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ATI ADULT MEDICAL SURGICAL NURSING – UNIT 13 Oncology
120 Questions with Rationales
SECTION 1: CANCER BASICS & PREVENTION (Q1–25)
1. Which of the following best describes the pathophysiology of
cancer?
A. Controlled cell growth with normal differentiation
B. Uncontrolled cell proliferation and loss of normal regulatory
mechanisms
C. Benign cell growth only
D. Inflammation without cell division
Answer: B
Rationale: Cancer is characterized by uncontrolled cell growth,
loss of contact inhibition, and dedifferentiation due to genetic
mutations.
2. Which of the following is a characteristic of a malignant
tumor?
A. Encapsulated and noninvasive
B. Invasive, metastatic, and poorly differentiated
C. Well-differentiated cells
D. Slow growth without spread
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Answer: B
Rationale: Malignant tumors invade surrounding tissue,
metastasize, and show anaplasia (loss of differentiation).
3. A benign tumor is best described as:
A. Invasive and metastatic
B. Encapsulated, well-differentiated, and nonmetastatic
C. Poorly differentiated
D. Always life-threatening
Answer: B
Rationale: Benign tumors are usually encapsulated, well-
differentiated, and do not metastasize.
4. Which of the following is a modifiable risk factor for cancer?
A. Age
B. Tobacco use
C. Family history
D. Genetic mutations
Answer: B
Rationale: Tobacco use, diet, obesity, sun exposure, and alcohol
are modifiable; age, genetics, and family history are
nonmodifiable.
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5. Which of the following is the most important environmental
risk factor for lung cancer?
A. Asbestos exposure
B. Cigarette smoking
C. Radon only
D. Air pollution only
Answer: B
Rationale: Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer,
accounting for the majority of cases.
6. The American Cancer Society recommends which screening
for colorectal cancer beginning at age 45?
A. Annual colonoscopy only
B. Colonoscopy every 10 years, or other screening tests as
recommended
C. Fecal occult blood test only annually
D. Sigmoidoscopy every 5 years only
Answer: B
Rationale: Multiple screening options exist; colonoscopy every
10 years is a common option for average-risk adults starting at
45.
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7. Which of the following is a primary prevention strategy for
cancer?
A. Mammography screening
B. Smoking cessation and HPV vaccination
C. Colonoscopy
D. Pap smear
Answer: B
Rationale: Primary prevention prevents cancer from developing
(smoking cessation, vaccination, lifestyle). Screening is
secondary prevention.
8. A client with a family history of breast cancer and a BRCA1
mutation is at increased risk for:
A. Lung cancer only
B. Breast and ovarian cancer
C. Colon cancer only
D. No increased risk
Answer: B
Rationale: BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations significantly increase
risk for breast, ovarian, and other cancers.
9. Which of the following is a sign of cancer cachexia?
A. Weight gain and increased appetite
ATI ADULT MEDICAL SURGICAL NURSING – UNIT 13 Oncology
120 Questions with Rationales
SECTION 1: CANCER BASICS & PREVENTION (Q1–25)
1. Which of the following best describes the pathophysiology of
cancer?
A. Controlled cell growth with normal differentiation
B. Uncontrolled cell proliferation and loss of normal regulatory
mechanisms
C. Benign cell growth only
D. Inflammation without cell division
Answer: B
Rationale: Cancer is characterized by uncontrolled cell growth,
loss of contact inhibition, and dedifferentiation due to genetic
mutations.
2. Which of the following is a characteristic of a malignant
tumor?
A. Encapsulated and noninvasive
B. Invasive, metastatic, and poorly differentiated
C. Well-differentiated cells
D. Slow growth without spread
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Answer: B
Rationale: Malignant tumors invade surrounding tissue,
metastasize, and show anaplasia (loss of differentiation).
3. A benign tumor is best described as:
A. Invasive and metastatic
B. Encapsulated, well-differentiated, and nonmetastatic
C. Poorly differentiated
D. Always life-threatening
Answer: B
Rationale: Benign tumors are usually encapsulated, well-
differentiated, and do not metastasize.
4. Which of the following is a modifiable risk factor for cancer?
A. Age
B. Tobacco use
C. Family history
D. Genetic mutations
Answer: B
Rationale: Tobacco use, diet, obesity, sun exposure, and alcohol
are modifiable; age, genetics, and family history are
nonmodifiable.
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5. Which of the following is the most important environmental
risk factor for lung cancer?
A. Asbestos exposure
B. Cigarette smoking
C. Radon only
D. Air pollution only
Answer: B
Rationale: Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer,
accounting for the majority of cases.
6. The American Cancer Society recommends which screening
for colorectal cancer beginning at age 45?
A. Annual colonoscopy only
B. Colonoscopy every 10 years, or other screening tests as
recommended
C. Fecal occult blood test only annually
D. Sigmoidoscopy every 5 years only
Answer: B
Rationale: Multiple screening options exist; colonoscopy every
10 years is a common option for average-risk adults starting at
45.
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7. Which of the following is a primary prevention strategy for
cancer?
A. Mammography screening
B. Smoking cessation and HPV vaccination
C. Colonoscopy
D. Pap smear
Answer: B
Rationale: Primary prevention prevents cancer from developing
(smoking cessation, vaccination, lifestyle). Screening is
secondary prevention.
8. A client with a family history of breast cancer and a BRCA1
mutation is at increased risk for:
A. Lung cancer only
B. Breast and ovarian cancer
C. Colon cancer only
D. No increased risk
Answer: B
Rationale: BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations significantly increase
risk for breast, ovarian, and other cancers.
9. Which of the following is a sign of cancer cachexia?
A. Weight gain and increased appetite
