Free Oncology Nursing MCQs with Answers
50 Oncology Nursing MCQs from Medical Surgical Nursing, each with the correct answer and a written explanation of why it is correct. Free and unlimited, with no account needed.
Covers cancer biology, tumour staging, common malignancies and nursing care during surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and palliative treatment. It includes managing nausea, pain, fatigue, mucositis, neutropenia and extravasation, while distinguishing expected treatment effects from dangerous complications requiring urgent action.
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50 questions · page 3 of 3
- A. A tissue biopsy examined by histopathology
- B. A plain radiograph of the suspected area
- C. A serum tumour-marker measurement
- D. A physical examination of the mass
Explanation: Histopathological examination of biopsy tissue identifies malignant cells and their characteristics, making it the definitive diagnostic…
Correct answer: A tissue biopsy examined by histopathology- A. The size of the primary tumour
- B. The involvement of regional lymph nodes
- C. The presence of distant metastasis
- D. The microscopic grade of the tumour
Explanation: The M category records whether cancer has spread to distant organs or tissues.
Correct answer: The presence of distant metastasis- A. Reassure the patient that this is an expected harmless effect
- B. Report the finding promptly to the oncology team
- C. Restrict oral fluids until the urine becomes clear
- D. Give aspirin to reduce urinary tract inflammation
Explanation: Haematuria and dysuria may indicate cyclophosphamide-induced haemorrhagic cystitis and require prompt assessment.
Correct answer: Report the finding promptly to the oncology team- A. Place the patient flat and offer sips of water
- B. Assess the airway and call for immediate assistance
- C. Apply a warm dressing over the neck incision
- D. Encourage coughing to clear throat secretions
Explanation: Noisy breathing after thyroid surgery may indicate airway obstruction from swelling, bleeding or vocal cord problems.
Correct answer: Assess the airway and call for immediate assistance- A. Hypocalcaemia caused by treatment
- B. Hypercalcaemia related to malignancy
- C. Acute neutropenic infection
- D. Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion
Explanation: Thirst, polyuria, constipation and altered mental status are typical features of significant hypercalcaemia, which can occur with advanced…
Correct answer: Hypercalcaemia related to malignancy- A. Hair loss always means the cancer is progressing
- B. Hair usually grows back after treatment ends
- C. The scalp should be scrubbed daily to prevent hair loss
- D. Hair loss occurs only when the treatment damages the scalp
Explanation: Many cytotoxic medicines cause temporary alopecia by affecting rapidly dividing hair-follicle cells, and regrowth commonly occurs after…
Correct answer: Hair usually grows back after treatment ends- A. Advise walking to improve venous circulation
- B. Massage the calf until the discomfort improves
- C. Assess urgently for possible deep-vein thrombosis
- D. Reassure the patient that this is a usual drug effect
Explanation: Tamoxifen increases the risk of venous thromboembolism, so unilateral calf pain and swelling require urgent assessment.
Correct answer: Assess urgently for possible deep-vein thrombosis- A. Document the symptoms as expected treatment fatigue
- B. Report the findings promptly for liver-function assessment
- C. Encourage a high-fat diet to restore liver energy stores
- D. Give the next treatment early to control the cancer
Explanation: Jaundice and dark urine may indicate immune-related hepatitis, a potentially serious complication of checkpoint inhibitors.
Correct answer: Report the findings promptly for liver-function assessment- A. Palliative care is given only during the final hours of life
- B. Palliative care may occur alongside disease-directed treatment
- C. Hospice care aims to cure the underlying malignant disease
- D. Hospice care excludes pain relief and family support
Explanation: Palliative care focuses on symptom relief, quality of life and support, and it can begin at any stage while cancer treatment continues.
Correct answer: Palliative care may occur alongside disease-directed treatment- A. It blocks serotonin receptors involved in vomiting
- B. It stimulates bowel movement to remove toxins
- C. It neutralises stomach acid after chemotherapy
- D. It destroys malignant cells by inhibiting mitosis
Explanation: Ondansetron is a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist that helps prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
Correct answer: It blocks serotonin receptors involved in vomiting