Certified Oncology Nurse (OCN) Practice
Exam Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2025
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. Which of the following is the most common side effect of
chemotherapy?
A) Hypertension
B) Nausea and vomiting
C) Hyperglycemia
D) Bradycardia
Chemotherapy commonly affects rapidly dividing cells, including
those in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to nausea and vomiting.
2. A patient receiving radiation therapy develops erythema on the
treatment site. What is the best nursing intervention?
A) Apply ice packs
B) Use mild soap and lukewarm water to clean the area
C) Cover with adhesive bandages
D) Apply petroleum jelly
Radiation-induced erythema is a common reaction; gentle cleansing
and avoiding irritants help prevent worsening skin reactions.
3. Which lab value should a nurse monitor closely in a patient
receiving cisplatin?
A) Sodium
B) Creatinine
C) Hemoglobin A1C
D) Platelets
,Cisplatin is nephrotoxic, so monitoring kidney function via creatinine
is critical.
4. A patient with neutropenia is at highest risk for:
A) Hypertension
B) Infection
C) Nausea
D) Fatigue
Neutropenia reduces the body’s ability to fight infection, making
patients highly susceptible.
5. Which of the following medications is used to prevent
chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting?
A) Loperamide
B) Metformin
C) Ondansetron
D) Furosemide
Ondansetron is a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist commonly used to
prevent nausea from chemotherapy.
6. What is the primary purpose of the Karnofsky Performance
Status scale?
A) Assess pain level
B) Evaluate nutritional status
C) Determine functional status of cancer patients
D) Predict chemotherapy toxicity
The Karnofsky scale measures the patient’s ability to perform daily
activities and assists in treatment planning.
,7. A patient with thrombocytopenia should avoid:
A) Using a straight razor
B) Drinking fluids
C) Walking
D) Taking vitamins
Thrombocytopenia increases bleeding risk; sharp objects should be
avoided to prevent injury.
8. Which nursing action is most appropriate for a patient
experiencing mucositis from chemotherapy?
A) Brush teeth vigorously
B) Avoid oral hygiene
C) Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and saline rinses
D) Rinse with alcohol-based mouthwash
Gentle oral care reduces discomfort and risk of infection in patients
with mucositis.
9. What is the main purpose of colony-stimulating factors (CSFs) in
oncology care?
A) Reduce pain
B) Promote weight gain
C) Stimulate white blood cell production
D) Prevent nausea
CSFs, such as filgrastim, help recover neutrophil counts after
chemotherapy.
10. Which symptom is most indicative of superior vena cava (SVC)
syndrome in a patient with lung cancer?
A) Abdominal distension
, B) Facial and upper extremity swelling
C) Leg edema
D) Hematuria
SVC syndrome results from obstruction of venous return from the
upper body, leading to swelling and dyspnea.
11. What is the most common type of adult leukemia?
A) Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
B) Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
C) Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
D) Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)
CLL is the most common leukemia in adults, often diagnosed
incidentally during routine blood work.
12. A patient reports severe fatigue during chemotherapy. What is
the most appropriate nursing action?
A) Encourage high-intensity exercise
B) Assess sleep patterns and provide rest periods
C) Reduce fluid intake
D) Administer a diuretic
Fatigue is a common chemotherapy side effect; rest, activity pacing,
and sleep hygiene are recommended interventions.
13. Which tumor marker is elevated in patients with prostate
cancer?
A) CA-125
B) CEA
C) PSA
D) AFP
Exam Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2025
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. Which of the following is the most common side effect of
chemotherapy?
A) Hypertension
B) Nausea and vomiting
C) Hyperglycemia
D) Bradycardia
Chemotherapy commonly affects rapidly dividing cells, including
those in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to nausea and vomiting.
2. A patient receiving radiation therapy develops erythema on the
treatment site. What is the best nursing intervention?
A) Apply ice packs
B) Use mild soap and lukewarm water to clean the area
C) Cover with adhesive bandages
D) Apply petroleum jelly
Radiation-induced erythema is a common reaction; gentle cleansing
and avoiding irritants help prevent worsening skin reactions.
3. Which lab value should a nurse monitor closely in a patient
receiving cisplatin?
A) Sodium
B) Creatinine
C) Hemoglobin A1C
D) Platelets
,Cisplatin is nephrotoxic, so monitoring kidney function via creatinine
is critical.
4. A patient with neutropenia is at highest risk for:
A) Hypertension
B) Infection
C) Nausea
D) Fatigue
Neutropenia reduces the body’s ability to fight infection, making
patients highly susceptible.
5. Which of the following medications is used to prevent
chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting?
A) Loperamide
B) Metformin
C) Ondansetron
D) Furosemide
Ondansetron is a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist commonly used to
prevent nausea from chemotherapy.
6. What is the primary purpose of the Karnofsky Performance
Status scale?
A) Assess pain level
B) Evaluate nutritional status
C) Determine functional status of cancer patients
D) Predict chemotherapy toxicity
The Karnofsky scale measures the patient’s ability to perform daily
activities and assists in treatment planning.
,7. A patient with thrombocytopenia should avoid:
A) Using a straight razor
B) Drinking fluids
C) Walking
D) Taking vitamins
Thrombocytopenia increases bleeding risk; sharp objects should be
avoided to prevent injury.
8. Which nursing action is most appropriate for a patient
experiencing mucositis from chemotherapy?
A) Brush teeth vigorously
B) Avoid oral hygiene
C) Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and saline rinses
D) Rinse with alcohol-based mouthwash
Gentle oral care reduces discomfort and risk of infection in patients
with mucositis.
9. What is the main purpose of colony-stimulating factors (CSFs) in
oncology care?
A) Reduce pain
B) Promote weight gain
C) Stimulate white blood cell production
D) Prevent nausea
CSFs, such as filgrastim, help recover neutrophil counts after
chemotherapy.
10. Which symptom is most indicative of superior vena cava (SVC)
syndrome in a patient with lung cancer?
A) Abdominal distension
, B) Facial and upper extremity swelling
C) Leg edema
D) Hematuria
SVC syndrome results from obstruction of venous return from the
upper body, leading to swelling and dyspnea.
11. What is the most common type of adult leukemia?
A) Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
B) Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
C) Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
D) Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)
CLL is the most common leukemia in adults, often diagnosed
incidentally during routine blood work.
12. A patient reports severe fatigue during chemotherapy. What is
the most appropriate nursing action?
A) Encourage high-intensity exercise
B) Assess sleep patterns and provide rest periods
C) Reduce fluid intake
D) Administer a diuretic
Fatigue is a common chemotherapy side effect; rest, activity pacing,
and sleep hygiene are recommended interventions.
13. Which tumor marker is elevated in patients with prostate
cancer?
A) CA-125
B) CEA
C) PSA
D) AFP
