Palliative Care and End-of-Life Management in COPD Flashcards
7 cards from real COPD practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Palliative Care and End-of-Life Management in COPD flashcards as text
Which validated tool is most commonly used to assess dyspnea severity in COPD patients receiving palliative care?
Answer: Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) Dyspnea Scale
The mMRC Dyspnea Scale is the most widely used validated tool for grading dyspnea severity and guiding palliative interventions in COPD.
According to GOLD guidelines, at which stage of COPD should palliative care discussions ideally be initiated?
Answer: At GOLD Stage III or IV when disease is significantly impacting quality of life
GOLD recommends integrating palliative care discussions early in severe disease (Stage III/IV) rather than waiting until the terminal phase.
Which pharmacological agent is considered first-line for relieving refractory dyspnea in end-stage COPD patients?
Answer: Morphine (low-dose oral or parenteral)
Low-dose systemic opioids, particularly morphine, have the strongest evidence base for palliating refractory dyspnea in end-stage COPD.
An advance directive that specifically documents a patient's wishes regarding mechanical ventilation and resuscitation in COPD is best described as a:
Answer: POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment)
A POLST form translates patient wishes into actionable medical orders, including decisions about ventilation and CPR, making it actionable across care settings.
What is the primary goal of early integration of palliative care alongside standard COPD treatment?
Answer: To improve quality of life and align care with patient goals throughout the disease course
The primary goal of concurrent palliative care is to optimize quality of life, manage symptoms, and ensure care reflects patient values at all stages of disease.
Which factor is MOST predictive of poor prognosis in COPD patients and should trigger palliative care referral?
Answer: FEV1 <30% predicted combined with frequent exacerbations and functional decline
Very low FEV1 combined with frequent exacerbations and declining function is a strong prognostic indicator that warrants proactive palliative care integration.
A COPD educator is supporting a patient who fears 'air hunger' at death. Which intervention is MOST appropriate to address this concern?
Answer: Educate about symptom management options including opioids, anxiolytics, and a comfort-focused plan
Educating the patient about available symptom control options, including opioids and anxiolytics, empowers them and reduces fear of suffering at end of life.