AOCNP Palliative Care and Symptom Management

Question 1

Which opioid is considered first-line for moderate-to-severe cancer pain according to the WHO analgesic ladder?

Accepted Answer

Morphine

Answer

Morphine remains the WHO-recommended first-line strong opioid for moderate-to-severe cancer pain at Step 3 of the analgesic ladder.

Question 2

A patient on long-acting opioids reports breakthrough pain. The appropriate breakthrough dose is approximately:

Accepted Answer

10–15% of the total daily opioid dose

Answer

Breakthrough doses are typically 10–15% of the total 24-hour opioid dose to provide proportionate rapid-onset analgesia.

Question 3

Which non-pharmacological intervention has the strongest evidence for reducing cancer-related fatigue?

Accepted Answer

Aerobic exercise

Answer

Aerobic exercise is the most evidence-based intervention for cancer-related fatigue, improving both physical and psychological components.

Question 4

Which antiemetic is most appropriate for opioid-induced nausea acting via the chemoreceptor trigger zone?

Accepted Answer

Prochlorperazine

Answer

Prochlorperazine (a dopamine antagonist) acts on the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ), which is the primary mechanism of opioid-induced nausea.

Question 5

A patient with cancer-related dyspnea refractory to oxygen is best treated with:

Accepted Answer

Low-dose opioids

Answer

Low-dose opioids are the most evidence-based pharmacological treatment for refractory dyspnea in cancer patients.

AOCNP - Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner Practice Test