Oncology Nursing — 2026 Study Guide
ONCOLOGY NURSING
2026 Comprehensive Exam Study Guide
100 Multiple-Choice Questions & Answers
This is an original, independently written study resource covering core oncology nursing concepts. It is not a reproduction of any
proprietary test bank. Correct answers are highlighted for quick self-testing. Always verify content against your current course
materials and the official exam blueprint.
1. Which statement by a client receiving external radiation therapy indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "I will wear loose, soft clothing over the treatment area."
B. "I will avoid using tape or adhesive on my skin near the site."
C. "I will apply lotion with alcohol before each session."
D. "I will protect the treated skin from sun exposure."
2. Stage 0 cancer on the TNM system typically refers to which condition?
A. Metastatic disease
B. Carcinoma in situ
C. Widespread nodal involvement
D. Recurrent disease
3. A nurse is caring for a client receiving external beam radiation therapy. Which instruction should the
nurse include?
A. "Wash off the skin markings after each treatment."
B. "Avoid sun exposure to the treated area."
C. "Apply a heating pad to relieve soreness."
D. "Massage the treated skin daily."
4. A client is scheduled for a PET scan. Which of the following should the nurse include in preprocedure
teaching?
A. "You will need to fast for several hours before the scan."
B. "You should increase fluid intake the morning of the test only."
C. "This test requires general anesthesia."
D. "You should take your usual insulin dose prior to the scan."
5. A client with testicular cancer is taught to perform which self-care action?
A. Weekly testicular self-examination for life
B. Monthly testicular self-examination during and after treatment surveillance
C. No self-examination is necessary after treatment
D. Annual imaging replaces the need for self-exam
6. Which chemotherapy adverse effect is the nurse most likely to observe within 24 to 48 hours of
treatment?
A. Alopecia
B. Nausea and vomiting
C. Mucositis
D. Neutropenia
7. A nurse is teaching a client about carcinogenesis. Which statement describes the initiation phase?
A. Cancer cells invade nearby tissue
B. A carcinogen causes irreversible cellular DNA damage
Page 1
, Oncology Nursing — 2026 Study Guide
C. Tumor cells form new blood vessels
D. Cells lose their ability to differentiate
8. Which of the following best describes the purpose of a colony-stimulating factor, such as filgrastim, in a
client receiving chemotherapy?
A. Reduces nausea
B. Stimulates white blood cell production
C. Prevents alopecia
D. Reduces cardiotoxicity
9. A family member asks the hospice nurse whether to encourage a dying client to eat. Which response is
most appropriate?
A. "You should insist that he eat to maintain strength."
B. "Decreased appetite is expected near the end of life and should not be forced."
C. "Tube feeding should be started immediately."
D. "He must eat at least three meals a day."
10. Which screening test is recommended for the early detection of colorectal cancer?
A. Mammography
B. Colonoscopy
C. Pap test
D. PSA test
11. A client asks the nurse about the relationship between alcohol use and cancer. Which cancer type should
the nurse identify as having the strongest association with chronic alcohol use?
A. Lung cancer
B. Liver cancer
C. Thyroid cancer
D. Bone cancer
12. A client with prostate cancer has a rising PSA level following treatment. The nurse should recognize
this as a possible indicator of which condition?
A. Disease recurrence
B. Normal healing response
C. Expected post-treatment finding requiring no follow-up
D. Benign prostatic hyperplasia only
13. Which statement by a family member caring for a dying loved one indicates a correct understanding of
hospice teaching?
A. "I will continue to talk to him softly even though he seems unresponsive."
B. "I should stop giving pain medication once he stops responding."
C. "I need to keep trying to get him to eat."
D. "I should avoid touching him to prevent discomfort."
14. Which of the following best describes the goal of palliative care?
A. To cure the underlying disease
B. To improve quality of life and relieve suffering, which may occur alongside curative treatment
C. To only be provided in the final days of life
D. To replace all other forms of medical treatment
Page 2
ONCOLOGY NURSING
2026 Comprehensive Exam Study Guide
100 Multiple-Choice Questions & Answers
This is an original, independently written study resource covering core oncology nursing concepts. It is not a reproduction of any
proprietary test bank. Correct answers are highlighted for quick self-testing. Always verify content against your current course
materials and the official exam blueprint.
