Oncology Nursing Exam Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download
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1. A client receiving chemotherapy has a neutrophil count of 700/mm³. Which
nursing intervention is the priority?
A. Encourage fresh fruits and vegetables from home
B. Place the client in a protective environment as indicated
C. Administer a live vaccine
D. Encourage visitors with mild respiratory symptoms
Answer: B. Place the client in a protective environment as indicated
Rationale: Severe neutropenia significantly increases the risk of infection. Nursing
care should emphasize infection prevention, meticulous hand hygiene, monitoring
for fever, and reducing exposure to infectious sources. Fresh produce may require
restrictions according to institutional policy, live vaccines are generally avoided in
immunocompromised clients, and symptomatic visitors should not visit.
2. A client receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy reports a temperature of 38.3°C
(101°F). What should the nurse do first?
A. Give acetaminophen and reassess in 2 hours
B. Encourage oral fluids and allow the client to rest
C. Notify the oncology provider immediately
D. Obtain a temperature again at the end of the shift
Answer: C. Notify the oncology provider immediately
Rationale: Fever in a client receiving chemotherapy may indicate neutropenic
sepsis, which can progress rapidly. Prompt evaluation, cultures, laboratory testing,
,and empiric antimicrobial therapy may be required. Antipyretics should not delay
evaluation of a potentially life-threatening infection.
3. Which laboratory result is most concerning before a client receives
chemotherapy?
A. Hemoglobin 11.8 g/dL
B. Platelet count 210,000/mm³
C. Absolute neutrophil count 400/mm³
D. Sodium 138 mEq/L
Answer: C. Absolute neutrophil count 400/mm³
Rationale: An absolute neutrophil count of 400/mm³ represents severe neutropenia
and places the client at high risk for serious infection. Chemotherapy may need to
be delayed or modified depending on the treatment protocol and clinical condition.
4. A client undergoing chemotherapy has thrombocytopenia. Which instruction
is most appropriate?
A. Use a hard-bristled toothbrush
B. Avoid activities that could cause injury
C. Take aspirin for minor headaches
D. Use a straight razor for shaving
Answer: B. Avoid activities that could cause injury
Rationale: Thrombocytopenia increases bleeding risk. Clients should avoid trauma,
contact sports, sharp razors, intramuscular injections when avoidable, and
medications that increase bleeding unless specifically prescribed. A soft toothbrush
and electric razor are safer alternatives.
5. Which finding in a client with thrombocytopenia requires immediate
attention?
A. Mild fatigue
B. Petechiae on the lower legs
,C. Hematuria
D. Decreased appetite
Answer: C. Hematuria
Rationale: Hematuria indicates active bleeding and may become serious in a client
with severe thrombocytopenia. The nurse should promptly assess the amount of
bleeding, vital signs, laboratory values, medications, and need for medical
intervention.
6. A client receiving chemotherapy develops oral mucositis. Which intervention
is most appropriate?
A. Use an alcohol-based mouthwash frequently
B. Encourage very hot foods
C. Provide gentle oral care with a soft toothbrush
D. Recommend tobacco products to reduce oral discomfort
Answer: C. Provide gentle oral care with a soft toothbrush
Rationale: Oral mucositis causes painful inflammation and ulceration of the oral
mucosa. Gentle oral hygiene helps reduce infection risk and maintain oral integrity.
Alcohol-containing mouthwashes, tobacco, very hot foods, and irritating substances
can worsen mucosal injury.
7. Which food is most appropriate for a client experiencing chemotherapy-
induced oral mucositis?
A. Spicy salsa
B. Citrus fruit
C. Soft, cool foods
D. Very salty crackers
Answer: C. Soft, cool foods
Rationale: Soft, cool, nonacidic foods are generally better tolerated when the oral
mucosa is inflamed. Spicy, acidic, salty, and very hot foods can increase pain and
irritation.
, 8. A client receiving chemotherapy reports persistent nausea. Which
intervention is most appropriate?
A. Wait until severe nausea develops before giving prescribed antiemetics
B. Administer prescribed antiemetics prophylactically when indicated
C. Encourage large meals three times daily
D. Restrict all oral fluids
Answer: B. Administer prescribed antiemetics prophylactically when indicated
Rationale: Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting are best prevented or
controlled with appropriately timed antiemetic therapy. Small, frequent meals and
adequate hydration may also help. Waiting until nausea becomes severe can make
symptom control more difficult.
9. Which instruction should the nurse provide to a client receiving
chemotherapy who has anorexia?
A. Eat three very large meals each day
B. Drink large amounts of fluid immediately before meals
C. Eat small, nutrient-dense meals frequently
D. Avoid foods containing protein
Answer: C. Eat small, nutrient-dense meals frequently
Rationale: Small, frequent meals can improve intake when appetite is reduced.
Nutrient-dense foods provide calories and protein without requiring large meal
volumes. Excessive fluid immediately before meals may increase fullness.
10.A client receiving chemotherapy develops alopecia. Which response by the
nurse is best?
A. "Your hair will definitely never grow back."
B. "Hair loss is always permanent."
C. "Hair loss can occur with several chemotherapy drugs and may be temporary or
permanent depending on the treatment."
