Q.1 What is the primary purpose of radiation therapy in cancer treatment?
To remove tumors surgically
To kill or damage cancer cells
To strengthen the immune system
To relieve pain only
Explanation - Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells, either alone or in combination with other treatments.
Correct answer is: To kill or damage cancer cells
Q.2 Which of the following is a common side effect of external beam radiation therapy?
Hair growth in the treated area
Skin redness and irritation
Increased appetite
Improved energy levels
Explanation - External beam radiation often affects the skin over the treated area, causing redness, dryness, or peeling similar to a sunburn.
Correct answer is: Skin redness and irritation
Q.3 Which nursing intervention is important for a patient receiving head and neck radiation therapy?
Encouraging spicy foods
Monitoring for oral mucositis
Promoting sun exposure
Avoiding all fluids
Explanation - Radiation to the head and neck can cause oral mucositis; nurses should assess the mouth and provide oral care to reduce complications.
Correct answer is: Monitoring for oral mucositis
Q.4 How should a nurse instruct a patient to care for skin in the radiation field?
Apply perfumed lotion frequently
Scrub the area gently with a brush
Use mild, unscented soap and avoid friction
Expose the area to sunlight for healing
Explanation - Skin in the radiation field is sensitive. Mild cleansing and avoiding friction help prevent irritation and breakdown.
Correct answer is: Use mild, unscented soap and avoid friction
Q.5 Why is it important for a nurse to assess a patient’s nutritional status during radiation therapy?
Radiation increases appetite dramatically
Patients may develop nausea, taste changes, or difficulty swallowing
Nutrition has no effect on treatment outcomes
Radiation therapy cures malnutrition
Explanation - Radiation can affect the gastrointestinal tract or oral cavity, leading to nutritional challenges that require nursing support.
Correct answer is: Patients may develop nausea, taste changes, or difficulty swallowing
Q.6 Which protective measure should a nurse take when caring for a patient with internal radiation (brachytherapy)?
Maintain close contact at all times
Wear a lead apron and limit time near the patient
Ignore safety protocols if the patient is stable
Allow children to visit freely
Explanation - Brachytherapy involves radioactive implants; nurses must follow radiation safety measures to minimize exposure.
Correct answer is: Wear a lead apron and limit time near the patient
Q.7 What is the role of patient education before starting radiation therapy?
To intimidate the patient
To help the patient understand treatment, side effects, and self-care
To replace informed consent
To reduce the need for nursing support
Explanation - Education empowers patients to participate actively in care, manage side effects, and adhere to treatment plans.
Correct answer is: To help the patient understand treatment, side effects, and self-care
Q.8 Which of the following patients is at higher risk for complications during radiation therapy?
A young adult with no comorbidities
An elderly patient with diabetes
A healthy middle-aged individual
A patient receiving only palliative care
Explanation - Elderly patients with comorbidities like diabetes may have delayed healing and increased susceptibility to radiation side effects.
Correct answer is: An elderly patient with diabetes
Q.9 What should a nurse monitor in a patient receiving radiation therapy to the chest?
Heart rate and respiratory status
Liver enzymes
Renal function only
Skin temperature of lower limbs
Explanation - Radiation to the chest may affect lungs or heart; monitoring cardiopulmonary function is essential to detect complications early.
Correct answer is: Heart rate and respiratory status
Q.10 Which of the following is true about radiation safety for nursing staff?
Time, distance, and shielding are key principles
Staff exposure is not a concern
Gloves alone provide full protection
Safety is only required during internal radiation
Explanation - Radiation safety relies on limiting exposure time, maintaining distance, and using protective barriers such as lead aprons.
Correct answer is: Time, distance, and shielding are key principles
Q.11 During radiation therapy, a patient develops severe diarrhea. What is the nurse’s priority intervention?
Encourage spicy foods to improve digestion
Monitor hydration and electrolyte balance
Ignore it as it is expected
Increase physical activity immediately
Explanation - Radiation affecting the abdomen may cause diarrhea, risking dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, which must be addressed promptly.
Correct answer is: Monitor hydration and electrolyte balance
Q.12 Which type of radiation therapy involves placing radioactive material directly inside or next to the tumor?
External beam radiation
Brachytherapy
Proton therapy
Chemotherapy
Explanation - Brachytherapy delivers high doses of radiation locally by placing radioactive sources inside or near the tumor.
Correct answer is: Brachytherapy
Q.13 Why is it important to schedule radiation therapy sessions consistently?
To ensure radiation exposure varies
To maximize tumor cell damage while minimizing normal tissue injury
To match the patient’s work schedule
To avoid fatigue only
Explanation - Consistent scheduling allows normal cells to recover while targeting cancer cells at their most vulnerable phases.
