failure
C. Hypercalcemia
D. Peripheral neuropathy
Answer: B. Cardiotoxicity with possible heart failure
Rationale: Some anthracyclines can cause dose-related myocardial
injury. New dyspnea, edema, fatigue, or other heart-failure symptoms
require prompt clinical evaluation.
4. Which instruction is most appropriate for a patient experiencing
chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis?
A. Use an alcohol-containing mouthwash after every meal
B. Brush vigorously with a firm toothbrush
C. Eat highly acidic foods to stimulate saliva
D. Use gentle oral care with a soft toothbrush and nonirritating
rinses
Answer: D. Use gentle oral care with a soft toothbrush and
nonirritating rinses
Rationale: Gentle oral hygiene helps reduce microbial burden while
minimizing trauma to inflamed mucosa. Alcohol-containing products
and abrasive techniques can worsen mucosal irritation.
, 5. A patient receiving chemotherapy has a platelet count of
18,000/mm³. Which finding requires immediate attention?
A. Mild fatigue
B. Decreased appetite
C. New onset of severe headache
D. Altered taste sensation
Answer: C. New onset of severe headache
Rationale: Severe headache in a patient with profound
thrombocytopenia may signal intracranial bleeding. Neurologic
symptoms require immediate assessment and escalation.
6. Which intervention is most appropriate for preventing
chemotherapy-associated nausea and vomiting?
A. Administer prescribed antiemetics according to the planned
regimen
B. Wait until vomiting begins before giving medication
C. Restrict all fluids for 24 hours
D. Encourage large meals immediately before chemotherapy
Answer: A. Administer prescribed antiemetics according to the
planned regimen
Rationale: Antiemetic therapy is often most effective when
administered prophylactically according to the emetogenic risk of the
treatment regimen rather than waiting until severe nausea develops.
7. A patient receiving opioid therapy for cancer pain reports
constipation. What is an appropriate nursing intervention?
A. Discontinue the opioid immediately
B. Restrict dietary fiber
C. Encourage prolonged bed rest
, D. Implement a bowel regimen that may include a stimulant laxative
and adequate hydration when appropriate
Answer: D. Implement a bowel regimen that may include a stimulant
laxative and adequate hydration when appropriate
Rationale: Opioids commonly decrease gastrointestinal motility.
Preventive bowel management is generally more effective than waiting
for significant constipation to develop.
8. Which assessment finding is most characteristic of peripheral
chemotherapy-induced neuropathy?
A. Bilateral ankle edema
B. Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet
C. Productive cough
D. Sudden weight gain
Answer: B. Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet
Rationale: Peripheral neuropathy commonly presents with
paresthesias, numbness, burning, or altered sensation in a stocking-
and-glove distribution.
9. A patient with cancer reports pain rated 8/10 despite scheduled
analgesia. What should the nurse do first?
A. Tell the patient that some pain is expected
B. Wait until the next scheduled medication time
C. Perform a focused pain assessment and notify the appropriate
clinician for reassessment of the pain plan
D. Encourage the patient to ignore the pain
Answer: C. Perform a focused pain assessment and notify the
appropriate clinician for reassessment of the pain plan