D. "You should stop chemotherapy until your hair returns."
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download
1. A client receiving chemotherapy has a neutrophil count of 700/mm³. Which
nursing intervention is the priority?
A. Encourage fresh fruits and vegetables from home
B. Place the client in a protective environment as indicated
C. Administer a live vaccine
D. Encourage visitors with mild respiratory symptoms
Answer: B. Place the client in a protective environment as indicated
Rationale: Severe neutropenia significantly increases the risk of infection. Nursing
care should emphasize infection prevention, meticulous hand hygiene, monitoring
for fever, and reducing exposure to infectious sources. Fresh produce may require
restrictions according to institutional policy, live vaccines are generally avoided in
immunocompromised clients, and symptomatic visitors should not visit.
2. A client receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy reports a temperature of 38.3°C
(101°F). What should the nurse do first?
A. Give acetaminophen and reassess in 2 hours
B. Encourage oral fluids and allow the client to rest
C. Notify the oncology provider immediately
D. Obtain a temperature again at the end of the shift
Answer: C. Notify the oncology provider immediately
Rationale: Fever in a client receiving chemotherapy may indicate neutropenic
sepsis, which can progress rapidly. Prompt evaluation, cultures, laboratory testing,
,and empiric antimicrobial therapy may be required. Antipyretics should not delay
evaluation of a potentially life-threatening infection.
3. Which laboratory result is most concerning before a client receives
chemotherapy?
A. Hemoglobin 11.8 g/dL
B. Platelet count 210,000/mm³
C. Absolute neutrophil count 400/mm³
D. Sodium 138 mEq/L
Answer: C. Absolute neutrophil count 400/mm³
Rationale: An absolute neutrophil count of 400/mm³ represents severe neutropenia
and places the client at high risk for serious infection. Chemotherapy may need to
be delayed or modified depending on the treatment protocol and clinical condition.
4. A client undergoing chemotherapy has thrombocytopenia. Which instruction
is most appropriate?
A. Use a hard-bristled toothbrush
B. Avoid activities that could cause injury
C. Take aspirin for minor headaches
D. Use a straight razor for shaving
Answer: B. Avoid activities that could cause injury
Rationale: Thrombocytopenia increases bleeding risk. Clients should avoid trauma,
contact sports, sharp razors, intramuscular injections when avoidable, and
medications that increase bleeding unless specifically prescribed. A soft toothbrush
and electric razor are safer alternatives.
5. Which finding in a client with thrombocytopenia requires immediate
attention?
A. Mild fatigue
B. Petechiae on the lower legs
,C. Hematuria
D. Decreased appetite
Answer: C. Hematuria
Rationale: Hematuria indicates active bleeding and may become serious in a client
with severe thrombocytopenia. The nurse should promptly assess the amount of
bleeding, vital signs, laboratory values, medications, and need for medical
intervention.
6. A client receiving chemotherapy develops oral mucositis. Which intervention
is most appropriate?
A. Use an alcohol-based mouthwash frequently
B. Encourage very hot foods
C. Provide gentle oral care with a soft toothbrush
D. Recommend tobacco products to reduce oral discomfort
Answer: C. Provide gentle oral care with a soft toothbrush
Rationale: Oral mucositis causes painful inflammation and ulceration of the oral
mucosa. Gentle oral hygiene helps reduce infection risk and maintain oral integrity.
Alcohol-containing mouthwashes, tobacco, very hot foods, and irritating substances
can worsen mucosal injury.
7. Which food is most appropriate for a client experiencing chemotherapy-
induced oral mucositis?
A. Spicy salsa
B. Citrus fruit
C. Soft, cool foods
D. Very salty crackers
Answer: C. Soft, cool foods
Rationale: Soft, cool, nonacidic foods are generally better tolerated when the oral
mucosa is inflamed. Spicy, acidic, salty, and very hot foods can increase pain and
irritation.
, 8. A client receiving chemotherapy reports persistent nausea. Which
intervention is most appropriate?
A. Wait until severe nausea develops before giving prescribed antiemetics
B. Administer prescribed antiemetics prophylactically when indicated
C. Encourage large meals three times daily
D. Restrict all oral fluids
Answer: B. Administer prescribed antiemetics prophylactically when indicated
Rationale: Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting are best prevented or
controlled with appropriately timed antiemetic therapy. Small, frequent meals and
adequate hydration may also help. Waiting until nausea becomes severe can make
symptom control more difficult.
9. Which instruction should the nurse provide to a client receiving
chemotherapy who has anorexia?
A. Eat three very large meals each day
B. Drink large amounts of fluid immediately before meals
C. Eat small, nutrient-dense meals frequently
D. Avoid foods containing protein
Answer: C. Eat small, nutrient-dense meals frequently
Rationale: Small, frequent meals can improve intake when appetite is reduced.
Nutrient-dense foods provide calories and protein without requiring large meal
volumes. Excessive fluid immediately before meals may increase fullness.
10.A client receiving chemotherapy develops alopecia. Which response by the
nurse is best?
A. "Your hair will definitely never grow back."
B. "Hair loss is always permanent."
C. "Hair loss can occur with several chemotherapy drugs and may be temporary or
permanent depending on the treatment."
D. "You should stop chemotherapy until your hair returns."
