Palliative Care and Pain Management Flashcards
7 cards from real Mesothelioma Support 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 Pain Management flashcards as text
What is 'breakthrough pain' in the context of mesothelioma pain management?
Answer: Sudden episodes of pain that occur despite a regular pain medication schedule
Breakthrough pain refers to transient flares of severe pain that arise even when a patient is on a stable, around-the-clock pain regimen and requires fast-acting medication to manage.
Which scale is most commonly used by healthcare providers to assess pain intensity in mesothelioma patients?
Answer: Numerical Rating Scale (0–10)
The Numerical Rating Scale, where 0 means no pain and 10 means worst imaginable pain, is widely used because it is simple, validated, and enables consistent pain tracking over time.
What is the WHO analgesic ladder's first step for treating mild cancer pain?
Answer: Non-opioid analgesics such as NSAIDs or acetaminophen
The WHO ladder begins with non-opioid analgesics for mild pain, then progresses to weak opioids, then strong opioids as pain intensity increases.
Why might a mesothelioma patient be prescribed a corticosteroid such as dexamethasone as part of palliative care?
Answer: To reduce inflammation, improve appetite, and manage pain and fatigue
Corticosteroids like dexamethasone reduce tumor-related inflammation, stimulate appetite, improve mood, and provide pain relief, making them versatile palliative agents.
What is the primary benefit of using a continuous subcutaneous infusion (syringe driver) for pain medication in advanced mesothelioma?
Answer: It provides steady, around-the-clock pain and symptom control without repeated injections
A syringe driver delivers a consistent dose of medication subcutaneously over 24 hours, preventing peaks and troughs in drug levels and ensuring sustained comfort.
Which symptom, apart from pain, is palliative care in mesothelioma frequently needed to address?
Answer: Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
Dyspnea is one of the most distressing symptoms in mesothelioma due to pleural involvement and fluid, and palliative care actively addresses it through oxygen, medications, and drainage procedures.
What role does an interdisciplinary palliative care team play that distinguishes it from single-provider care?
Answer: They address medical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs collaboratively
An interdisciplinary team—including physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and therapists—addresses the full spectrum of patient and family needs, which single-provider care cannot accomplish alone.