A pediatric oncology nurse is preparing a school-age child for a bone marrow aspiration procedure. Which approach is most appropriate based on developmental principles?

Allow the child to participate in decision-making when possible

Provide detailed technical explanations of the procedure

Avoid discussing the procedure to reduce anxiety

Ask the parents to explain the procedure to the child

Sickle cell disease primarily results from which abnormality?

Decreased white blood cell production

A child receiving chemotherapy experiences persistent nausea and decreased appetite. Which nutritional intervention is most appropriate?

Encourage large meals three times daily

Which emotional reaction is common among parents following the loss of a child?

Rapid acceptance without distress

CPHON

Free CPHON Practice Questions

10 sample questions for the CPHON, with the correct answer and an explanation for each. No account needed. Try each one before you open the answer.

Sections covered on the exam: Psychosocial Dimensions of Care, Disease-related Biology, Treatment, Supportive Care and Symptom Management, Pediatric Oncologic and Hematologic Emergencies, Health Maintenance and Survivorship, Palliative and End-of-life Care, Professional Performance.

Question 1 · Psychosocial Dimensions of Care
A pediatric oncology nurse is preparing a school-age child for a bone marrow aspiration procedure. Which approach is most appropriate based on developmental principles?
- A.Provide detailed technical explanations of the procedure
- B.Avoid discussing the procedure to reduce anxiety
- C.Allow the child to participate in decision-making when possible
- D.Ask the parents to explain the procedure to the child
Show answer and explanation
Answer: C. Allow the child to participate in decision-making when possible
School-age children value independence and competence. Allowing them to participate in decisions and providing clear explanations supports developmental needs. Avoiding discussion increases anxiety, while overly technical explanations may confuse the child.
Question 2 · Disease-related Biology
Sickle cell disease primarily results from which abnormality?
- A.Defective platelet production
- B.Excess iron absorption
- C.Decreased white blood cell production
- D.Abnormal hemoglobin structure
Show answer and explanation
Answer: D. Abnormal hemoglobin structure
Sickle cell disease is caused by a genetic mutation in hemoglobin that produces abnormal hemoglobin S. This causes red blood cells to become rigid and sickle-shaped.
Question 3 · Supportive Care and Symptom Management
A child receiving chemotherapy experiences persistent nausea and decreased appetite. Which nutritional intervention is most appropriate?
- A.Encourage large meals three times daily
- B.Avoid nutritional support
- C.Restrict fluid intake
- D.Provide small, frequent meals
Show answer and explanation
Answer: D. Provide small, frequent meals
Small, frequent meals are easier to tolerate and help maintain nutritional intake during chemotherapy-induced nausea.
Question 4 · Health Maintenance and Survivorship
A child undergoing intensive chemotherapy has a suppressed immune system. Which type of vaccine should generally be avoided during active treatment?
- A.Inactivated vaccines
- B.Live attenuated vaccines
- C.Toxoid vaccines
- D.Conjugate vaccines
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B. Live attenuated vaccines
Live attenuated vaccines contain weakened organisms that may cause infection in immunocompromised patients. These vaccines are typically avoided during chemotherapy.
Question 5 · Palliative and End-of-life Care
Which emotional reaction is common among parents following the loss of a child?
- A.Complex grief responses
- B.Lack of emotional reaction
- C.Immediate emotional recovery
- D.Rapid acceptance without distress
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A. Complex grief responses
The death of a child often leads to intense grief, including emotional distress, guilt, and prolonged mourning.

Question 6 · Psychosocial Dimensions of Care

Section	Questions
Psychosocial Dimensions of Care	1–12
Disease Related Biology	13–24
Treatment	25–36
Supportive Care and Symptom Management	37–48
Pediatric Oncologic and Hematologic Emergencies	49–60
Health Maintenance and Survivorship	61–72
Palliative and End-of-Life Care	73–84
Professional Performance	85–100

A nurse is preparing an adolescent patient for a chemotherapy treatment plan discussion. Which approach best supports the adolescent’s developmental stage?

A.Provide all information only to the parents
B.Avoid discussing treatment risks
C.Encourage the adolescent to participate in treatment discussions
D.Limit questions from the patient

Show answer and explanation

Answer: C. Encourage the adolescent to participate in treatment discussions

Adolescents value independence and involvement in decisions affecting their health. Encouraging participation supports autonomy and improves adherence to treatment plans.

Question 7 · Disease-related Biology
Which disorder is characterized by abnormal hemoglobin production leading to chronic anemia?
- A.Leukemia
- B.Thalassemia
- C.Hemophilia
- D.Polycythemia
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B. Thalassemia
Thalassemia results from genetic mutations affecting hemoglobin synthesis, leading to chronic anemia and the need for transfusions.
Question 8 · Supportive Care and Symptom Management
Which complication may reduce oral intake in pediatric patients undergoing chemotherapy?
- A.Increased bone growth
- B.Mucositis and nausea
- C.Increased appetite
- D.Enhanced taste sensation
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B. Mucositis and nausea
Chemotherapy commonly causes mucositis, nausea, and vomiting, which can reduce oral intake and increase risk of malnutrition.
Question 9 · Health Maintenance and Survivorship
A child receiving active chemotherapy has severe immunosuppression. Which vaccine type should generally be avoided during this period?
- A.Inactivated vaccines
- B.Live attenuated vaccines
- C.Toxoid vaccines
- D.Subunit vaccines
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B. Live attenuated vaccines
Live attenuated vaccines contain weakened organisms that can replicate. In immunocompromised patients, they may cause infection. Therefore, they are usually avoided during active chemotherapy.
Question 10 · Palliative and End-of-life Care
Which emotional response commonly occurs among parents following the death of a child?
- A.Complex grief reactions
- B.Indifference
- C.Complete emotional detachment
- D.Immediate emotional recovery
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A. Complex grief reactions
Parents often experience intense grief, including sadness, guilt, anger, and prolonged mourning.

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