Correct answer is: To maximize tumor cell damage while minimizing normal tissue injury
Q.14 Which symptom may indicate a serious complication during radiation therapy to the abdomen?
Mild fatigue
Severe abdominal pain or bleeding
Temporary hair loss on scalp
Slight skin redness on chest
Explanation - Serious gastrointestinal side effects, such as pain or bleeding, require immediate assessment and intervention by nursing staff.
Correct answer is: Severe abdominal pain or bleeding
Q.15 What should a nurse advise a patient about exercise during radiation therapy?
Avoid all activity
Engage in mild to moderate activity as tolerated
Perform only high-intensity exercise
Exercise only after treatment completion
Explanation - Light exercise can help maintain strength and reduce fatigue, but activities should be tailored to the patient’s tolerance and energy levels.
Correct answer is: Engage in mild to moderate activity as tolerated
Q.16 Which factor influences a patient’s skin reaction to radiation?
Radiation dose and fractionation
Patient’s hair color
Time of day radiation is delivered
Type of clothing worn
Explanation - Higher doses and shorter intervals between treatments increase the likelihood and severity of skin reactions.
Correct answer is: Radiation dose and fractionation
Q.17 A patient undergoing pelvic radiation complains of urinary urgency and burning. What is the nurse’s appropriate action?
Document and ignore
Assess for urinary tract irritation and report to physician
Advise the patient to drink less water
Increase physical activity immediately
Explanation - Pelvic radiation can irritate the bladder, causing cystitis. Prompt assessment and management are important to prevent complications.
Correct answer is: Assess for urinary tract irritation and report to physician
Q.18 Which laboratory parameter should a nurse monitor for a patient receiving radiation therapy affecting the bone marrow?
Complete blood count (CBC)
Blood glucose only
Electrolytes only
Liver function tests only
Explanation - Radiation can suppress bone marrow, leading to anemia, leukopenia, or thrombocytopenia, which can be monitored via CBC.
Correct answer is: Complete blood count (CBC)
Q.19 Which statement is correct regarding patient privacy during brachytherapy?
Nurses should maintain privacy while observing radiation safety protocols
Privacy is not important due to treatment urgency
Visitors can handle radioactive sources
Patients should be left alone without monitoring
Explanation - Balancing patient privacy with radiation safety ensures ethical care while protecting staff from exposure.
Correct answer is: Nurses should maintain privacy while observing radiation safety protocols
Q.20 Why are hydration and skin care emphasized during radiation therapy?
To improve treatment effectiveness and reduce side effects
To eliminate cancer completely
To allow for higher radiation doses
To prevent hair loss only
Explanation - Hydration supports overall health, and proper skin care reduces irritation, allowing patients to tolerate therapy better.
Correct answer is: To improve treatment effectiveness and reduce side effects
Q.21 Which intervention helps manage fatigue in patients undergoing radiation therapy?
Encourage naps and energy conservation
Discourage any rest during the day
Require high-intensity exercise
Ignore fatigue as inevitable
Explanation - Radiation-induced fatigue is common; energy conservation strategies and rest periods help maintain quality of life.
Correct answer is: Encourage naps and energy conservation
Q.22 Which of the following is essential before a nurse starts external radiation therapy on a patient?
Confirm treatment site and markings
Skip skin assessment
Allow patient to self-position
Avoid discussing side effects
Explanation - Accurate identification of the treatment area is critical to ensure the radiation targets the tumor while sparing healthy tissue.
Correct answer is: Confirm treatment site and markings
Q.23 What should a nurse monitor in a patient receiving combined radiation and chemotherapy?
Increased risk of side effects like mucositis and myelosuppression
Reduced fatigue only
Complete elimination of nausea
Only skin reactions
Explanation - Combined therapy intensifies side effects; nurses must closely monitor for complications affecting multiple systems.
Correct answer is: Increased risk of side effects like mucositis and myelosuppression
Q.24 Which action can a nurse take to reduce infection risk in immunocompromised patients receiving radiation therapy?
Encourage hand hygiene and monitor for fever
Limit hydration
Allow unrestricted visitors
Skip monitoring blood counts
Explanation - Radiation-induced immunosuppression increases infection risk, making strict hygiene and early symptom detection crucial.
Correct answer is: Encourage hand hygiene and monitor for fever
Q.25 Why is communication important during radiation therapy nursing care?
It helps patients report side effects promptly and reduces anxiety
It is not necessary if treatment is technical
It replaces all other nursing interventions
It is only needed for pediatric patients
Explanation - Effective communication ensures timely management of complications and supports emotional well-being.
Correct answer is: It helps patients report side effects promptly and reduces anxiety