OCN® Sample Test Questions

The following sample questions are representative of actual test content, difficulty level, and question format. The answer key follows the set of questions.

Directions: Each question or incomplete statement below is followed by four suggested answers or completions. Select the one that is best in each case.

  1. Nursing interventions for the management of nausea include encouraging patients to:
    1. use spicy sauces and gravies.
    2. eat high-protein and high-potassium foods.
    3. consume more frequent meals with small portions.
    4. avoid brushing their teeth when they are nauseated.

  2. Which of the following is prescribed for a patient diagnosed with surgically unresectable renal cell carcinoma that has metastasized to the liver?
    1. Cetuximab
    2. Fluorouracil
    3. Nilotinib
    4. Temsirolimus

  3. Initial treatment of a patient with cancer experiencing early sepsis includes the administration of IV:
    1. vasopressors.
    2. antibiotics.
    3. antifungals.
    4. immunoglobulins.

  4. An example of adaptive or specific immunity is:
    1. a cell-mediated response.
    2. an inflammatory response.
    3. large lymphocyte production.
    4. acute-phase protein production.

  5. A patient with a life expectancy of five months is worried about using the Medicare Hospice Benefit because of increasing financial concerns. The nurse knows that the benefit includes providing:
    1. admission in a clinical trial.
    2. durable medical equipment.
    3. transportation for radiation treatments.
    4. respite care lasting more than seven days.

Answer Key

  1. C

    Rationale: Nausea may be caused by cancer treatment or the disease itself. In addition to appropriate pharmacological management, patients should be taught to eat small, frequent meals to decrease nausea.

    Reference: Yarbro, C.H., Wujcik, D., & Gobel, B.H. (Eds.). (2017). Cancer nursing: Principles and practice (8th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones and Bartlett, p. 961(t).

  2. D

    Rationale: Temsirolimus is used to treat patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma.

    Reference: Olsen, M., LeFebvre, K., & Brassil, K. (Eds.) (2019). Chemotherapy and immunotherapy guidelines and recommendations for practice. Pittsburgh, PA: Oncology Nursing Society, p. 132(t).

  3. B

    Rationale: Broad-spectrum antibiotics should be initiated soon after obtaining blood cultures for a patient with suspected sepsis.

    Eggert, J. (Ed.). (2017). Cancer basics (2nd ed.). Pittsburgh, PA: Oncology Nursing Society, p. 546.

  4. A

    Rationale: An example of adaptive or specific immunity is cell-mediated immunity.

    Walker, S., & Prechtel Dunphy, E. (Eds.). (2018). Guide to cancer immunotherapy. Pittsburgh, PA: Oncology Nursing Society, p. 33.

  5. B

    Rationale: The Medicare Hospice Benefit includes coverage for durable medical equipment necessary for the management of the terminal illness.

    Reference: Newton, S., Hickey, M., & Brant, J. (2017). Mosby’s oncology nursing advisor: A comprehensive guide to clinical practice (2nd ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Mosby, p. 412.