GALEN COLLEGE OF NURSING
NUR 242 — Exam 3
(Oncology)
Complete Question Bank
NCLEX-Style Practice Questions with Detailed Rationales
Topic: Oncology Nursing — Cancer Screening, Treatment, Oncologic
Emergencies — 35 Questions
Edition 1 · September 2026
Table of Contents
1. Instructions for Use 2
2. Practice Questions with Answers & Rationales — Oncology Nursing (35 Questions) 2
NUR 242 · Galen College of Nursing Page 1
,NUR 242 EXAM 3 (ONCOLOGY) PRACTICE GUIDE INSTRUCTIONS & PRACTICE QUESTIONS
How to Use This Guide
Read each stem, choose your answer, then check the rationale directly below it. The correct
option is marked, and each wrong option is explained so you understand why it's wrong — not
just that it is. All questions are based on the Galen College of Nursing NUR 242 Medical-
Surgical Nursing Concepts curriculum.
Category: Oncology Nursing — Comprehensive Review (35 Questions)
1. A nurse is assessing a client with suspected superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome.
Which finding would the nurse expect to see first?
A. Periorbital edema
B. Dyspnea
C. Cyanosis
D. Facial flushing
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The first sign of superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome is periorbital edema.
SVC syndrome occurs when the superior vena cava is compressed or obstructed,
leading to impaired venous return from the head, neck, and upper extremities.
Tested Concept: SVC syndrome — early signs
Source Concept: "First thing you would see with superior vena cava syndrome? Periorbital
edema."
Moderate
,2. A client with SVC syndrome presents with facial edema, cyanosis, and dyspnea.
Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
A. Administer oxygen
B. Elevate the head of the bed
C. Notify the healthcare provider
D. Prepare for emergency radiation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The priority intervention for a client with SVC syndrome presenting with
facial edema, cyanosis, and dyspnea is to administer oxygen first to relieve respiratory
distress and improve oxygenation.
Tested Concept: SVC syndrome — priority intervention
Source Concept: "Patient came with facial edema, cyanosis, and dyspnea. Give O2 first."
Difficult
, 3. A nurse is teaching a client about superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome. The
nurse explains that SVC syndrome is related to which vascular structure?
A. Superior vena cava occlusion
B. Inferior vena cava occlusion
C. Pulmonary artery occlusion
D. Aortic occlusion
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: SVC syndrome is related to superior vena cava occlusion, not inferior vena
cava occlusion. The SVC drains blood from the head, neck, and upper extremities, and
compression leads to the characteristic symptoms.
Tested Concept: SVC syndrome — cause
Source Concept: "(Related to SVC not inferior vena cava occlusion.)"
Moderate
NUR 242 — Exam 3
(Oncology)
Complete Question Bank
NCLEX-Style Practice Questions with Detailed Rationales
Topic: Oncology Nursing — Cancer Screening, Treatment, Oncologic
Emergencies — 35 Questions
Edition 1 · September 2026
Table of Contents
1. Instructions for Use 2
2. Practice Questions with Answers & Rationales — Oncology Nursing (35 Questions) 2
NUR 242 · Galen College of Nursing Page 1
,NUR 242 EXAM 3 (ONCOLOGY) PRACTICE GUIDE INSTRUCTIONS & PRACTICE QUESTIONS
How to Use This Guide
Read each stem, choose your answer, then check the rationale directly below it. The correct
option is marked, and each wrong option is explained so you understand why it's wrong — not
just that it is. All questions are based on the Galen College of Nursing NUR 242 Medical-
Surgical Nursing Concepts curriculum.
Category: Oncology Nursing — Comprehensive Review (35 Questions)
1. A nurse is assessing a client with suspected superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome.
Which finding would the nurse expect to see first?
A. Periorbital edema
B. Dyspnea
C. Cyanosis
D. Facial flushing
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The first sign of superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome is periorbital edema.
SVC syndrome occurs when the superior vena cava is compressed or obstructed,
leading to impaired venous return from the head, neck, and upper extremities.
Tested Concept: SVC syndrome — early signs
Source Concept: "First thing you would see with superior vena cava syndrome? Periorbital
edema."
Moderate
,2. A client with SVC syndrome presents with facial edema, cyanosis, and dyspnea.
Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
A. Administer oxygen
B. Elevate the head of the bed
C. Notify the healthcare provider
D. Prepare for emergency radiation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The priority intervention for a client with SVC syndrome presenting with
facial edema, cyanosis, and dyspnea is to administer oxygen first to relieve respiratory
distress and improve oxygenation.
Tested Concept: SVC syndrome — priority intervention
Source Concept: "Patient came with facial edema, cyanosis, and dyspnea. Give O2 first."
Difficult
, 3. A nurse is teaching a client about superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome. The
nurse explains that SVC syndrome is related to which vascular structure?
A. Superior vena cava occlusion
B. Inferior vena cava occlusion
C. Pulmonary artery occlusion
D. Aortic occlusion
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: SVC syndrome is related to superior vena cava occlusion, not inferior vena
cava occlusion. The SVC drains blood from the head, neck, and upper extremities, and
compression leads to the characteristic symptoms.
Tested Concept: SVC syndrome — cause
Source Concept: "(Related to SVC not inferior vena cava occlusion.)"
Moderate
