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DOH 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 DOH 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 DOH oncology & haematology nursing questions
1. Which group of symptoms is known as 'B symptoms' in lymphoma?
- A. Bone pain, bruising and bleeding gums
- B. Breathlessness, bradycardia and blurred vision
- C. Fever, drenching night sweats and unexplained weight loss
- D. Back pain, bladder dysfunction and bowel dysfunction
Show answer and rationale
B symptoms are unexplained fever, drenching night sweats and unexplained weight loss of more than 10% of body weight; they affect staging and prognosis.
Reference: Lewis Medical-Surgical Nursing – lymphoma
2. A patient with haemophilia A reports sudden pain and swelling in the right knee after a minor knock. Which action is most appropriate?
- A. Encourage active range-of-motion exercises to prevent stiffness
- B. Give factor VIII concentrate as prescribed and rest, ice and elevate the joint
- C. Apply warm compresses and give aspirin for the pain
- D. Give an intramuscular injection of analgesia
Show answer and rationale
A haemarthrosis is treated promptly with factor replacement plus rest, ice and elevation to limit bleeding. Exercise during a bleed, aspirin, heat and IM injections all increase bleeding.
Reference: Lewis Medical-Surgical Nursing – haemophilia
3. A patient with beta-thalassaemia major receives regular red cell transfusions. Why is iron chelation therapy prescribed?
- A. To remove excess iron that builds up from repeated transfusions
- B. To replace iron lost through chronic bleeding
- C. To prevent febrile transfusion reactions
- D. To increase production of fetal haemoglobin
Show answer and rationale
Each unit of red cells adds iron that the body cannot excrete, so iron accumulates in the heart, liver and endocrine organs. Chelating agents bind the excess iron so it can be excreted.
Reference: Haematology nursing – thalassaemia and iron overload
4. During a peripheral infusion of a vesicant chemotherapy drug, the patient reports burning at the cannula site and the nurse sees swelling. What is the first action?
- A. Increase the infusion rate to finish quickly
- B. Stop the infusion immediately
- C. Apply a tourniquet above the site
- D. Flush the cannula forcefully with saline
Show answer and rationale
Suspected extravasation requires the infusion to be stopped at once to limit tissue damage; the nurse then follows the extravasation protocol and notifies the prescriber. Flushing or continuing pushes more drug into the tissues.
Reference: ONS guidance – extravasation management
5. A patient with small cell lung cancer develops confusion and a serum sodium of 122 mmol/L with concentrated urine. Which condition is most likely?
- A. Superior vena cava syndrome
- B. Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH)
- C. Diabetes insipidus
- D. Hypercalcaemia of malignancy
Show answer and rationale
Small cell lung cancer can secrete ADH, causing water retention, dilutional hyponatraemia (normal sodium 135–145 mmol/L) and concentrated urine. Diabetes insipidus causes dilute urine and high sodium.
Reference: Lewis Medical-Surgical Nursing – oncological emergencies
Study tip
A fever in a neutropenic patient is an emergency. Expect questions about acting on it immediately.
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