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SNLE 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 Saudi Nursing Licensure Exam (SNLE), 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 SNLE oncology & haematology nursing questions
1. When should antiemetics usually be given to a patient receiving highly emetogenic chemotherapy?
- A. Only if the patient requests them
- B. Only on the day after chemotherapy
- C. Before the chemotherapy starts
- D. Only after the patient has vomited twice
Show answer and rationale
Prophylactic antiemetics given before chemotherapy are more effective at preventing nausea and vomiting than treating symptoms after they begin.
Reference: Lewis Medical-Surgical Nursing – cancer chemotherapy
2. Haemophilia A is caused by a deficiency of which clotting factor?
- A. Factor IX
- B. Factor VII
- C. Von Willebrand factor
- D. Factor VIII
Show answer and rationale
Haemophilia A is an X-linked deficiency of factor VIII. Factor IX deficiency causes haemophilia B (Christmas disease).
Reference: Lewis Medical-Surgical Nursing – haemophilia
3. Which non-drug measure can relieve breathlessness in a patient receiving palliative care?
- A. Lying the patient flat
- B. Keeping the room warm with the windows closed
- C. Directing a handheld fan towards the face
- D. Encouraging rapid, shallow breathing
Show answer and rationale
Cool air from a fan directed at the face reduces the sensation of breathlessness. Lying flat, a warm stuffy room and rapid shallow breathing all tend to worsen it.
Reference: Palliative care nursing – dyspnoea
4. A patient received intravenous chemotherapy yesterday. What precaution should the nurse take when emptying the patient's urinal?
- A. Wear gloves and a gown because excreta may contain cytotoxic drugs
- B. Wear a mask only
- C. No special precautions are needed after the infusion finishes
- D. Add bleach to the urine before handling it with bare hands
Show answer and rationale
Many cytotoxic drugs are excreted in body fluids for at least 48 hours after administration, so gloves and a gown are worn when handling urine, stool, vomit and linen.
Reference: ONS/NIOSH guidance – safe handling of hazardous drugs
5. A patient with cancer pain takes modified-release morphine every 12 hours and has immediate-release morphine prescribed as needed. He reports pain of 7/10 four hours after his regular dose. What should the nurse do?
- A. Give the prescribed immediate-release breakthrough dose and reassess
- B. Give the next modified-release dose early
- C. Wait until the next scheduled dose is due
- D. Crush a modified-release tablet so it acts faster
Show answer and rationale
Breakthrough pain is treated with the prescribed immediate-release opioid, followed by reassessment; frequent breakthrough doses should be reported so the regular dose can be reviewed. Crushing modified-release tablets can release a dangerous dose all at once.
Reference: Palliative care nursing – cancer pain management
Study tip
A fever in a neutropenic patient is an emergency. Expect questions about acting on it immediately.
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