Oncology

Which of the following is a common side effect of radiation therapy?

• Increased appetite

• Improved vision

• Nausea

• Enhanced energy

Answer explanation

Nausea is a common side effect of radiation therapy due to its impact on the digestive system. Increased appetite, improved vision, and enhanced energy are not typical effects associated with this treatment.

What is a common treatment for tumor lysis syndrome to lower uric acid levels?

• Hydration with IV fluids

• Administration of antibiotics

• Use of allopurinol or rasburicase

• Ventilatory support

Answer explanation

Tumor lysis syndrome often leads to elevated uric acid levels. The common treatments include allopurinol, which reduces uric acid production, and rasburicase, which breaks down uric acid, making them the correct choices.

Which condition is characterized by metabolic abnormalities due to the release of intracellular contents after malignant cells are destroyed?

• Sepsis

• Tumor lysis syndrome

• Neutropenia

• Hypercalcemia

Answer explanation

Tumor lysis syndrome occurs when malignant cells are destroyed, releasing intracellular contents into the bloodstream, leading to metabolic abnormalities such as hyperuricemia, hyperkalemia, and hypocalcemia.

What is a key preventive measure for children with neutropenia to avoid sepsis?

• Regular exercise

• High-calcium diet

• Monitoring absolute neutrophil count

• Increased vitamin intake

Answer explanation

Monitoring absolute neutrophil count is crucial for children with neutropenia as it helps track their immune status and detect potential infections early, thereby preventing sepsis.

What is the cause of superior vena cava syndrome?

• Viral infection

• Compression from mediastinal mass

• Bacterial infection

• Allergic reaction

Answer explanation

Superior vena cava syndrome is primarily caused by compression from a mediastinal mass, such as tumors or enlarged lymph nodes, which obstructs blood flow through the superior vena cava.

Which of the following symptoms is associated with superior vena cava syndrome?

• Nausea

• Dyspnea

• Rash

• Fever

Answer explanation

Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, is a common symptom of superior vena cava syndrome due to obstruction of blood flow in the superior vena cava, leading to increased pressure in the veins and respiratory distress.

What can increased intracranial pressure result from?

• Viral infection

• Primary tumor, metastases, or surgical procedures

• Allergic reaction

• Dehydration

Answer explanation

Increased intracranial pressure can result from primary tumors, metastases, or surgical procedures, as these conditions can obstruct cerebrospinal fluid flow or increase brain volume, unlike viral infections, allergic reactions, or dehydration.

Which of the following is a manifestation of increased intracranial pressure?

• Cough

• Vision changes

• Rash

• Fever

Answer explanation

Increased intracranial pressure can lead to vision changes due to pressure on the optic nerve. Cough, rash, and fever are not direct manifestations of increased intracranial pressure.

What is the purpose using intense chemotherapy and radiation (TBI) prior to a hematopoietic stem cell transplantation?

• To increase immune system activity

• To create myelosuppression and suppress the immune system

• To enhance bone marrow production

• To reduce stem cell migration

Answer explanation

The purpose of using intense chemotherapy and radiation (TBI) before hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is to create myelosuppression and suppress the immune system, allowing for better engraftment of the transplanted stem cells.

What type of transplantation uses the child's own stem cells?

• Allogenic transplantation

• Autologous transplantation

• Xenogeneic transplantation

• Syngeneic transplantation

Answer explanation

Autologous transplantation uses the patient's own stem cells, making it the correct choice. In contrast, allogenic uses donor cells, xenogeneic involves different species, and syngeneic uses genetically identical cells.