SHERPATH EAQ- CANCER- MOC EXAM 4
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS (UPDATED
2026) VERIFIED
The patient is using a fentanyl patch for control of chronic cancer pain. For which
potential adverse effect would the nurse observe?
Hypertension
Pupillary dilation
Urinary incontinence
Decreased respiratory rate -CORRECTANSWER Decreased respiratory rate
Respiratory depression is a potentially life-threatening adverse effect of fentanyl, which
is an opioid analgesic, via any route. Pupillary dilation, urinary incontinence, and
hypertension are not potential side effects of fentanyl.
A patient awaiting a biopsy pathology report states, "I am afraid to die." Which response
would the nurse make?
Actively listen and allow the patient to talk about his or her fears.
Teach the patient about the seven warning signs of cancer.
Discuss the need to make changes in an unhealthy lifestyle.
Remind the patient that there is probably no reason to worry. -CORRECTANSWER
Actively listen and allow the patient to talk about his or her fears.
,While patients are waiting for the results of diagnostic studies, be available to actively
listen to their concerns. It is not an appropriate time to teach about the warning signs of
cancer or to provide patient teaching regarding lifestyle changes. Do not provide false
reassurances by telling the patient there is nothing to worry about.
A patient has neutropenia and a body temperature of 100.4° F (38° C). Which action
would the nurse take?
Initiate parenteral fluids.
Give aspirin to the patient.
Administer pamidronate to the patient.
Notify the health care provider. -CORRECTANSWER Notify the health care provider.
A patient with cancer who has neutropenia (low white blood cell count) is vulnerable to
infection. A body temperature of 100.4° F (38° C) indicates hyperthermia. The nurse
should immediately notify the health care provider in this situation. Hydration therapy
with parenteral fluids will treat hypocalcemia, which is a complication of cancer and may
cause nephrocalcinosis. Aspirin can reduce hyperthermia; however, it is not preferable
for a patient with a low white blood cell count. Pamidronate is a bisphosphonate that
inhibits serum calcium levels and helps to treat hypercalcemia effectively.
Which goals are treatment goals of cancer? Select all that apply.
Cure
,Control
Palliation
Prevention
Early detection
Clinical staging -CORRECTANSWER Cure
Control
Palliation
The treatment goals for cancer include cure, control, and palliation. Prevention and
early detection are goals for the health care team before a diagnosis of cancer. Clinical
staging is done as part of the completion of a diagnostic workup to guide effective
treatment selection.
Which is the only definitive means of diagnosing cancer?
Tissue biopsy
Mammography
Liver function studies
CT scan -CORRECTANSWER A tissue biopsy
the pathologic evaluation of a tissue sample, is the only definitive way to diagnose
cancer. Liver function studies are blood tests that can help evaluate the function of the
liver. A mammography is a screening tool for breast cancer. A CT scan can help identify
areas of abnormality and help determine the stage and metastasis of an existing tumor.
, The nurse is educating a patient about cancer prevention and early detection. Which
instructions would the nurse include? Select all that apply.
Limit alcohol consumption.
Stop or reduce cigarette smoking.
Get regular physical examinations.
Know the seven warning signs of cancer.
Exercise for 20 minutes three times a week. -CORRECTANSWER Limit alcohol
consumption.
Stop or reduce cigarette smoking.
Get regular physical examinations.
Know the seven warning signs of cancer.
Limiting or reducing alcohol intake and tobacco use, regular physical examinations, and
understanding the seven warning signs of cancer are all educational topics about
cancer prevention. The recommendation for exercise is 30 minutes of moderate
exercise five times a week.
Which stage in the development of cancer is characterized by the reversible
proliferation of the altered cells?
Initiation
Promotion
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS (UPDATED
2026) VERIFIED
The patient is using a fentanyl patch for control of chronic cancer pain. For which
potential adverse effect would the nurse observe?
Hypertension
Pupillary dilation
Urinary incontinence
Decreased respiratory rate -CORRECTANSWER Decreased respiratory rate
Respiratory depression is a potentially life-threatening adverse effect of fentanyl, which
is an opioid analgesic, via any route. Pupillary dilation, urinary incontinence, and
hypertension are not potential side effects of fentanyl.
A patient awaiting a biopsy pathology report states, "I am afraid to die." Which response
would the nurse make?
Actively listen and allow the patient to talk about his or her fears.
Teach the patient about the seven warning signs of cancer.
Discuss the need to make changes in an unhealthy lifestyle.
Remind the patient that there is probably no reason to worry. -CORRECTANSWER
Actively listen and allow the patient to talk about his or her fears.
,While patients are waiting for the results of diagnostic studies, be available to actively
listen to their concerns. It is not an appropriate time to teach about the warning signs of
cancer or to provide patient teaching regarding lifestyle changes. Do not provide false
reassurances by telling the patient there is nothing to worry about.
A patient has neutropenia and a body temperature of 100.4° F (38° C). Which action
would the nurse take?
Initiate parenteral fluids.
Give aspirin to the patient.
Administer pamidronate to the patient.
Notify the health care provider. -CORRECTANSWER Notify the health care provider.
A patient with cancer who has neutropenia (low white blood cell count) is vulnerable to
infection. A body temperature of 100.4° F (38° C) indicates hyperthermia. The nurse
should immediately notify the health care provider in this situation. Hydration therapy
with parenteral fluids will treat hypocalcemia, which is a complication of cancer and may
cause nephrocalcinosis. Aspirin can reduce hyperthermia; however, it is not preferable
for a patient with a low white blood cell count. Pamidronate is a bisphosphonate that
inhibits serum calcium levels and helps to treat hypercalcemia effectively.
Which goals are treatment goals of cancer? Select all that apply.
Cure
,Control
Palliation
Prevention
Early detection
Clinical staging -CORRECTANSWER Cure
Control
Palliation
The treatment goals for cancer include cure, control, and palliation. Prevention and
early detection are goals for the health care team before a diagnosis of cancer. Clinical
staging is done as part of the completion of a diagnostic workup to guide effective
treatment selection.
Which is the only definitive means of diagnosing cancer?
Tissue biopsy
Mammography
Liver function studies
CT scan -CORRECTANSWER A tissue biopsy
the pathologic evaluation of a tissue sample, is the only definitive way to diagnose
cancer. Liver function studies are blood tests that can help evaluate the function of the
liver. A mammography is a screening tool for breast cancer. A CT scan can help identify
areas of abnormality and help determine the stage and metastasis of an existing tumor.
, The nurse is educating a patient about cancer prevention and early detection. Which
instructions would the nurse include? Select all that apply.
Limit alcohol consumption.
Stop or reduce cigarette smoking.
Get regular physical examinations.
Know the seven warning signs of cancer.
Exercise for 20 minutes three times a week. -CORRECTANSWER Limit alcohol
consumption.
Stop or reduce cigarette smoking.
Get regular physical examinations.
Know the seven warning signs of cancer.
Limiting or reducing alcohol intake and tobacco use, regular physical examinations, and
understanding the seven warning signs of cancer are all educational topics about
cancer prevention. The recommendation for exercise is 30 minutes of moderate
exercise five times a week.
Which stage in the development of cancer is characterized by the reversible
proliferation of the altered cells?
Initiation
Promotion