1. Which statement by a client receiving external radiation therapy indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "I will wear loose, soft clothing over the treatment area."
B. "I will avoid using tape or adhesive on my skin near the site."
C. "I will apply lotion with alcohol before each session."
D. "I will protect the treated skin from sun exposure."
2. Stage 0 cancer on the TNM system typically refers to which condition?
A. Metastatic disease
B. Carcinoma in situ
C. Widespread nodal involvement
D. Recurrent disease
3. A nurse is caring for a client receiving external beam radiation therapy. Which instruction should the
nurse include?
A. "Wash off the skin markings after each treatment."
B. "Avoid sun exposure to the treated area."
C. "Apply a heating pad to relieve soreness."
D. "Massage the treated skin daily."
4. A client is scheduled for a PET scan. Which of the following should the nurse include in preprocedure
teaching?
A. "You will need to fast for several hours before the scan."
B. "You should increase fluid intake the morning of the test only."
C. "This test requires general anesthesia."
D. "You should take your usual insulin dose prior to the scan."
5. A client with testicular cancer is taught to perform which self-care action?
A. Weekly testicular self-examination for life
B. Monthly testicular self-examination during and after treatment surveillance
C. No self-examination is necessary after treatment
D. Annual imaging replaces the need for self-exam
6. Which chemotherapy adverse effect is the nurse most likely to observe within 24 to 48 hours of
treatment?
A. Alopecia
B. Nausea and vomiting
C. Mucositis
D. Neutropenia
7. A nurse is teaching a client about carcinogenesis. Which statement describes the initiation phase?
A. Cancer cells invade nearby tissue
B. A carcinogen causes irreversible cellular DNA damage
Page 1
, Oncology Nursing — 2026 Study Guide
C. Tumor cells form new blood vessels
D. Cells lose their ability to differentiate
8. Which of the following best describes the purpose of a colony-stimulating factor, such as filgrastim, in a
client receiving chemotherapy?
A. Reduces nausea
B. Stimulates white blood cell production
C. Prevents alopecia
D. Reduces cardiotoxicity
9. A family member asks the hospice nurse whether to encourage a dying client to eat. Which response is
most appropriate?
A. "You should insist that he eat to maintain strength."
B. "Decreased appetite is expected near the end of life and should not be forced."
C. "Tube feeding should be started immediately."
D. "He must eat at least three meals a day."
10. Which screening test is recommended for the early detection of colorectal cancer?
A. Mammography
B. Colonoscopy
C. Pap test
D. PSA test
11. A client asks the nurse about the relationship between alcohol use and cancer. Which cancer type should
the nurse identify as having the strongest association with chronic alcohol use?
A. Lung cancer
B. Liver cancer
C. Thyroid cancer
D. Bone cancer
12. A client with prostate cancer has a rising PSA level following treatment. The nurse should recognize
this as a possible indicator of which condition?
A. Disease recurrence
B. Normal healing response
C. Expected post-treatment finding requiring no follow-up
D. Benign prostatic hyperplasia only
13. Which statement by a family member caring for a dying loved one indicates a correct understanding of
hospice teaching?
A. "I will continue to talk to him softly even though he seems unresponsive."
B. "I should stop giving pain medication once he stops responding."
C. "I need to keep trying to get him to eat."
D. "I should avoid touching him to prevent discomfort."
14. Which of the following best describes the goal of palliative care?
A. To cure the underlying disease
B. To improve quality of life and relieve suffering, which may occur alongside curative treatment
C. To only be provided in the final days of life
D. To replace all other forms of medical treatment
Page 2
