Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP) Certification Practice Test

What is the definition of spinal cord compression (SCC)?

1. A benign growth affecting nerve conduction

2. A process causing disruption in neurological function due to tumor pressure

3. A temporary condition that reverses quickly

4. A surgical complication caused by treatment

The correct answer is: A process causing disruption in neurological function due to tumor pressure

Spinal cord compression (SCC) is defined as a process that causes disruption in neurological function due to the pressure exerted by a tumor or other mass. This pressure can arise from various types of malignancies, particularly those that metastasize to the spine, or from local tumor growth. It can lead to severe neurological deficits, including motor weakness, sensory changes, and bowel or bladder dysfunction, depending on the level and severity of the compression. In this context, the focus is on how the presence of a tumor can physically compress the spinal cord, leading to a range of neurological symptoms resulting from interrupted signal transmission. Early recognition and intervention are critical to prevent permanent damage and maintain functional abilities in affected individuals. The other options do not accurately represent the nature of SCC; one option mischaracterizes it as benign, while another describes it as temporary, which is misleading in the context of cancer-related compression. The definition provided encompasses both the causative aspect and the clinical impact of SCC effectively.