Want to test your procedures knowledge before the OCN exam? Below are free sample flashcards from the 50-card procedures section of our 1050-card OCN (Oncology Certified Nurse) deck, which covers FNA, Multiple Myeloma and more.
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A patient with a suspicious breast mass undergoes a core needle biopsy rather than a fine-needle aspiration (FNA). What is the primary clinical advantage of a core needle biopsy in this oncology setting?
Show answer →Core needle biopsies provide intact tissue architecture (histology), whereas FNA only provides individual cells (cytology). Histology is essential for determining tumor grade, invasiveness (ductal carcinoma in situ vs. invasive), and performing immunohistochemistry (IHC) for biomarkers like HER2 and ER/PR. Exam Strategy: The ONCC often tests the why behind procedure selection. Remember: Core = Architecture/Grade; FNA = Presence of malignancy only.
A patient with a 4cm suspicious soft tissue mass on the thigh is scheduled for an incisional biopsy rather than an excisional biopsy. What is the primary clinical indication for choosing the incisional approach in this scenario?
Show answer →Incisional biopsy is indicated for large masses (>3cm) where a total excision (excisional biopsy) might compromise future definitive surgical margins or require complex reconstruction before a diagnosis is confirmed. This is common in suspected sarcomas. Excisional biopsy is reserved for smaller, easily accessible lesions (<2cm). ONCC Exam Tip: Remember that the biopsy path must be oriented so it can be completely removed during the definitive wide-excision surgery to prevent track seeding.
A patient receiving CAR T-cell therapy develops a fever of 38.5°C and hypotension that responds to a single 500mL bolus of normal saline. No supplemental oxygen is required. According to ASTCT grading, what is the stage and the priority nursing intervention?
Show answer →Grade 2 Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS). Grade 2 is defined by hypotension responding to fluids (or low-dose vasopressors) and/or hypoxia requiring low-flow oxygen. Priority intervention: Notify the provider and prepare for Tocilizumab (IL-6 inhibitor) administration. Exam Strategy: ONCC emphasizes distinguishing Grade 1 (fever only) from Grade 2 (hypotension/hypoxia). In 2026 guidelines, early Tocilizumab is preferred to prevent progression to Grade 3/4. Common distractor: Waiting for Grade 3 to give Toci is outdated practice.
A 55-year-old patient with Multiple Myeloma is scheduled for high-dose Melphalan followed by HSCT. Which type of transplant is most likely indicated, and what is the primary goal of this procedure?
Show answer →Autologous HSCT. In Multiple Myeloma, the graft is used as a rescue to restore hematopoiesis after myeloablative chemotherapy (Melphalan). Goal: Extend progression-free survival by allowing lethal doses of chemotherapy to eliminate the malignant clone. Unlike allogeneic HSCT, there is no Graft-versus-Tumor (GVT) effect. Key Exam Tip: Autologous is standard for MM and many lymphomas; Allogeneic is standard for acute leukemias and MDS.
A patient requires chemotherapy for 3 weeks followed by 2 weeks of hydration. Which CVAD is most appropriate according to current standards for this duration?
Show answer →A Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) is typically indicated for therapy lasting from 1 week to several months. Non-tunneled CVCs are for acute care (<14 days). Implanted ports or tunneled catheters are for long-term/chronic use. Exam Tip: ONCC emphasizes Vessel Health and Preservation (VHP) frameworks to guide selection based on therapy length and drug characteristics. Avoid peripheral IVs for therapy >6 days.
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Try 30 free OCN cards firstThe full OCN deck contains 1050 flashcards, and 50 of them focus on procedures. This page shows 5 free samples.
Our OCN deck dedicates 50 of 1050 cards (5%) to procedures — always cross-check the official ONCC exam outline for the current blueprint weighting.
Yes — the samples on this page are free, and the OCN preview page has 30 more free cards. Full access to all 1050 cards is a one-time $7.
Assessment
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Basics
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Diagnostics
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Management
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Pathology
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Pharmacology
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