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DHA Oncology & Haematology Nursing Practice Questions
Oncology and haematology questions test chemotherapy safety, neutropenia and bleeding precautions, oncology emergencies and blood disorders common in the Gulf region such as sickle cell disease and thalassaemia. Below are 5 free sample questions for the DHA Registered Nurse exam, each with the answer and a rationale.
What this topic covers
- Chemotherapy handling and extravasation
- Neutropenic and thrombocytopenia precautions
- Oncologic emergencies
- Sickle cell crisis care
- Thalassaemia and iron overload
- Palliative symptom control
The full bank has 59 oncology & haematology nursing questions, part of 1,500 questions across 16 nursing topics.
Free DHA oncology & haematology nursing questions
1. A patient is diagnosed with pernicious anaemia. Which treatment should the nurse expect?
- A. Oral iron tablets for 3 months
- B. Lifelong vitamin B12 injections
- C. Oral folic acid on its own
- D. Regular red cell transfusions
Show answer and rationale
Pernicious anaemia is caused by lack of intrinsic factor, so vitamin B12 cannot be absorbed from the gut and is replaced by injection for life. Folic acid alone can improve the blood count but does not prevent neurological damage.
Reference: Lewis Medical-Surgical Nursing – megaloblastic anaemia
2. A patient with a very low platelet count develops a sudden severe headache and becomes confused. What should the nurse suspect?
- A. A tension headache
- B. Dehydration from poor fluid intake
- C. Expected side effect of fatigue
- D. Intracranial bleeding
Show answer and rationale
Severe thrombocytopenia increases the risk of spontaneous bleeding, including intracranial haemorrhage. A sudden headache with changes in consciousness needs urgent medical review.
Reference: Lewis Medical-Surgical Nursing – thrombocytopenia
3. Which intervention should be avoided for a patient with severe neutropenia?
- A. Monitoring vital signs
- B. Daily bathing
- C. Taking rectal temperatures
- D. Oral care after meals
Show answer and rationale
Rectal thermometers, suppositories and enemas can damage the rectal mucosa and allow bacteria into the bloodstream, so they are avoided in neutropenia.
Reference: Lewis Medical-Surgical Nursing – neutropenia
4. Which instruction should the nurse give a patient starting oral ferrous sulfate?
- A. Take it with orange juice and expect your stools to become dark
- B. Take it with milk to reduce stomach upset
- C. Take it at the same time as an antacid
- D. Stop taking it if your stools turn dark or black
Show answer and rationale
Vitamin C improves iron absorption, and dark stools are an expected, harmless effect of oral iron. Milk and antacids reduce iron absorption.
Reference: Standard nursing pharmacology – oral iron
5. After a chemotherapy infusion is completed, how should the nurse dispose of the empty bag and administration set?
- A. Disconnect the tubing and drain any residual fluid into the sink
- B. Leave the tubing attached to the bag and place both intact in a designated cytotoxic waste container
- C. Place both in the general clinical waste bin together with the gloves used
- D. Cut the tubing into short pieces and place them in a standard sharps bin
Show answer and rationale
Keeping the system closed and intact prevents leakage and aerosol exposure; all cytotoxic-contaminated items go into a designated cytotoxic waste container. Disconnecting, draining or cutting the tubing exposes staff and the environment to the drug.
Reference: Oncology nursing – safe handling of cytotoxic drugs
Study tip
A fever in a neutropenic patient is an emergency. Expect questions about acting on it immediately.
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