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Am I Ready for the OCN? Free 25-Question Readiness Quiz

Published 2026-10-19 · Facts and text checked 2026-10-16 · Questions from our OCN study guide · Reviewed by Hana N., Quality Reviewer

Wondering if you are ready for the OCN exam? Answer 25 questions from our OCN practice bank, scored on our server, and get a verdict of ready, almost or not yet, plus the topics costing you points. ONCC's real passing standard is a scaled score of 55, not a percentage.

None of these 25 questions appears with its answer on our other OCN pages, so the result reflects what you know. Retake it after a week of focused study and compare.

The official passing standard
FactValue and source
Passing scoreScaled score of 55 (scale 25-75; not a percentage)ONCC: Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) · checked 2026-10-12
Question 1

Question 1 of 25

A patient with advanced cancer says, “I don’t think I can handle any more chemo.” Which nurse response demonstrates empathy rather than sympathy?

Question 2

Question 2 of 25

A patient with end-stage amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has elected to discontinue mechanical ventilation and wishes to donate organs after cardiac death (DCD). Which statement about DCD is true?

Question 3

Question 3 of 25

In a febrile neutropenic patient, when should vancomycin be added to empiric cefepime?

Question 4

Question 4 of 25

During primary appraisal in the stress and coping model, a patient views a cancer diagnosis as an opportunity to grow and make positive lifestyle changes. This perception is best described as:

Question 5

Question 5 of 25

After a patient's death, the bereavement coordinator must prioritize follow-up for families at high risk for complicated grief. Which family should receive the highest priority?

Question 6

Question 6 of 25

What is the most serious complication associated with parenteral nutrition administration?

Question 7

Question 7 of 25

During a crisis assessment, a patient with advanced ovarian cancer reports feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope. Which question is most appropriate to identify the precipitating event?

Question 8

Question 8 of 25

A nurse is caring for a family whose loved one died 2 months ago. The daughter says, 'I thought I was done crying, but yesterday I broke down again. Am I broken?' What is the best response?

Question 9

Question 9 of 25

A patient receiving continuous enteral nutrition via nasogastric tube at 80 mL/hr has a gastric residual volume of 240 mL after 4 hours (cumulative). The residual was 180 mL at the previous check 4 hours ago. What should the nurse do first?

Question 10

Question 10 of 25

At the end of a teaching session about chemotherapy side effects, the nurse wants to confirm the patient's understanding. Which statement best demonstrates summarizing?

Question 11

Question 11 of 25

A widower whose wife died from ovarian cancer 3 months ago expresses that he feels alone and wants to connect with others who understand. Which referral is most appropriate?

Question 12

Question 12 of 25

A 65 kg patient with gastric cancer and a pressure ulcer is started on enteral nutrition. What daily protein intake is most appropriate?

Question 13

Question 13 of 25

During a follow-up visit, a patient with lymphoma says, 'What's the point of all this treatment?' Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?

Question 14

Question 14 of 25

An oncology nurse says to a grieving spouse, 'He is in a better place now.' Which statement best describes why this comment is inappropriate?

Question 15

Question 15 of 25

A malnourished patient with head and neck cancer is to start enteral nutrition. The patient is at high risk for refeeding syndrome. What initial caloric intake is most appropriate?

Question 16

Question 16 of 25

A patient with advanced ovarian cancer tells the nurse, 'I can't decide whether to start this new chemo; I feel stuck. My husband has stopped coming to appointments, and I haven't slept well in weeks.' Which two signs of failing coping are present?

Question 17

Question 17 of 25

A nurse is caring for a family from a culture that values emotional restraint and stoicism. After learning of a terminal diagnosis, the family members remain composed and do not express sadness openly. What is the nurse's best response?

Question 18

Question 18 of 25

A patient with oral cancer requires long-term enteral nutrition due to dysphagia. Upper endoscopy reveals a patent stomach and duodenum. Which device should be placed for feeding access?

Question 19

Question 19 of 25

Which patient situation most clearly warrants an immediate referral to a mental health professional?

Question 20

Question 20 of 25

The nurse is caring for a patient with newly diagnosed glioblastoma. Which of the following is the most appropriate clinical trigger to initiate advance care planning?

Question 21

Question 21 of 25

Which of the following is typically included in a standard parenteral nutrition formulation?

Question 22

Question 22 of 25

During a discussion, the patient says 'I'm just so tired of all this.' The nurse wants to focus the conversation on the patient's specific concerns. Which response is most appropriate?

Question 23

Question 23 of 25

A patient with advanced lung cancer has a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order in the hospital and is being discharged home with hospice. What is the most appropriate action to ensure the DNR order is honored at home?

Question 24

Question 24 of 25

A patient receiving parenteral nutrition should have which of the following monitored daily?

Question 25

Question 25 of 25

A patient with a new diagnosis of cancer cancels two follow-up appointments and does not return phone calls. Which coping behavior is the patient most likely exhibiting?

Answer at least 15 questions to get a verdict.

How the verdict works: 80% or more correct = ready, 65-79% = almost, below 65% = not yet. It is a conservative bar for practice, not the official passing score. The questions are corrected on our server; none of them appears with its answer on our other OCN pages.

Prefer to study first? The 25 free OCN practice questions show every answer and explanation.

Want the full OCN preparation?

These questions come from our OCN study guide: full-length practice tests with every answer explained, flashcards, an AI study tutor and the audiobook.