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BCOT WEEK 8 PRACTICE EXAM Questions with Answers &
Rationales
1. A client with cancer is receiving chemotherapy. Which
laboratory value is most important to monitor?
A. Absolute neutrophil count (ANC)
B. Serum calcium only
C. Liver enzymes only
D. Amylase only
Answer: A
Rationale: Chemotherapy causes myelosuppression; ANC
indicates infection risk.
2. A client receiving chemotherapy has an ANC of 400/mm³ and
a temperature of 101°F. The nurse should:
A. Notify the provider and obtain cultures as prescribed
B. Give acetaminophen only
C. Observe without action
D. Apply ice packs only
Answer: A
Rationale: Neutropenic fever is an emergency; prompt cultures
and broad-spectrum antibiotics are needed.
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3. A client with cancer and a platelet count of 15,000/mm³
should be monitored for:
A. Spontaneous bleeding
B. Infection only
C. Constipation only
D. Hypertension only
Answer: A
Rationale: Severe thrombocytopenia increases risk of
spontaneous bleeding.
4. Which of the following is a sign of tumor lysis syndrome?
A. Hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia, and
hyperuricemia
B. Hypokalemia and hypercalcemia
C. No electrolyte changes
D. Metabolic alkalosis only
Answer: A
Rationale: Tumor lysis releases intracellular contents causing
these electrolyte abnormalities.
5. A client at risk for tumor lysis syndrome should be treated
with:
A. Aggressive hydration and allopurinol/rasburicase as
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prescribed
B. Fluid restriction
C. Potassium supplements
D. Calcium supplements only
Answer: A
Rationale: Hydration and urate-lowering agents prevent renal
failure.
6. A client with cancer and hypercalcemia is likely to have which
symptom?
A. Constipation, lethargy, and confusion
B. Tetany and muscle cramps
C. Positive Chvostek's sign
D. Tremors
Answer: A
Rationale: Hypercalcemia causes GI, neurologic, and renal
symptoms.
7. A client with cancer and hypercalcemia should be treated
with:
A. IV fluids and bisphosphonates as prescribed
B. Calcium supplements
BCOT WEEK 8 PRACTICE EXAM Questions with Answers &
Rationales
1. A client with cancer is receiving chemotherapy. Which
laboratory value is most important to monitor?
A. Absolute neutrophil count (ANC)
B. Serum calcium only
C. Liver enzymes only
D. Amylase only
Answer: A
Rationale: Chemotherapy causes myelosuppression; ANC
indicates infection risk.
2. A client receiving chemotherapy has an ANC of 400/mm³ and
a temperature of 101°F. The nurse should:
A. Notify the provider and obtain cultures as prescribed
B. Give acetaminophen only
C. Observe without action
D. Apply ice packs only
Answer: A
Rationale: Neutropenic fever is an emergency; prompt cultures
and broad-spectrum antibiotics are needed.
, Page |2
3. A client with cancer and a platelet count of 15,000/mm³
should be monitored for:
A. Spontaneous bleeding
B. Infection only
C. Constipation only
D. Hypertension only
Answer: A
Rationale: Severe thrombocytopenia increases risk of
spontaneous bleeding.
4. Which of the following is a sign of tumor lysis syndrome?
A. Hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia, and
hyperuricemia
B. Hypokalemia and hypercalcemia
C. No electrolyte changes
D. Metabolic alkalosis only
Answer: A
Rationale: Tumor lysis releases intracellular contents causing
these electrolyte abnormalities.
5. A client at risk for tumor lysis syndrome should be treated
with:
A. Aggressive hydration and allopurinol/rasburicase as
, Page |3
prescribed
B. Fluid restriction
C. Potassium supplements
D. Calcium supplements only
Answer: A
Rationale: Hydration and urate-lowering agents prevent renal
failure.
6. A client with cancer and hypercalcemia is likely to have which
symptom?
A. Constipation, lethargy, and confusion
B. Tetany and muscle cramps
C. Positive Chvostek's sign
D. Tremors
Answer: A
Rationale: Hypercalcemia causes GI, neurologic, and renal
symptoms.
7. A client with cancer and hypercalcemia should be treated
with:
A. IV fluids and bisphosphonates as prescribed
B. Calcium supplements
