ONS ONCC Chemo Renewal Exam 2026
Questions and Answers
Neoadjuvant therapy does not increase survival when compared to adjuvant
therapy. It only changes the timing of treatment and can change surgical options if
the tumor is shrunk enough. If this occurs, the patient may only require a
lumpectomy plus radiation therapy instead of needing a mastectomy - Correct
answer-Main benefit of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (breast cancer patient)
A comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) is a multidisciplinary evaluation to
assess life expectancy and risk of morbidity and mortality in the older patient. This
assessment tool would evaluate and include the following areas: functional status,
socioeconomic issues, psychosocial distress, comorbidities, cognitive function,
nutritional status, polypharmacy, and a medication review (NCCN Older Adult
Oncology Guidelines, version 1.2015). - Correct answer-Due to Mrs. Turner's age
and comorbidities, her oncologist performs a comprehensive geriatric assessment.
You know that this assessment covers all but which of the following:
65 - Correct answer-The NCCN Older Adult Oncology Guidelines (version
1.2015) provides information on what is included in a comprehensive geriatric
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,assessment. Currently, more than 60% of cancers in the United States occur in
people age ______and older and as the oncology world ages, nearly half (46%) of
cancer survivors are 70 years of age or older
Two of the agents (docetaxel and carboplatin) that Mrs. Turner will receive are
categorized as irritants. Docetaxel can cause a significant reaction if it extravasates.
It can lead to edema, erythema, occasional pain and blister formation (ONS
Chemo/Bio guidelines, 2014). That is the most likely reason that Mrs. Turner was
given a port for her treatments. Some patients will receive their treatments through
a peripheral IV without incident. Just because they are intravenous agents does not
mean that a port is required and needing a port has nothing to do with her being
older in age. Since none of these agents are vesicants, they likely could have been
given safely via peripheral route but having a port placed is OK as well. - Correct
answer-What is your best explanation for why Mrs. Turner was given a port to
receive her chemotherapy?
Irrirtants - Correct answer-_____________can cause inflammation, pain, and
burning but rarely cause tissue necrosis comparable to a vesicant (unless a large
amount or a very high concentration of the irritant is extravasated).
Vesicants - Correct answer-_____________can cause blistering and significant
pain and tissue damage and destruction, leading to tissue death.
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, Non-DNA-binding solutions remain in the local area of the extravasation, which
improves the possibility of drug deactivation.
DNA-binding agents attach to DNA nucleic acids, causing the antagonist to be
ingested cellularly, leading to progressive tissue destruction - Correct answer-A
further classification of an antineoplastic agent's potential to cause damage is
whether its mechanism of action includes DNA binding.
Bendamustinea
Dactinomycin
Daunorubicin
Doxorubicin
Epirubicin
Idarubicin
Mechlorethamine
Mitomycin - Correct answer-DNA Binding Irritants
Amsacrine
Paclitaxel
Vinblastine
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVE 3
Questions and Answers
Neoadjuvant therapy does not increase survival when compared to adjuvant
therapy. It only changes the timing of treatment and can change surgical options if
the tumor is shrunk enough. If this occurs, the patient may only require a
lumpectomy plus radiation therapy instead of needing a mastectomy - Correct
answer-Main benefit of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (breast cancer patient)
A comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) is a multidisciplinary evaluation to
assess life expectancy and risk of morbidity and mortality in the older patient. This
assessment tool would evaluate and include the following areas: functional status,
socioeconomic issues, psychosocial distress, comorbidities, cognitive function,
nutritional status, polypharmacy, and a medication review (NCCN Older Adult
Oncology Guidelines, version 1.2015). - Correct answer-Due to Mrs. Turner's age
and comorbidities, her oncologist performs a comprehensive geriatric assessment.
You know that this assessment covers all but which of the following:
65 - Correct answer-The NCCN Older Adult Oncology Guidelines (version
1.2015) provides information on what is included in a comprehensive geriatric
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVE 1
,assessment. Currently, more than 60% of cancers in the United States occur in
people age ______and older and as the oncology world ages, nearly half (46%) of
cancer survivors are 70 years of age or older
Two of the agents (docetaxel and carboplatin) that Mrs. Turner will receive are
categorized as irritants. Docetaxel can cause a significant reaction if it extravasates.
It can lead to edema, erythema, occasional pain and blister formation (ONS
Chemo/Bio guidelines, 2014). That is the most likely reason that Mrs. Turner was
given a port for her treatments. Some patients will receive their treatments through
a peripheral IV without incident. Just because they are intravenous agents does not
mean that a port is required and needing a port has nothing to do with her being
older in age. Since none of these agents are vesicants, they likely could have been
given safely via peripheral route but having a port placed is OK as well. - Correct
answer-What is your best explanation for why Mrs. Turner was given a port to
receive her chemotherapy?
Irrirtants - Correct answer-_____________can cause inflammation, pain, and
burning but rarely cause tissue necrosis comparable to a vesicant (unless a large
amount or a very high concentration of the irritant is extravasated).
Vesicants - Correct answer-_____________can cause blistering and significant
pain and tissue damage and destruction, leading to tissue death.
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVE 2
, Non-DNA-binding solutions remain in the local area of the extravasation, which
improves the possibility of drug deactivation.
DNA-binding agents attach to DNA nucleic acids, causing the antagonist to be
ingested cellularly, leading to progressive tissue destruction - Correct answer-A
further classification of an antineoplastic agent's potential to cause damage is
whether its mechanism of action includes DNA binding.
Bendamustinea
Dactinomycin
Daunorubicin
Doxorubicin
Epirubicin
Idarubicin
Mechlorethamine
Mitomycin - Correct answer-DNA Binding Irritants
Amsacrine
Paclitaxel
Vinblastine
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVE 3
