Free Oncology Nursing MCQs with Answers

• A. It is usually surrounded by a clear capsule
• B. It remains localized at its original site
• C. It can invade tissues and spread to distant sites
• D. It grows slowly without affecting nearby structures

Explanation: Malignant tumours invade surrounding tissues and may metastasize through lymphatic or blood vessels.

• A. The T category
• B. The N category
• C. The M category
• D. The G category

Explanation: The N category describes regional lymph node involvement. T describes the primary tumour, while M describes distant metastasis; G refers…

• A. Slow the infusion and apply gentle pressure
• B. Stop the infusion and leave the cannula in place
• C. Remove the cannula and flush the site with saline
• D. Apply a warm compress and continue the infusion

Explanation: These findings suggest extravasation of a vesicant drug. Stop the infusion immediately, leave the cannula in place to aspirate residual…

• A. Offer oral fluids and reassess after one hour
• B. Place the patient in a protective environment only
• C. Notify the medical team immediately for urgent assessment
• D. Encourage walking to improve circulation and appetite

Explanation: Severe neutropenia with fever is a medical emergency because infection may progress rapidly without a strong inflammatory response.

• A. Apply perfumed lotion before every treatment session
• B. Scrub treatment marks off the skin during bathing
• C. Protect the treated skin from sunlight and friction
• D. Use a heating pad to reduce skin discomfort

Explanation: Radiated skin should be protected from sunlight, heat, adhesive materials and friction.

• A. Use a soft toothbrush and rinse with saline regularly
• B. Use alcohol-based mouthwash after every meal
• C. Eat spicy foods to stimulate saliva production
• D. Brush the ulcers firmly to remove the damaged tissue

Explanation: Gentle oral care and regular saline or prescribed non-irritating rinses help reduce trauma and maintain mucosal hygiene.

• A. Document it as an expected mild treatment effect
• B. Administer an antidiarrhoeal without further assessment
• C. Report the symptoms promptly to the oncology team
• D. Advise the patient to continue treatment without changes

Explanation: Immune checkpoint inhibitors can cause immune-mediated colitis, which may become severe and require corticosteroid treatment.

• A. Withhold the next opioid dose because dependence is possible
• B. Assess the pain and administer prescribed rescue analgesia
• C. Tell the patient that severe pain is expected in advanced cancer
• D. Wait until the next scheduled dose before reassessing

Explanation: The nurse should assess the pain, including its site, character and associated symptoms, then give prescribed breakthrough analgesia and…

• A. I will eat large meals when nausea completely stops
• B. I will take the prescribed antiemetic before nausea becomes severe
• C. I will stop drinking fluids to prevent further vomiting
• D. I will lie flat immediately after every small meal

Explanation: Antiemetics work best when taken as prescribed, often before symptoms become severe.

• A. The patient communicates by writing on a notepad
• B. The patient has mild incisional discomfort when moving
• C. The patient has increasing respiratory distress and noisy breathing
• D. The patient asks when oral fluids may be started

Explanation: Increasing respiratory distress and noisy breathing indicate a possible airway obstruction, so airway and breathing take priority.

• A. Metastasis
• B. Hyperplasia
• C. Differentiation
• D. Encapsulation

Explanation: Metastasis is the movement of malignant cells from the original site to distant tissues through lymphatic or blood vessels.

• A. A slower-growing tumour
• B. A more aggressive tumour
• C. A completely benign tumour
• D. A tumour limited to one organ

Explanation: Poor differentiation and frequent mitosis usually indicate rapid growth and more aggressive malignant behaviour.

• A. Teach deep breathing and leg exercises
• B. Restrict oral fluids before admission
• C. Keep the patient on strict bed rest
• D. Apply a pressure dressing before surgery

Explanation: Teaching breathing, coughing, and leg exercises helps prevent atelectasis and venous stasis after surgery.

• A. Document the expected taste change
• B. Report the finding to the oncology team
• C. Give an extra dose of the prescribed antiemetic
• D. Encourage vigorous exercise immediately

Explanation: Cisplatin can cause ototoxicity, so new tinnitus or hearing changes require prompt assessment and reporting.

• A. Use a soft toothbrush and avoid rectal procedures
• B. Encourage flossing after every meal
• C. Give intramuscular injections as prescribed
• D. Use a firm-bristled brush for gum cleaning

Explanation: Severe thrombocytopenia increases the risk of bleeding, so gentle oral care and avoidance of invasive rectal procedures are appropriate.

• A. Plan rest periods between essential activities
• B. Remain in bed throughout the treatment course
• C. Stop eating protein until fatigue resolves
• D. Use unapproved herbal stimulants every morning

Explanation: Radiotherapy-related fatigue is common, and planned rest with balanced activity helps conserve energy without causing unnecessary…

• A. Stop the infusion and activate emergency care
• B. Slow the infusion and reassess after 30 minutes
• C. Offer oral fluids and continue observation
• D. Place a warm compress over the infusion site

Explanation: Wheezing, angioedema, and hypotension indicate a potentially life-threatening infusion reaction involving airway and circulation.

• A. A moist pink stoma
• B. Mild incisional discomfort
• C. A dusky purple stoma
• D. Small amounts of flatus

Explanation: A dusky or purple stoma may indicate impaired blood supply and requires urgent assessment.

• A. Assess airway and breathing, then seek urgent help
• B. Give the next opioid dose to prevent pain
• C. Place the patient flat and leave the room
• D. Encourage the patient to walk to improve alertness

Explanation: Marked sedation and slow breathing suggest opioid-induced respiratory depression, so airway and breathing take priority.

• A. Explore the patient's goals and discuss palliative support
• B. Explain that all chemotherapy must continue until death
• C. Tell the family to decide because the patient is distressed
• D. Avoid discussing prognosis to prevent further anxiety

Explanation: Palliative care focuses on comfort, symptom control, quality of life, and care that matches the patient's goals.