Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) Nursing Practice Test

Which procedure is utilized to visually examine the bladder for abnormalities?

1. Ultrasound

2. Cystoscopy

3. Biopsy

4. IVP

The correct answer is: Cystoscopy

The procedure utilized to visually examine the bladder for abnormalities is cystoscopy. This technique involves using a cystoscope, which is a thin, tube-like instrument equipped with a camera and light, that is inserted through the urethra into the bladder. Cystoscopy allows healthcare professionals to directly observe the interior of the bladder and urethra, facilitating the detection of various issues such as tumors, stones, signs of infection, or structural abnormalities. Unlike ultrasound, which uses sound waves to create images of the bladder and surrounding structures without direct visualization, cystoscopy provides a real-time, internal view. Biopsy involves the removal of tissue samples for microscopic examination, but it is not primarily a visual examination technique. An intravenous pyelogram (IVP) is an imaging test that uses X-rays and a contrast dye to visualize the kidneys, ureters, and bladder but does not involve direct visualization of the bladder's interior. Thus, cystoscopy is the definitive procedure for the visual examination of the bladder.