Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) Nursing Practice Test

What is a common late effect of radiation therapy on skeletal structures?

1. Hyperpigmentation

2. Fibrosis

3. Osteonecrosis

4. Azoospermia

The correct answer is: Osteonecrosis

Osteonecrosis is a recognized late effect of radiation therapy, particularly in areas where high doses of radiation are delivered to bone structures. This condition occurs due to the damage to the blood vessels that supply the bone, leading to decreased blood flow and, consequently, bone tissue death. In oncology patients who have received radiation treatment, especially when targeting tumors located near or within the bony structures, there can be vascular compromise resulting in osteonecrosis. In the context of radiation therapy, the timing of osteonecrosis is significant as it often manifests months or even years after the treatment has been completed, distinguishing it as a late effect. This can affect the patient’s quality of life by leading to pain, inability to use the affected limb, and fractures that might not heal properly. Monitoring for signs and symptoms of osteonecrosis is crucial in patient management post-radiation therapy. While hyperpigmentation refers to the darkening of the skin often seen after radiation exposure, it is generally considered a more immediate effect rather than a late one. Fibrosis, although also a late effect and associated with tissue scarring, is related to soft tissue rather than skeletal structures. Azoospermia, the absence of sperm in the semen, is a possible consequence