Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) Nursing Practice Test

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the Oncology Certified Nurse Test. Enhance your skills with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each backed by hints and explanations. Get ready for your certification!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


Which type of leukemia predominantly affects the central nervous system (CNS)?

  1. Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

  2. Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia

  3. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

  4. Acute Myeloid Leukemia

The correct answer is: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) is the type of leukemia that predominantly affects the central nervous system (CNS). This subtype is characterized by an overproduction of lymphoblasts, which are immature white blood cells. In ALL, these lymphoblasts can infiltrate the CNS, leading to neurological symptoms and complications such as headaches, seizures, and cranial nerve palsies. The propensity for CNS involvement is especially pronounced in children with ALL, who are at a higher risk for CNS relapse. The presence of leukemic cells in the CNS often necessitates preventative treatment, such as intrathecal chemotherapy, to reduce the risk of central nervous system relapse. Understanding the behavior of ALL in relation to the CNS is essential for effective management and treatment planning for patients with this condition.