ONCOLOGY AND HAEMATOLOGY QUESTIONS

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I developed these questions for assessing the knowledge of diploma pharmacists on their oncology and haematology placement. They could just as easily used for technicians, nurses and doctors whether qualified or still training. I hope you find them useful. Any comments or queries, please email me!

1	Which one of the following descriptions is incorrect?	Metoclopramide - Dopamine Antagonist Cyclizine - Antihistamine Nabilone - Cannabinoid Receptor Agonist Ondansetron - Dopamine Antagonist

2	A patient is prescribed MST 60mg BD. What dose of normal release morphine should be prescribed for breakthrough pain?	10mg 20mg 30mg 40mg

3	The above patient becomes dysphagic. What is the "equivalent" dose of subcutaneous diamorphine for a syringe driver?	60mg 40mg 30mg 20mg

4	All of the following are common adverse effects associated with amphotericin B except?	Nephrotoxicity Hypokalaemia Hypomagnesaemia Hyponatraemia

5	The palliative care physician wants to give diamorphine 50mg and midazolam 60mg via a subcutaneous syringe driver over 24 hours. What advice do you offer?	Make up to 9mL with water for injections Make up to 9mL with sodium chloride 0.9% Make up to 17mL with water for injections This combination is incompatible

6	Which of these statements relating to the management of febrile neutropenia is false?	Neutrophil count is <0.5, Temperature is >38.5°C If renal function is impaired omit gentamicin Take blood cultures before starting antibiotics Do not use Tazocin® for penicillin allergic patients

7	Which of these regimes is unsuitable for the empirical treatment of febrile neutropenia?	Gentamicin and Tazocin® Gentamicin and Ceftazidime Gentamicin and Metronidazole Gentamicin and Primaxin®

8	Which antiemetic combination is generally most appropriate?	Dexamethasone and Cyclizine Dexamethasone and Ondansetron Metoclopramide and Levomepromazine Metoclopramide and Cyclizine

9	ITP is typically characterised by?	Low platelets Low white blood cells Low red blood cells All of the above

10	Which of the following could be used for severe persistent chemotherapy-induced febrile neutropenia?	Flebogamma® Vigam® Lenograstim® NeoRecormon®

11	A patient is started on BEAM before peripheral stem cell transplantation. Which of these drugs should not be started the day before chemotherapy starts.	Allopurinol Predsol® eye drops Ondansetron Co-trimoxazole

12	Which fluorouracil containing regime is not used for treating bowel cancer?	VIF Mayo Modified De Gramont Continuous Infusion

13	How should the extravasation of vincristine be managed?	Apply dimethylsulfoxide to the affected area Apply a hot pack to the affected area Apply a cold pack to the affected area Apply hydrocortisone cream to the affected area

14	To prevent accidental intrathecal administration of vinca alkaloids, which of these processes is least appropriate?	Label syringe "Not for intrathecal administration" Dilute up to 20mL with sodium chloride 0.9% Give IV chemotherapy on a different day Administer intrathecal chemo in a special room

15	Which statement about cyclophosphamide is true?	Metabolised to an alkylating agent Purine Analogue Rarely causes alopecia Only used for treating haematological malignancies

16	Renal function should be closely monitored for?	5-Fluorouracil Ifosfamide Vincristine Epirubicin

17	Cisplatin is not associated with?	Nephrotoxicity Ototoxicity Neurotoxicity Cardiotoxicity

18	Which cytotoxic agent is given orally as well as intravenously?	Mitozantrone Bleomycin Cytarabine Etoposide

19	This is the molecular structure of?	Carboplatin Raltitrexed Methotrexate Melphalan

20	This is the molecular structure of?	Fluorouracil Methotrexate Cytarabine Fludarabine