ONCC ONCOLOGY CERTIFIED
NURSE (OCN) QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS NEW UPDATE 2023
Which of the following is an advantage of an implanted vascular access device over a
tunneled central venous catheter?
Decreased risk of infection
Short-term use
Low cost of insertion
Unlimited ability to access - Decreased risk of infection
Answer: Implanted ports have a lower risk of infection than tunneled central venous
catheters.
Reference: Camp-Sorrell, D., & Matey, L. (Eds.). (2017). Access device standards of
practice for oncology nursing. Pittsburgh, PA: Oncology Nursing Society, p. 67.
The nurse teaches a patient that the purpose of a living will is to:
establish the patient's desires for care prior to a life-threatening illness.
make final decisions regarding treatment until disease progression.
acknowledge the risks and limitations of recommended therapies.
appoint a surrogate to make medical decisions. - establish the patient's desires for care
prior to a life-threatening illness.
Answer: Living wills are designed to determine the care that a patient is agreeable to
receive or not receive in the event of a terminal illness.
Reference: Eggert, J. (Ed.). (2017). Cancer basics (2nd ed.). Pittsburgh, PA: Oncology
Nursing Society, p. 655(t).
Within which timeframe will chemotherapy-induced alopecia normally begin after
receiving a first treatment?
2 weeks
24 hours
1 month
, 3 months - 2 weeks
Answer: Hair loss from chemotherapy usually begins two weeks after beginning
treatment.
Reference: Eggert, J. (Ed.). (2017). Cancer basics (2nd ed.). Pittsburgh, PA: Oncology
Nursing Society, p. 360.
A patient with breast cancer who received cyclophospamide five years ago reports a
new onset of bruising and fatigue. The nurse suspects:
a secondary leukemia.
liver failure.
leukoencephalopathy.
cardiomyopathy. - a secondary leukemia.
Answer: The risk of secondary leukemia increases with the use of alkylating agents.
Reference: Polovich, M., Olsen, M., & LeFebvre, K. (Eds.). (2014). Chemotherapy and
biotherapy guidelines and recommendations for practice (4th ed.). Pittsburgh, PA:
Oncology Nursing Society, p. 446(t).
A patient with a permanent colostomy expresses concern about engaging in sexual
intercourse. The nurse first recommends:
tracking bowel habits to best schedule sexual intercourse.
eating immediately before engaging in sexual intercourse.
having further discussions with a therapist prior to having sexual intercourse.
replacing the ostomy appliance just before engaging in sexual intercourse. - tracking
bowel habits to best schedule sexual intercourse.
Answer: By being aware of their bowel habits, a patient will be able to better plan sexual
activities around expected bowel movements.
Reference: Newton, S., Hickey, M., & Marrs, J. (2017). Mosby's oncology nursing
advisor: A comprehensive guide to clinical practice (2nd ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier
Mosby, p. 349.
A patient with ovarian cancer is most likely to be diagnosed with which of the following
secondary malignancies?
Ocular melanoma
Leiomyosarcoma
NURSE (OCN) QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS NEW UPDATE 2023
Which of the following is an advantage of an implanted vascular access device over a
tunneled central venous catheter?
Decreased risk of infection
Short-term use
Low cost of insertion
Unlimited ability to access - Decreased risk of infection
Answer: Implanted ports have a lower risk of infection than tunneled central venous
catheters.
Reference: Camp-Sorrell, D., & Matey, L. (Eds.). (2017). Access device standards of
practice for oncology nursing. Pittsburgh, PA: Oncology Nursing Society, p. 67.
The nurse teaches a patient that the purpose of a living will is to:
establish the patient's desires for care prior to a life-threatening illness.
make final decisions regarding treatment until disease progression.
acknowledge the risks and limitations of recommended therapies.
appoint a surrogate to make medical decisions. - establish the patient's desires for care
prior to a life-threatening illness.
Answer: Living wills are designed to determine the care that a patient is agreeable to
receive or not receive in the event of a terminal illness.
Reference: Eggert, J. (Ed.). (2017). Cancer basics (2nd ed.). Pittsburgh, PA: Oncology
Nursing Society, p. 655(t).
Within which timeframe will chemotherapy-induced alopecia normally begin after
receiving a first treatment?
2 weeks
24 hours
1 month
, 3 months - 2 weeks
Answer: Hair loss from chemotherapy usually begins two weeks after beginning
treatment.
Reference: Eggert, J. (Ed.). (2017). Cancer basics (2nd ed.). Pittsburgh, PA: Oncology
Nursing Society, p. 360.
A patient with breast cancer who received cyclophospamide five years ago reports a
new onset of bruising and fatigue. The nurse suspects:
a secondary leukemia.
liver failure.
leukoencephalopathy.
cardiomyopathy. - a secondary leukemia.
Answer: The risk of secondary leukemia increases with the use of alkylating agents.
Reference: Polovich, M., Olsen, M., & LeFebvre, K. (Eds.). (2014). Chemotherapy and
biotherapy guidelines and recommendations for practice (4th ed.). Pittsburgh, PA:
Oncology Nursing Society, p. 446(t).
A patient with a permanent colostomy expresses concern about engaging in sexual
intercourse. The nurse first recommends:
tracking bowel habits to best schedule sexual intercourse.
eating immediately before engaging in sexual intercourse.
having further discussions with a therapist prior to having sexual intercourse.
replacing the ostomy appliance just before engaging in sexual intercourse. - tracking
bowel habits to best schedule sexual intercourse.
Answer: By being aware of their bowel habits, a patient will be able to better plan sexual
activities around expected bowel movements.
Reference: Newton, S., Hickey, M., & Marrs, J. (2017). Mosby's oncology nursing
advisor: A comprehensive guide to clinical practice (2nd ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier
Mosby, p. 349.
A patient with ovarian cancer is most likely to be diagnosed with which of the following
secondary malignancies?
Ocular melanoma
Leiomyosarcoma
