ONCC Certified Breast Care Nurse Examination Practice Test
Breast care nursing addresses the clinical and supportive needs of people affected by breast cancer, from treatment planning through survivorship or metastatic care. Relevant knowledge includes surgery and reconstruction, systemic therapy, medication safety, symptom assessment, fertility concerns, and communication that helps patients understand their options and participate in care decisions.
Exam overview
About the ONCC Certified Breast Care Nurse Examination Exam
Breast care nurses help patients navigate treatment choices while coordinating education and support across the care team. This work includes reviewing prescription drugs, nonprescription products, and supplements for potential treatment concerns; reinforcing safe use of oral anticancer medicines; and responding to questions about chemotherapy, vaccination, and treatment effects. Nurses also assess physical changes after surgery, such as numbness or brief shooting sensations, and explain when symptoms need further evaluation. Patient-centered care involves clarifying who may receive health updates, supporting informed decisions without directing the patient’s choice, and using clear communication when a patient feels hesitant to ask questions. Care may also address fertility preservation before treatment, reconstruction after mastectomy, and the role of palliative care alongside cancer-directed therapy.
Sample Practice Questions
Review a selection from this exam's published US Practice Tests practice bank.
A patient with breast cancer asks why the oncology team wants to review all prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, and supplements. What is the best explanation?
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Correct answer: AA complete medication reconciliation helps the team assess interactions, overlapping effects, and safety concerns during cancer treatment. Patients should report all products and receive individualized guidance before making changes.
A patient is scheduled for a mastectomy and asks what to expect from immediate breast reconstruction. Which explanation is most accurate?
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Correct answer: ABreast reconstruction can create a breast mound using an implant or the patient’s own tissue, but it does not restore a natural breast or reliably restore normal sensation. Recurrence risk and radiation considerations should be discussed with the surgical and oncology teams.
A patient with breast cancer says, “I don’t understand the treatment plan, but I’m embarrassed to ask the oncologist to explain it again.” What should the nurse do?
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Correct answer: BThe nurse can support understanding by eliciting concerns, helping formulate questions, and facilitating a discussion with the treating team. Patients should have an opportunity to understand proposed care and make informed decisions without pressure.
A patient with breast cancer says, “I may want to have children later. Could treatment affect that?” Which nursing response is best?
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Correct answer: BSome cancer treatments can affect fertility, and certain preservation approaches may need to be considered before treatment starts. Prompt referral allows the patient to discuss individualized options without assuming that treatment should be delayed.
A patient with breast cancer says they are unsure who is allowed to receive updates about their care. What should the nurse do?
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Correct answer: BThe patient’s preferences and applicable privacy requirements guide disclosure of health information. The nurse should clarify whom the patient authorizes and document or follow the organization’s procedures as appropriate.
A patient is overwhelmed while deciding among breast cancer treatment options. Which nursing action best supports informed, patient-centered decision-making?
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Correct answer: AShared decision-making includes eliciting the patient’s values and goals, supporting questions, and helping the patient understand options in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team. The nurse should not impose a personal preference.
A patient taking an oral anticancer medication says, “I sometimes forget doses, so I take two the next day.” Which nursing response is most appropriate?
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Correct answer: BMissed-dose instructions vary by medication, and doubling a dose may be unsafe. The nurse should assess barriers to adherence and help the patient obtain medication-specific guidance from the prescribing team or approved instructions.
How to use this practice test
The free practice bank contains 50 questions, with up to 20 randomly selected for a session. Use each set to apply breast cancer care concepts to patient scenarios, then review the results shown after the session to identify topics that need closer attention.
Preparation tips
- Practice explaining why medication reconciliation should include prescriptions, over-the-counter products, and supplements before cancer treatment.
- Review safe-use teaching for oral anticancer medicines, including what to say when a patient reports missed doses or taking extra doses.
- Compare nursing responses that support informed treatment decisions, fertility discussions, and patient control over who receives care updates.
- Review how to explain immediate reconstruction, post-mastectomy sensory changes, and palliative care without overstating what an individual patient will experience.