Free Oncology Nursing MCQs with Answers

• A. They remain dependent on normal growth signals
• B. They evade apoptosis and continue dividing
• C. They retain complete contact inhibition
• D. They always form a well-defined capsule

Explanation: Cancer cells may avoid apoptosis, or programmed cell death, and continue dividing abnormally.

• A. Restrict protein until bowel function improves
• B. Assess nutritional status and refer for support
• C. Keep the patient fasting until the operation
• D. Encourage vigorous exercise before admission

Explanation: Poor nutrition increases the risk of infection, delayed wound healing and weakness after surgery.

• A. Use prolonged close contact to provide reassurance
• B. Limit time near the source and maximize distance
• C. Remove the radioactive source when the patient reports pain
• D. Ask pregnant staff members to provide all direct care

Explanation: For temporary brachytherapy, radiation exposure is reduced by limiting time, increasing distance and using shielding as directed by the…

• A. Avoid crowds and report a temperature promptly
• B. Receive live vaccines without consulting the provider
• C. Use rectal thermometers to obtain an exact reading
• D. Eat raw eggs to increase white blood cell production

Explanation: Leukopenia increases susceptibility to infection, so avoiding sick contacts and reporting fever promptly are important.

• A. Tumour lysis syndrome
• B. Dumping syndrome
• C. Superior vena cava syndrome
• D. Disseminated intravascular coagulation

Explanation: Rapid tumour breakdown can release potassium, phosphate and uric acid, causing electrolyte disturbances, renal injury and dysrhythmias.

• A. Encourage a high-fibre meal immediately
• B. Assess hydration and notify the oncology team
• C. Give an antidiarrhoeal without further assessment
• D. Reassure the patient that diarrhoea is harmless

Explanation: Severe diarrhoea can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and treatment-related bowel injury.

• A. Document the symptoms as expected fatigue
• B. Check glucose as ordered and notify the provider
• C. Encourage sugary drinks until symptoms resolve
• D. Withhold all prescribed medicines for 24 hours

Explanation: Checkpoint inhibitors can cause immune-mediated endocrine disorders, including new diabetes with hyperglycaemia.

• A. A clean, dry dressing with intact edges
• B. Mild fatigue after a treatment session
• C. Redness, tenderness and purulent drainage at the site
• D. A blood return that is present without discomfort

Explanation: Redness, tenderness and purulent drainage suggest a catheter-related infection and require prompt assessment and treatment.

• A. Stop the opioid abruptly without advice
• B. Assess the bowel pattern and give the prescribed laxative
• C. Restrict fluids to reduce abdominal discomfort
• D. Wait until vomiting develops before reporting it

Explanation: Constipation is a common opioid effect and should be prevented or treated with a prescribed bowel regimen, fluids and appropriate activity…

• A. Remain on bed rest throughout the day
• B. Plan important activities during periods of greatest energy
• C. Avoid all physical activity until treatment ends
• D. Drink caffeinated beverages instead of eating meals

Explanation: Energy conservation involves balancing activity with rest and scheduling essential tasks when energy is highest.

• A. The size and local extent of the primary tumour
• B. The involvement of regional lymph nodes
• C. The presence of distant organ metastases
• D. The patient's response to treatment

Explanation: The T category describes the size and local invasion of the primary tumour.

• A. Invasion into nearby connective tissue
• B. Involvement of regional lymph nodes
• C. Presence of distant organ metastasis
• D. A high mitotic rate in the tumour

Explanation: Stage IV generally indicates that the cancer has spread to distant organs or tissues.

• A. Apply a warm pack to the lower back
• B. Encourage walking to maintain muscle strength
• C. Report the findings urgently to the oncology team
• D. Give the routine analgesic and reassess tomorrow

Explanation: The combination suggests possible malignant spinal cord compression, an oncological emergency that can cause permanent neurological…

• A. Position the patient flat for complete rest
• B. Place the patient upright and administer prescribed oxygen
• C. Encourage oral fluids to reduce blood thickness
• D. Massage the neck to improve venous drainage

Explanation: These findings suggest superior vena cava obstruction with impaired venous return and breathing difficulty.

• A. I will allow blood pressure checks on that arm
• B. I will protect the arm from cuts, burns and infection
• C. I will keep the arm completely still for several months
• D. I will use tight clothing to control any swelling

Explanation: Protecting the affected arm from injury and infection helps reduce the risk of lymphoedema complications.

• A. Crush the tablets before taking them with juice
• B. Handle the tablets with bare hands if they look intact
• C. Wash hands before and after handling the tablets
• D. Store the tablets loose in a kitchen container

Explanation: Hand hygiene before and after handling oral cytotoxic medicines reduces exposure to drug residue.

• A. Document the symptoms as an expected mild effect
• B. Report the symptoms promptly for respiratory assessment
• C. Encourage vigorous exercise to improve lung capacity
• D. Give an antidiarrhoeal medicine and reassess later

Explanation: Bleomycin can cause pulmonary toxicity, including pneumonitis and pulmonary fibrosis.

• A. Progressive cardiac dysfunction
• B. Permanent hearing loss
• C. Severe renal stone formation
• D. Marked thyroid enlargement

Explanation: Doxorubicin is an anthracycline that can cause cumulative cardiotoxicity, so cardiac history, symptoms and prescribed cardiac testing are…

• A. Encourage deep breathing and continue the infusion
• B. Report the findings promptly and withhold treatment until reviewed
• C. Offer a high-fibre meal to relieve chest discomfort
• D. Reassure the patient that this is expected hair loss

Explanation: These findings may indicate immune-related pneumonitis, which can become life threatening if treatment is continued without assessment.

• A. Record the appearance as normal during the first week
• B. Apply a tight pouch to force the stoma outward
• C. Report the finding immediately for assessment of impaired blood supply
• D. Give a laxative to increase the stoma output

Explanation: A healthy new stoma is usually moist and pink to red, reflecting adequate perfusion.